The Dallas Historical Society announced it has received a $7 million gift from the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation, the largest single donation in DHS’ history.
The foundation said the gift will fund cutting-edge, technology-based exhibits throughout the Hall of State at Fair Park, ensuring that the stories of Dallas and Texas are presented in dynamic, interactive formats that engage visitors of all ages. That includes the museum’s newest permanent exhibit, the interactive Texas Liberty Forever: The Battle of the Alamo diorama by Thomas Feely.
DHS Executive Director Karl Chiao in front of the interactive Alamo diorama at Fair Park’s Hall of State. [Photo: Danny Campbell]
“The gift from the Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation will be transformative, not only for the Dallas Historical Society, but also for the exhibits that we will bring to the Hall of State,” Executive Director Karl Chiao said in a statement. “We will be able to harness the newest technologies as we create exhibits that will not only engage the next generation, but also make it fun and educational.”
The foundation said that the envisioned exhibits will provide new avenues for learning about the histories of:
- The Juneteenth Experience, including viewing the only surviving copy of the Juneteenth document
- The State Fair of Texas
- Prominent and Impactful Women in Texas
- Dallas founders
- Civil rights in Texas
“We will build five different exhibits using the latest technology that will permanently rotate in the Hall of Heroes. We will also build additional ‘permanent’ exhibits using new technology in the Great Hall as well. This will make the Hall of State much more of a museum than before. People will be able to spend more time experiencing the exhibits which will encourage more schools to bring students to our location, especially schools visiting for field trips,” Chiao said.
DHS Executive Director Karl Chiao, left, with DHS Marketing and Development Director Ashlee Brill Weidner and David Calhoun, executive director of the Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation. [Photo: Rob Wythe]
The foundation supports science, education, arts, and human services nonprofits
The Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation said it supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to science, education, the arts, and human services. The foundation’s namesake, the late Harry W. Bass Jr., ran an oil company, developed ski resorts in Colorado, and amassed one of the world’s greatest coin collections.
Though today it is one foundation, the organization represents the merger of two independent entities.
The first, the Harry Bass Foundation, was established in 1945 by petroleum entrepreneur Harry W. Bass, Sr. to support Dallas-area charitable organizations. The second, the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation, was founded in 1991 as an extension of Bass, Jr.’s passion for numismatics, the study of money.
The two were merged in 2002 into a single foundation under the common goal of enriching the lives of Texans by funding strategic initiatives.
Dallas History Makers Awards Luncheon on Nov. 21
Kelly and Charles Lipscomb, chairs of the Nov. 21 Dallas History Makers Awards for Excellence luncheon.
[Photo: DHS]
Chiao also offered updates about the upcoming Nov. 21 Dallas History Makers Awards for Excellence luncheon.
The Dallas History Makers Awards for Excellence luncheon chairs are Kelly and Charles Lipscomb and Barbara and Roy Washburn, and honorary chairs are Diane and Stuart Bumpas. Additionally, a new awards category will be introduced at this year’s luncheon: Dallas Historical Society’s Benefactor of the Year.
The luncheon is scheduled for Nov. 21 at the Fairmont Hotel’s International Ballroom. The event will feature inspiring videos honoring the award recipients sharing their often-untold stories and highlighting their contributions to Dallas, along with awards presentations.
Barbara and Roy Washburn, chairs of the Nov. 21 Dallas History Makers Awards for Excellence luncheon.
[Photo: DHS]
The awards were established on behalf of the trustees of the Dallas Historical Society in 1981. The recipients are chosen for their contribution to the quality of life in Dallas in multiple categories, including Arts Leadership, Creative Arts, Education, History, Humanities, Philanthropy, Sports Leadership, and Volunteer Community Leadership.
Award honorees
The awards recipients are:
Dallas Historical Society Benefactor of the Year: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation –
Committed to the Dallas Historical Society and its work in education and preservation of history, specifically Texas history.
Arts Leadership – Richard McKay
Honored for creating an innovative arts organization that has resulted in hundreds of jobs for musicians and other performing artists.
Creative Arts – David Lozano
Honored for his writing, directing, and producing original bilingual plays for the Latinx community in North Texas.
Education – Dr. Remy Washington
Honored for her commitment to empowering urban students and families in North Texas through innovative curriculum, personalized support, and strategic partnerships.
Health/Science – Christopher Durovich
Honored for his tireless dedication to the health and welfare of the children of Dallas and beyond by his leadership of Children’s Health.
History – Remembering Black Dallas
Honored for their diligence in the preservation of African American history, artifacts, and culture of Dallas.
Humanities – Katherine Power
Honored for her devotion to the preservation and maintenance of the Frankford Church, cemetery, and surrounding area of the Blackland Prairie.
Philanthropy – Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy
Honored for creating, nurturing and protecting Downtown Dallas neighborhood parks for all Dallas citizens to enjoy.
Sports – Rolando Blackman
Honored for his dedication to the advancement of Dallas’s underprivileged youth via the Assist Youth Foundation.
Volunteer Community Leadership – New Friends New Life
Honored for providing case management, counseling, economic empowerment, and educational support for victims of trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women, and their children.
Jubilee History Maker – Sam Coats
Honored for his decade’s long commitment to the City of Dallas through his volunteer efforts with City Boards and Commissions, nonprofits, and civic organizations.
For more information about the awards luncheon, go here.
Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.
Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.
R E A D N E X T
-
North Texas has plenty to see, hear, and watch. Here are our editors' picks. Plus, you'll find more selections to "save the date."
-
The Dallas Public Library's J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas—one of America's largest—was built in 1982 across from Dallas City Hall, and many agree it could use an overhaul. That especially includes library officials and consultants they brought in for a report on the building's future, among other needed investments in the city's library system.
-
Dallas Innovates, the Dallas Regional Chamber, and Dallas AI are teaming up to launch the new AI 75 program at Capital Factory's Future of AI Salon today. The first-ever list will recognize Dallas-Fort Worth innovators in artificial intelligence. Nominations are open through March 20.
-
The newly established Texas Capital Foundation is following the first round of grant awards by opening again for new submissions this November.
-
Dallas Innovates, the Dallas Regional Chamber, and Dallas AI have teamed up to launch the inaugural AI 75 list. The 2024 program honors the most significant people in AI in DFW in seven categories—the visionaries, creators, and influencers you need to know.
