Galleries & Collections
A Century and a Half in Focus: See Celina through the lens of time. Our digital archives prioritize historical imagery and community-submitted footage, capturing everything from early agricultural life and railroad commerce to modern-day celebrations. These photos have been donated by Celina Area Heritage Museum.
Around the Square: A Century of Community
The Heart of Our City: Explore a dedicated collection of the Downtown Square, the geographic and spiritual hub where Celina has gathered for over a century. From the early 1911 brick-and-mortar beginnings to the vibrant events of today, these images capture the evolution of the place where our lives truly connect.
What You’ll Discover in the Archives:
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Architectural Foundations: Witness the "Main Street" transformation, featuring the original 1911 brickwork and the evolution of the iconic storefronts that still define our skyline.
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The Horse & Buggy Era: Rare snapshots of the Square before pavement, when hitching posts were more common than parking spots and the pace of life followed the rhythm of the harvest.
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Celebrations Through Time: From the very first community picnics to the sprawling festivals of the modern era, see how the Square has hosted our greatest milestones.
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Commerce & Connection: Look inside the general stores, pharmacies, and banks of the mid-century that served as the social glue for Celina’s founding families.
PRO TIP: Look closely at the background of the 1920s photos—you can often spot the original water tower that once dominated the city's horizon.
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First to Respond: A Century of Service
A Legacy of Courage: For as long as Celina has been a dot on the map, there have been those ready to answer the call in our moments of greatest need. This collection pays tribute to the early pioneers of our Police and Fire Departments—the men and women who stood between our community and the unexpected.
From the first fire bell that echoed across the Square to the sophisticated dispatch centers of today, these images document the evolution of bravery and the deep-rooted bond between our first responders and the citizens they protect.
What You’ll Discover in the Archives:
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Vintage Fleet: From the first motorized fire engines that replaced hand-drawn carts to the classic black-and-whites of the mid-century police force.
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The Early Volunteers: Rare glimpses of the 1920s and 30s volunteer fire crews who built the foundation of our current department.
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Behind the Badge: Candid moments of officers at the old town jail and dispatchers working the switchboards of yesteryear.
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Community Milestones: Photos of historic parades, safety demonstrations, and the building of our first dedicated stations.
DID YOU KNOW? Many of Celina's earliest "firefighters" were actually local business owners on the Square who would drop everything at the sound of the town bell to protect their neighbors' livelihoods.
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Classrooms & Champions: The Roots of Celina Excellence
Building Celina’s Future: Dive into a nostalgic tribute to the classrooms and playing fields where Celina’s spirit was forged. From the early days of one-room schoolhouses to the roar of the crowd at the stadium, this collection celebrates the academic and athletic excellence that has defined our community for generations.
Whether it’s a vintage team photo or a candid shot of a 1950s classroom, these images capture the grit, pride, and "Bobcat" tradition that bind every graduate of Celina ISD.
What You’ll Discover in the Archives:
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The Original Classrooms: Rare glimpses of the early 20th-century school buildings where Celina’s first students learned by chalkboard and grit.
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The Birth of the Bobcats: Trace the evolution of our athletic uniforms and logos, from heavy wool sweaters to the high-performance gear of today.
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Friday Night Lights: A photographic timeline of our football legacy, featuring historic victories, legendary coaches, and the fans who never missed a snap.
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Life Beyond the Field: Candid moments from pep rallies, marching band performances, homecoming royalty, and the clubs that shaped student life.
DID YOU KNOW? Before the current high school was built, the heart of our school district sat much closer to the Square, making the transition from "books to business" just a short walk for students and teachers alike.
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The Faces of our Foundation: People of Celina
The Soul of the City: While buildings and businesses provide the structure, it is the people who have always been the heartbeat of Celina. This collection is a tribute to the diverse tapestry of individuals who turned a small railway stop into a thriving community. From the rugged pioneers who broke the soil to the artists and healers who nurtured our spirits, these portraits tell the true story of our home.
These are more than just old photographs; they are the stories of our ancestors, our neighbors, and the visionaries who dreamt of the Celina we love today.
What You’ll Discover in the Archives:
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The Original Settlers: Rare portraits of the founding families who arrived by wagon and rail, showcasing the resilience of those who built Celina from the ground up.
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Healers & Helpers: Glimpses into the lives of our early doctors and veterinarians, who traveled by horseback and Model T to care for both the people and the livestock of the community.
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Center Stage: A spotlight on Celina’s early entertainers—from local theater troupes and silent film actors to the brass bands that filled the Square with music on Saturday nights.
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Generational Families: Candid photos of backyard Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings on Main Street, and the families who have called Celina home for five generations or more.
LOOK FOR THE DETAILS: In many of these early portraits, the "Sunday Best" clothing was often handmade right here in town, reflecting the craftsmanship and pride of Celina’s early residents.
Click photos to enlarge
