Ruth Paine House Museum

The storytelling and the tour took me to the time in the 1960s. The story of Ruth Paine and her unwavering friendship with Marina Oswald that both did not only drastically changed their lives that one Friday, but also America. My tour guide was an amazing well-versed storyteller that brought the story to life, and the house tour was magnificent that will leave you imagine how the lives of Ruth and Marina were then in the 60s before the tragic assassination of JFK that tremendously affected their lives. I wish I could remember my tour guide's name so I can commend how awe-inspiring his story was. He also patiently waited for me. I was late for my scheduled tour, I wouldn't suggest to be late, though, he was nice to take extra time to fill in those few minutes that were lost. Also, the staff at the Archive Museum were hospitable and wonderful. If you were in Irving, TX or in Dallas for a visit, or even if you live in the area, take the time to schedule a tour to this little piece of history of America.

This was a very interesting and lovingly maintained piece of history. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and he answered all our questions. The house is literally like walking back in time. The holograms are well done and lend to the overall haunting but amazing feel of the site. I recommend seeing this as an important part of your Dallas history trip.

Excellent tour by Kevin. $12 is a bargin. Start at the archive bldg E of City Hall. Four times a day. Van ride to the completely authenic renovated home to the 1963 era. Many well done acted events on 3d? screens.

Went on a tour of the Ruth Paine house this morning over in Irving and it was really fascinating! I'd consider myself as having a casual interest in the story surrounding the JFK assassination back in 1963, but I still found the tour to be very interesting. The house itself, from an interior design viewpoint is captivating, and being able to walk through a home that is basically a time capsule to the 60s was riveting. I was especially impressed with the knowledgeable tour guide, Kevin. He did an excellent job pointing out details and his storytelling skills are tops! He really made it come to life. On top of that, there are projected scenes playing in a few of the rooms that help capture the energy of what happened with the Oswalds that fateful November. Highly recommend making a reservation and adding this stop to your JFK tour of Dallas!

This tour was awesome. We had our own guide and he was very very knowledgeable. He was kind enough to answer all of our questions!! I highly recommend this! If you are taking the JFK tour and don't fit this in, you are missing out.

For anyone interested in the events surrounding the assassination of JFK on Nov. 22, 1963, a visit to the Ruth Paine House Museum on 2515 W 5th Street in Irving, Texas, is definitely a must see. The City of Irving, its history consultants, and every one of the officials involved in preserving this piece of history are to be highly commended. Our guide, Kevin Kendro (also Project Archivist), was extremely informative in providing the history and background of the Paine and Oswald families and how the historical events of the assassination played out to forever affect the destinies of each of its members. He also showed us how every effort was made to make the house and its contents just as it was in November, 1963, via matching curtains, appliances, etc. from old family photos provided by Ruth Paine. Videos featuring actors portraying these family members added to the informative experience. The only thing I would add is clarification as to where the tour starts during the purchase of tickets for visits to The Ruth Paine House Museum. Visitors need to know that they are to meet the guide for the tour at the house itself (parking is ample) and NOT at the Irving Archives & Museum location (assuming tickets were already purchased online in advance). This is not made clear on the website and thus I had to call for clarification so as to not be late for the tour. It is my understanding that at one time, shuttle buses were used to take visitors to the house from the Irving Archives & Museum site but this is no longer being done.

If you have a keen interest in the JFK assassination and the Oswald/Paine connections, this tour is a must. If you don't, read the history on the Web and then take it in. You won't regret it. The City of Irving should be commended for preserving this vital, albeit tragic, link to history. On my trip in 2021, I was the lone visitor for the first 30 minutes on the weekday morning I went, and Kevin was there providing information, answering questions, and allowing me to proceed at my own pace. A year later, I brought my son along and it was just as riveting, with Kevin as the guide again. The holographic presentations in several rooms add greatly to the experience. As with the Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza, this is a rare chance to stand in a spot where history was made and ponder a variety of "What if's.''

What an amazing experience! The work that has gone into ensuring the house is exactly as it was in 1963 is outstanding. Kevin, our tour guide, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. A real hidden gem that is a must visit for anyone visiting Dallas with an interest in the JFK assassination. Thank you Kevin!

This was a great experience. We visited in Feb 2024. The Ruth Paine house was restored by and is run by the city of Irving. We made reservations online ($12 per person) and met our tour guide at the house. Our group was alone on the tour, which was really nice. We could take our time and our guide answered all our questions.

This is a great opportunity for time traveling. It was a back to the future to the 1960s. Everything was restored. Probably, Marina Oswald was surprised at the capitalism of the USA. You can think about the Oswald family and Ms. Ruth Paine!

Kevin was an amazing tour guide. The city of Irving has outdone itself with this historic place. Definitely a gem off the beaten path. Kevin was professional, considerate, and fun with his presentation. The house itself is walking into a time portal. Amazing. Can't say enough about this memorable place.

Great little find! The 6th floor museum was closed. But I found this little gem. It's a small house in a little neighborhood. But there's a lot of history you can learn from here. The tour guide, Kevin, was really good in providing information and answering questions. A definite go see for history buffs. We are not but it was still a very interesting experience. The city of Irving did a nice job of bringing the house back to the 60s era. It felt like you were in a time capsule.

I found this opportunity by googling it. You must call ahead so the docent can admit you to the former Irving public library building at the above address. Once there you will pay $12 to view a fascinating 2011 interview with Ruth Paine, the lady who unwittingly housed Lee Harvey Oswald's rifle in the garage of her home in November, 1963. After watching the interview and two short interviews from 1964, you will be driven a short distance to the former Paine home, which has been restored to its 1963 appearance. As you walk about this small home, those who remember the assassination will likely get goose bumps as they consider that Lee and Marina Oswald walked these same floors. You will conclude your tour by entering the garage where the murder weapon was retrieved by Oswald the morning of November 22, 1963 as he was driven to work at the School Book Depository by a coworker who lived a few doors away.