About The Colony's Local History Committee
The Colony's Local History Committee formed in October 2006 to commemorate the City of The Colony's 30th anniversary and the Library's 25th anniversary. Since then, The LHC has collected over 130 items detailing the history of the area that is now The Colony. The committee works closely with TCPL in an effort to continue collecting and preserving these historical documents, maps, photos, genealogy reports, and artifacts.
The committee's book, Bridges to the Future, written by Don Beckel with genealogical research by Alyce Rufi, is available to download or a print copy may be purchased from the Library for $10. Proceeds directly support the LHC, as well as restoration and upkeep of our local historical cemetery.
Bridges Cemetery
Designated with an official historical marker by the Texas Historical Commission in 2018, Bridges Cemetery is located on a 1.5 acre plot of land at the northwest corner of Morning Star Drive and Chesapeake Drive. This land was originally part of William Bridges’ 160 acre tract issued by the Peters Colony Land Grant Company in 1850.
The cemetery, possibly founded upon the death of John Bridges, became a family and community burial ground for those living in Bridges Settlement. All but one person buried here are related by blood or marriage. In a unique circumstance for a southern cemetery, there are both Confederate and Union soldiers buried here.
Although Bridges Cemetery is a closed cemetery, the committee hosts an annual open house in the spring where the cemetery gates are open to the public and committee members are on hand to answer questions about the cemetery. A virtual tour of the cemetery can be viewed anytime.
If you are interested in visiting Bridges Cemetery in person you may also contact The Colony's Parks & Recreation department at 972-625-1106 to set up a time to visit.
Genealogy Classes
Members of the committee periodically host basic genealogy workshops at the library. The Committee's virtual presentation, Love Your Ancestors: An Introduction to Genealogy, can be downloaded and viewed any time.
Check out our online calendar or sign up for the Library's newsletter to hear about our upcoming programming.
Participate
If you are interested in participating in the Local History Committee, please contact Bailey Cooper, Technical Services Librarian & Staff Liaison for the Local History Committee.
