Get to Know…Tish Key with PCHPS

Please explain the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society’s mission and how you got involved with the organization.

The mission of the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics and cultural traditions of the Park Cities.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Our family has lived in Dallas for about nine years. I am an interior designer and started here in Dallas after college, then enjoyed living and working in Atlanta and San Francisco. My husband, Marvin, and I have a daughter, Wallis, 23, and a son, Harrison, 18.

What makes PCHPS so special and impactful to the Dallas community?

The Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society (PCHPS) features a Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and Classic & Antique Car Show each year. The Historic Home Tour celebrates historic preservation and is designed to generate awareness of the role history and preservation play in enhancing the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in the Park Cities communities.

What do you enjoy the most about being a part of the PCHPS organization?

I became involved with PCHPS when we first moved here and have been a board member for eight years. Meeting such interesting people who are drawn together because we all care about preserving the history and aesthetics of our community has been very rewarding.

How does support from community partners like Highland Park Village help PCHPS have a greater impact?

Through donations, sponsorships and fundraising, funds raised help preserve and maintain the Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, support the new PCHPS archives at the University Park Library, fund the society’s landmarking initiatives, award scholarships to Highland Park High School graduating seniors planning to study architecture or history and fund the Distinguished Chair for History at Highland Park High School.

What are some ways people in North Texas can get involved with PCHPS?

Numerous volunteers are needed for the annual Historic Home Tour, which showcases architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities and illustrates how these homes have been restored or remodeled and updated to serve the lifestyle needs of families today. The Historic Home Tour and Distinguished Speaker Luncheon are the society’s only fundraisers each year, with proceeds allocated to further our mission to promote, protect and preserve the historic, architectural, cultural and aesthetic legacy of the Park Cities.

Members of the society enjoy historic and preservation-oriented educational programs and events throughout the year, including landmarking of architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park Cities, some of which are on the Historic Home Tour.

Lastly, where would we most likely find you in Highland Park Village?

You’ll find me walking through the Village checking out renovations of stores. I love how they are always updating, keeping things fresh and exciting. There’s nothing so inspiring as the windows and storefronts–like Dior, Hermès, or Celine.

For more information about the Historic Home Tour on April 24, visit pchps.org. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Highland Park Village is proud to spotlight our very own dynamic personalities and community partners in the Village Voices series. Get to know our past features.