About Us

Mission

The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc., a Texas corporation 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is an organization dedicated to promoting civic pride in the past, to increasing preservation awareness through education and public outreach, and to providing financial assistance to protect and preserve our heritage resources for this and future generations.

Formation

The formation of the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc. in 2001 resulted from efforts of former Heritage Commission members and like-minded citizens who recognized the need for a local non-profit that would advocate for preservation concerns in the community. Under the guidelines of a not-for-profit corporation, members would be empowered to seek funds for preservation projects, promote awareness of preservation education, and protect and preserve Plano's heritage resources for future generations.

This vision was embraced by City Council. Through their efforts a year-long contractual agreement was structured allowing for the Conservancy to operate the Interurban Railway Museum in exchange for office space. In the course of the first year’s business the Conservancy established enough credibility to become eligible for funding under the hotel/motel tax provisions. During the initial startup, many civic partnerships were established including those with Plano Independent School District, City of Plano Parks and Recreation Department, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and various corporate and local businesses.

The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation manages the Interurban Railway Museum in a partnership with the City of Plano.

Onward and Upward

While daily seeking new ideas and avenues to enhance the Interurban Railway Museum, the Conservancy has been successful in offering educational programming to all ages, sponsoring National Preservation Week activities, undertaking an ongoing oral history program, and providing scholarships to college students pursuing degrees in historic preservation.

Founders

Maggie Sprague & Russell Kissick

Maggie Sprague retired from the Plano Conservancy in 2014. She was co-director of the Interurban Railway Museum and Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation.

Russell C. Kissick passed away on June 22, 2017. He was co-director of the Interurban Railway Museum and Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation for 16 years, and became a prominent member of the community in the 35 years he lived in Plano.

Sid Wall

Sid Wall, a retired Architect, served for may years as the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation's Board President. In the 1990's Sid served with Russ and Maggie on the Plano Heritage Commission. It was Sid, Maggie and Russ's vision to start a historic preservation non-profit in Plano.