The Welcome Center at Brown House in Wylie is participating in the Collin County Museum Patch Quest (in honor of America’s 250th birthday.) Allison LaBrot/Murphy Monitor

Museums throughout Collin County are offering a unique way to celebrate America 250. The Collin County Museum Patch Quest features activities at nine participating locations through August or while supplies last. Each museum has a different limited-edition patch showcasing its identity and the America 250 theme. 

Participating museums include the Welcome Center at Brown House in Wylie. Brown House visitors can tour the home and complete at least one activity to earn a patch embroidered with the home’s iconic turret and an American flag. Trying a handicraft, using the interactive Declaration of Independence and watching a Schoolhouse Rock video are among the activity choices.  

“Our tour guides will be happy to show the young and the young-at-heart how to earn a patch,” Tracy Lawson, Brown House curator, said.

Patch-seekers at the Farmersville Heritage Museum will make their way through a Farmersville history scavenger hunt. All answers will be found in the museum. Successful visitors will leave with a patch and knowledge of the people, places and stories that made Farmersville the community it is today. 

The patch features the museum and its outdoor Blackland Prairie Landscape exhibit. 

“For the Farmersville Heritage Museum, participating in the America 250 Museum Patch Quest is about more than collecting keepsakes,” Misty Wiebold, museum chair, said. “It is an opportunity to connect people of all ages with the local stories that help tell America’s story.”

The Interurban Railway Museum, operated by the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, will also participate in the countywide quest. The exhibits and interactive elements convey the history of the Texas Electric Railway. 

“To earn a limited-edition sticker at our location, participants only need to ask one of our friendly tour guides,” Executive Director Kim Hils said. “We also offer a scavenger hunt within the Interurban Railway Museum for a chance to receive another free takeaway.”

Additionally, the Allen Heritage Museum, the Military Heritage Collection of North Texas in Nevada and four locations in McKinney are participating in the America 250 Museum Patch Quest. For a full list, visit the Welcome Center at Brown House Facebook page. 

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