Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary

Bringing nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore and preserve our priceless environment.

Description:
 Educational programs, particularly for young people, emphasizing appreciation of nature and conservation through day, week and semester long science classes for public, private and home schooled children; summer day camps; field trips and group events; and specially designed lab programs.

 Preservation of a portion of North Texas land with its native vegetation and wildlife, in as near natural a condition as possible; with research and study opportunities.

 Museum exhibits and collections centered on the Living Lab, including examples of natural history, nature-related art work, and memorabilia of founder.

History:
The Heard Natural Science Museum is the result of one woman's vision for the future and her commitment to the community. Miss Bess Heard was a renaissance woman who devoted most of her lifetime (1886-1988) to the city of McKinney and its people.

Her greatest contribution is The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Miss Heard was 80 years old when she saw the need for a place where future generations could come to experience nature. As Collin County began to grow, she saw the natural areas quickly being developed and wanted to ensure that children would always have a place to see the wonder of nature first hand. At a time of life when most people are firmly ensconced in retirement, Miss Heard began her greatest accomplishment, the planning and realization of a long time dream: The Heard Natural Science Museum.

The museum opened on October 1, 1967 and now serves over 60,000 visitors annually making it the most highly attended museum in Collin County. Miss Bess, as she was lovingly referred to by those who knew her well, lived to see the great success of her dream. She continued to be a part of the Museum activities until her death at the age of 101 in 1988.

Contact people:

Beverly Halperin, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Schelly Corry, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email) Marissa Rocha, Customer Experience Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: 972/548-9119

Address:

One Nature Place McKinney, TX 75069 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.heardmuseum.org

Directions:

Exit I-75N east onto Hwy 5 and 121. Continue on Hwy 5 toward McKinney 2 miles, bear right onto Hwy 5 South. Continue 1-2 miles to FM 1378 (look for Heard sign), turn left onto FM 1378, go 2 miles. . . (more)

Last updated on June 2, 2009