Allen Heritage Guild

The Allen Heritage Guild is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving Allen’s history. Established in 1996 as a project of Leadership Allen Class VII, the organization works to build community spirit through service and projects that create a distinctively positive image of Allen while preserving the city’s heritage for future generations.

The Guild records Allen’s past, recent, and current milestones and maintains historic sites, exhibits, and educational resources that help visitors discover the people, places, and events that shaped the community.

Allen Heritage Village

Allen Heritage Village is located on several acres in Allen’s historic residential area on St. Mary Drive. The Village features several of Allen’s oldest remaining homes, outbuildings, and churches that have been relocated and restored. Visitors can explore interpretive exhibits and learn about Allen’s history in a historic park setting. Open Houses are held regularly, and the churches are available for weddings and other special events.

Allen Depot

Allen Depot serves as a repository of historic materials associated with the development of Allen. Visitors can access printed research materials, permanent exhibits, photo collages, DVD programs, and rotating exhibits covering topics of local interest. The museum is open on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Admission is free, and group tours are available by appointment.

Old Stone Dam

The construction of the Houston & Texas Central Railway through Allen to Houston in the mid-1870s played a major role in the community’s development. The railroad accelerated growth by making it easier to transport people and agricultural products. Steam locomotives required water supplies at regular intervals, leading to the construction of a water station and stone dam that became an important part of Allen’s early railroad history.

The Allen Depot Building

Historical records from the Houston & Texas Central Railroad, including a 1919 report by the Interstate Commerce Commission Bureau of Valuation, provided clues about the construction of Allen’s original depot. The original depot was built on this site and was painted dark yellow before being destroyed by fire in the late 1940s. The old cistern on the south side of the building is the only remaining structure from the original depot site.

The replica depot was developed through a cooperative effort involving Leadership Allen Class X, Allen Parks and Recreation, the Allen Heritage Guild, and the Chamber of Commerce, with funding from the Community Development Corporation. Construction took place during 2002 and 2003, followed by a Grand Opening on May 8, 2003.

The Allen Heritage Guild maintains the Depot as a repository of historic materials and a museum featuring exhibits and events that showcase the history and development of Allen.

Historic Sites and Services

• Allen Heritage Village
• Allen Christian Church
• St. Mary Church
• Bolin House
• Wetsel House
• Lynge House
• Farm House
• Barn
• Pavilion
• Historic Home Tours
• Open Houses
• Group Tours
• Wedding Venue Rentals
• Special Event Rentals