Historic Continental DAR House Hosted New Fair Exhibit

The 90-year-old Dallas landmark is showcasing history during the 2026 State Fair of Texas.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Historical

Historic Continental DAR House Hosted New Fair Exhibit

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The Jane Douglas Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is hosting a new exhibit at the Continental DAR House during the 2026 State Fair of Texas. The house, located in Fair Park near Marine Corps Square, remains open to the public daily throughout the event.

Why it matters

The organization maintains the building to preserve a significant piece of Texas history. By opening the space to fairgoers, the group continues its long-standing mission to protect the 90-year-old structure.

The Continental DAR House is 90 years old and houses the Elizabeth Wright Library, which contains more than 2,000 genealogical reference books and periodicals. Admission to the facility is free, and the house operates daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the fair.

The players

Jane Douglas Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution

This local organization has managed and maintained the Continental DAR House since 1937.

Continental Oil Company

The company originally built the house in 1936 to serve as a structure for the Texas Centennial.

The details

Built by the Continental Oil Company in 1936 for the Texas Centennial, the house has been maintained by the Jane Douglas Chapter since 1937. Visitors can support preservation efforts by purchasing crafts sold by members on-site.

1936 marked the original construction of the house by the Continental Oil Company.
The Jane Douglas Chapter assumed maintenance of the property in 1937.
The building received a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark designation in 2016.
The new exhibition is currently being hosted during the 2026 State Fair of Texas.
Daily visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the duration of the fair.

Culture Shift

The preservation of the Continental DAR House mirrors a broader trend of maintaining 1930s-era structures to anchor cultural identity within rapidly modernizing urban landscapes. This movement contrasts with the frequent demolition of mid-century sites, emphasizing the historical weight of public landmarks.

Fairgoers can visit the house for free to explore thousands of genealogical records and view the new exhibition during their fair visit. Purchases of crafts sold by the Jane Douglas Chapter directly support the ongoing preservation of the building.

The takeaway

Preserving historic architecture requires consistent community involvement and funding. Visitors interested in history can support these efforts by participating in the annual craft sales held at the site.