You Are Invited!

Join Us to Celebrate

Collin McKinney Day

for his 260th Birthday!

Signer of the
Texas Declaration of Independence
and the
Texas Constitution

Saturday, April 18, 2026

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Program Begins at 9 a.m.
at the Anna Community Library

Honor one of Texas’ founding fathers with a day of fun and history across Anna, Van Alstyne, and McKinney. Enjoy historical tours and family-friendly events that bring Collin McKinney’s story to life.

Presented by the Anna Area Historical Preservation Society, the Van Alstyne Historical Society, the Collin County History Museum, the Washington-on-the-Brazos Historical Foundation, and the Collin McKinney Gateway.

• Hear expert speakers on Texas history at the Anna Community Library
• Enjoy lunch in historic downtown Anna at 3 Nations Brewing Co. (self pay $12 drink and meal)
• Family fun at Anna’s Sherley Heritage Park — Anna Train Depot & Museum, playground, & Collin McKinney statue
• Visit the historic First Christian Church in Van Alstyne where McKinney was a founder
• Tour the Van Alstyne Historical Museum and see McKinney artifacts
• See the Collin McKinney exhibit at the Collin County History Museum in downtown McKinney
• Have a unique dining experience in downtown Van Alstyne at Dowling Distilling. Hear Eric Nishimoto, author of Texas Maker: the heretofore unknown legend of Collin McKinney. Also appearing are period reenactors Oscar Riddle, The Bushwacker Bill Wilson, & the Plano InterUrban Railway Museum “Motermen.” Lots of fun & not to miss!
• Meetup of pioneer families at the Wyndham Garden Anna

We Hope to See You There!

• 9:00-11:00. Program.  11:00-12:00. McKinney Family discussion. Anna Community Library:  111 W. 5th St., Anna, TX.  Entrance around the corner on Riggins St.  Free.
• 10:00-2:00.  Collin McKinney statue and Anna Depot & Museum, Sherley Heritage Park:  101 S. Sherley Rd., Anna. Activities for children and families.  Free.
• 12:00-2:00.  3 Nations Brewing Co.:  101 S. Powell Pkwy, Anna. Self Pay. Catered $12 per person.
• 1:00-2:30. Guided tour of McKinney graves by historian Dusty Williams at Van Alstyne Cemetery. Look for the Texas flag!
• 2:00-3:00.  First Christian Church: 274 S. Waco St., Van Alstyne.  Free.
• 2:30-4:30. Van Alstyne Historical Museum:  130 N. Waco St., Van Alstyne. Free.
• 5:00-11:00.  Dowling Distilling: 126 S. Main St., Van Alstyne. Dinner Menu.  Self Pay. Come hear author Eric Nishimoto speak about his book, Texas Maker: The Heretofore Unknown Legend of Collin McKinney. * Historic reenators will also make an appearance!
• 2:30-5:00.  Pioneer Families Meet & Greet, Come & Go.  Wyndham Garden Anna. Lobby.  600 N. Standridge Blvd., Anna.    

• Collin County History Museum.  300 E. Virginia St, McKinney. Hours 11:00 – 5:00.  For handicap assistance call 972-542-9457; parking on street or free parking garage at 202 N. Chestnut St, McKinney.  Collin McKinney exhibit. Free.
• Visit Collin McKinney’s grave site. Van Alstyne Cemetery. Austin Place S. Sherman St., Van Alstyne. Search for names on FindaGrave. Free. Look for the Texas Flag!

Accommodations

Wyndham Garden Anna.  600 N. Standridge Blvd., Anna.  For reservations call 469-840-2553.

Supporting Organizations

• Anna Area Historical Preservation Society.  Facebook HERE.
• Van Alstyne Historical Society.  Facebook HERE. 
• Collin County History Museum.  Facebook HERE. 
• Washington-on-the-Brazos Historical Foundation.
• The Collin McKinney Gateway.  Provides resources on Collin McKinney’s life, pioneer families, and the Republic of Texas.

* In celebration of the Collin McKinney Day event, Dowling Distilling will be featuring special guest, renowned author and speaker, Eric Nishimoto. Eric is an accomplished writer and illustrator who transitioned from a successful career in media relations and strategic communications into long-form storytelling. His debut book, Texas Maker: The Heretofore Unknown Legend of Collin McKinney stands out as a richly researched and illustrated account of Collin McKinney, a pivotel yet often overlooked founding figure of Texas.