In 2020, the City completed a comprehensive Historic Structures Report (HSR) for the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum and property. An HSR provides detailed documentary, graphic, and physical information about a structure and property's history and current condition, helping to prioritize restoration efforts to prolong its longevity and utility. This in-depth analysis encompassed a history report, architectural report, inspections report, accessibility report, and structural report. Through this study, more than 100 aspects of the property were identified for inspection.

At the July 2, 2024 Council meeting, the Parks and Recreation department was authorized to allocate over $500,000 for the restoration of the property. This project will exclude the barn as this was a voter approved item in the 2018 bond election and will be addressed at a later date. The current project’s restoration will include a new roof, significant electrical upgrades, and complete exterior restoration of the siding, porch, and awning. Additional ADA accesses will be provided, and a mechanical lift will be installed at the back of the house. Interior restoration efforts will include wallpaper, flooring, carpentry, and window restoration. The homestead has not undergone such a detailed or comprehensive restoration since the City acquired it in 1975.

The restoration is expected to be completed in October, just in time for us to welcome the public to the newly restored property during the Fall Perry Pumpkin Patch event on October 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Self-guided or guided tours are available during the Museum's operating hours Tuesday - Thursday, and Saturday 11a-1p or by appointment. 

Registration for A.W. Perry Homestead Museum tours

The A.W. Perry Homestead Museum provides trunks to local schools as a FREE service. Each trunk contains hands-on artifacts for students to examine and an activity guide for teaches. All activities are TEKS-aligned according to state-mandated curriculum guidelines.

History Mystery Trunks are for 3rd through 5th grade students. They will uncover the past using artifacts, learn the basic principles of material culture, and observe and analyze objects in the trunk in order to discover their uses.

School Days Trunks are for 1st through 3rd grade students. Students will compare and contrast how education has changed over the past 150 years, try on pioneer clothing, and even imagine what it will be like to go to school in the future.

Registration for Traveling Trunks Reservations

Professional photographers are welcome to use the grounds of the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum and Pearl Perry Park as a backdrop for their business. The Perry Homestead often schedules tours, programs and site rentals outside of its regular posted hours. Professional photographers should check the Perry Homestead’s schedule before booking their photo shoots to avoid potential conflicts.

Photography Guidelines

The Museum has volunteer opportunities available all year. We are always in need of volunteer tour guides/docents for our scheduled school, group tours, and special events. Research and other opportunities are also available. Call 972-466-6380 for more information, or email parksadmin@cityofcarrollton.com for more information.

The Siebler Historic Preservation and Restoration team, presents this Historic Structure Report for the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum.

The continued preservation and interpretation of the Perry Homestead presents a meaningful opportunity to maintain a significant piece of local architectural heritage and to be an important focal point for the community. 

The information and recommendations in this report are based on physical examination of the structures, and a review of the available archival material and photographs that were graciously supplied by the museum. Each report was individually produced by a member of the team who specializes in that area of knowledge. 

Click here to read the full report and learn more about the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum, including its history, structure, and a collection of photographs of the property.