Vanishing Texana Museum Exhibit
This Jacksonsville, Texas, museum gave a special recognition to the Dirden family in honor of Black History Month.
The Vanishing Texana Museum put on an exhibition for the community during February 2024 to honor the Dirden Family.
As Steph Dirden wrote, this story is “an important and significant milestone in the history of Texas property rights and ownership.” His family’s property is located on the way to Lake Jacksonville and is amongst the oldest still owned by the original family of former slaves.
Find out more about the museum here.
Dedication Celebration
Contact us to request an invitation to The Dirden Farm Historical Marker Dedication Celebration on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Jacksonville, Texas.
Farm History
Read more about the Dirden story in our visual record of farm milestones, from 1848 to today.
Experience the Past; Embrace the Future
Old Well Discovery
An old brick well found on the property gives a glimpse into life on The Dirden Farm in the early days. Find out more about the Dirden family and the farm's history in the timeline.
Clearing the Property
After decades of inactivity, work to clear the farm began in late 2023. The farm has been declared a Texas historical property as one of the oldest former slave-owned properties in the state.
Steph and Corrine Dirden
Steph and Corrine were featured in the October 2023 issue of Neighbors of Lakeway & Bee Cave magazine. Steph traced his family tree, discovering ancestors he never knew existed.
Lift Every Voice
Enjoy this highlight reel taken during the Dirden Farm Historical Marker Dedication Celebration, held on April 19, 2025. We are blessed and uplifted by all who supported this monumental effort!
The events of the day are memorialized in the beautifully-designed program.