Our Mission
The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation Inc. manages the Interurban Railway Museum in a partnership with the City of Plano.
The Plano Conservancy's Mission
The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc., a Texas corporation 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is an organization dedicated to promoting civic pride in the past, to increasing preservation awareness through education and public outreach, and to providing financial assistance to protect and preserve our heritage resources for this and future generations.
The Interurban Railway Museum's Educational Mission
We are dedicated to teaching and exchanging ideas about the history of the Texas Electric Railway and Plano, Texas in ways that are factual, fun, and engaging to our audiences. We aim to instill a love of learning history and a feeling of community for all visitors.
Our Story
The formation of the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc. in 2001 resulted from efforts of former Plano Heritage Commission members and like-minded citizens who recognized the need for a local non-profit that would advocate for preservation concerns in the community. Under the guidelines of a not-for-profit corporation, members would be empowered to seek funds for preservation projects, promote awareness of preservation education, and protect and preserve Plano's heritage resources for future generations.
This vision was embraced by Plano City Council. Through their efforts a year-long contractual agreement was structured allowing for the Conservancy to operate the Interurban Railway Museum in exchange for office space. In the course of the first year’s business the Conservancy established enough credibility to become eligible for funding under the hotel/motel tax provisions. During the initial startup, many civic partnerships were established including those with Plano Independent School District, City of Plano Parks and Recreation Department, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and various corporate and local businesses.
