Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in March issue of Eagle Nation Times.

The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular attraction for children, tourists and local nature-lovers alike, filled with exhibits of millions-of-years-old fossils, plants, and gorgeous nature walks. The natural science museum, which doubles as a wildlife sanctuary, awakens a love for nature and natural science in many visitors, which was the original goal of Bessie Heard (1886-1988,) founder of the Heard museum. A social activist as well as a natural science enthusiast, Heard’s philanthropic work still impacts Collin County and North Texas today.

In the late 60s, 80-year-old Heard, affectionately referred to as “Miss Bess” by the community, saw the need to preserve a place where future generations could visit to experience nature. The museum opened October 1, 1967 and now serves more than 100,000 visitors annually.

According to the Heard Museum’s website, the museum’s mission is “threefold: education, conservation and preservation. Through education, particularly for young people, the Heard emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.” The museum contains exhibits of natural history, seashells, fossils, archaeology, rocks and minerals and live native animals. The 289-acre wildlife sanctuary is home to more than 240 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, as well as almost 150 species of wildflowers. A 50-acre wetlands area features an outdoor learning center with an observation deck, floating study laboratory and boardwalk.

Tracey George, Prosper resident and mother of two, as well as a regular visitor to the Heard Museum, said she enjoys visits to the museum with her younger daughter.

“The Heard Museum is such a special place for local families,” George said. “As strong advocates for native plants and prairie restoration, as well as a sanctuary for birds and wildlife, they offer something for all ages- from a science preschool and natural history museum to wetland trails, kayaking and zip line days. We are members there and my 4-year-old is always discovering something new.”

The life of Bessie “Miss Bess” Heard

Heard broke several stereotypes for women in Texas during the turn of the 20th century. She was the first woman to straddle a horse in McKinney, rather than riding side-saddle, as was the tradition for women at the time. Heard was also the first woman to ride a bicycle in town, to the shock of her grandmother, who described her as “most undignified for a young girl.” In 1916, Heard became a student of the Parson’s School of Design in New York City where she participated in the newly-emerging interior design field. Upon returning home to Texas, she accepted a position at Hallaby’s Galleries, later a part of Neiman Marcus, as one of the first female interior decorators at the time.

Heard lived a nontraditional life, never marrying and instead devoting her life to philanthropic work. She helped establish the McKinney chapter of the American Red Cross, and funded several scholarships and academic grants for individuals in McKinney.

Heard was raised to appreciate nature from a young age. Her mother owned two greenhouses, and was an enthusiastic gardener. Inspired by Heard’s great love of trees, her first civic activity was a tree-planting beautification project for the city. Many of the hackberry trees are still growing along the streets of downtown McKinney today.

The origins of the Heard Museum

As an avid collector of seashells, butterflies and original nature prints by Audubon and Redoute, two artists who created illustrative prints to raise awareness for wildlife conservation efforts, Heard’s extensive collection of natural science artifacts soon grew too large for her home.

Combined with this problem, Heard began to worry that with the urbanization of Collin County in the 60s, the appreciation of nature would soon be lost to the younger generations. To create a home for her collection, as well as a museum for natural science, the Bessie Heard Foundation in 1964 was created, followed by museum construction in 1966 and culminating with the opening of the Heard Museum in 1967.

Heard’s impact

Heard died March 22, 1988, just two months shy of her 102nd birthday, outliving her two sisters and only niece and nephew to whom the museum is dedicated. Due to Heard’s work, the natural science museum provides intensive and creative hands-on learning about the natural sciences, and the museum continues to educate and excite young visitors.

Liz Roland, a Prosper resident originally from Paraguay, also had positive things to say about the museum.

“The Heard Museum is a great place to get connected with the nature,” Roland said. “They have amazing trails, animals, dinosaurs, fossils, lakes and ponds. It offered lots of hands-on interactive activities to keep the kids interested.”

Educator and Kansas native Tami Lawson said her children enjoy the activities available at the Heard Museum.

“We like going to the Heard Museum and getting immersed in nature,” Lawson said. “Walks on the trails are so peaceful and beautiful, and it’s always amazing to see the wildlife in their natural environment. Inside is full of engaging activities, from looking at the snakes to playing in the dinosaur dig. My kids have a great time, every time.”