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A variety of special events and activities are
planned throughout the year at the Star of the Republic Museum.
The following descriptions provide a glimpse of the many ways visitors
can step back in time and experience early 19th century Texas. For
additional information on these or other activities, please contact
the museum at 936-878-2461.
Anson Jones: President
and Physician,
January 2008
In honor of Dr. Anson Jones’ 210th birthday, the
Museum will present a special display on his life in the Showers
Brown Discovery Center for Children. The display will include a
timeline of his life, from 1798-1858, with related documents, quotes
and artifacts.
Black History Month,
February 2008
The Star of the Republic Museum will have a display
celebrating Black History Month in the Showers-Brown Discovery Center
throughout the month. Learn more about the culture, history, and
legends of the African American experience during the Republic period
of Texas.
Brazos Valley Regional
History Fair, February 8, 2008
Students from a five county region will compete
for advancement to Texas History Day in Austin under the guidelines
of National History Day. Students
in Grades 6-12 create projects related to an annual theme, which
in 2007 is "Triumph and Tragedy in History." Project categories
include: historical papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries,
and websites. For more information, click here.
Texas Independence
Day Celebration, March 1-2, 2008
 Every
year Washington-on-the-Brazos is the site for a giant party celebrating
Texas birthday, bringing thousands of visitors out to join in the
recognition of the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
Festivities, sponsored by the
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park Association, include traditional
crafts and music demonstrations, living history presentations, and
historical encampments. Commemorative ceremonies, with special Texas
dignitaries, highlight the event on Sunday afternoon, which culminates
with a "Texas-sized" birthday cake!
Click
Here for Schedule of Events
Teacher
Workshop: "Integrating Social Studies with Science, Math, and
Language Arts," June 6, 2008
Star of the Republic Museum, in conjunction
with Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, announces a new
Teacher Workshop entitled “Integrating Social Studies with
Science, Math, and Language Arts” on Friday, June 6, 2008.
The workshop is open to all teachers who want to learn ways to use
historical materials from early Texas to enhance essential knowledge
and skills for Grades 4-8, as specified by TEKS. Participants will
visit all facilities at the site, including the Star of the Republic
Museum, Barrington Living History Farm, and Independence Hall.
The workshop will feature presentations
by Dr. Jerry Lincecum and Dr. Peggy Redshaw of Austin College, based
on the writings of Dr. Gideon Lincecum (1793-1874). This frontier
naturalist, whose observations of Texas fauna, flora, landscape,
and weather were published in both popular and scientific journals,
will be brought to life in a first-person interpretation by his
great-great-great grandson. Participants will receive a copy of
the award-winning Science on the Texas Frontier: Observations
of Dr. Gideon Lincecum, a witty and informational book illuminating
an important era in Texas history with detailed scientific investigations.
The cost of the workshop is $45,
which must be paid at the time of registration. Lunch will be available
for an additional $5, if orders are placed in advance. Workshop
hours are from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Participants will receive a certificate
for six contact hours of Continuing Professional Education credits
from the Department of Workforce Education at Blinn College at the
conclusion of the workshop. For more information, please contact
Anne McGaugh, Curator of Education, at (936) 878-2461, ext. 237
or amcgaugh@blinn.edu. Registration
forms are available here,
or can be faxed upon request. Deadline for registration is Friday,
May 30. Space is limited!
"H-E-B Fireworks on
the Brazos," July 4, 2008
Celebrate our national independence at the "Birthplace
of Texas!" Sponsored by HEB, the annual 4th of July celebration
at Washington-on-the-Brazos includes a fun-filled day of family
activities. The highlight of the celebration will feature an enormous
fireworks extravaganza presented by HEB!
Admission to the Park is free. Visitors can also
tour the historic sites within the Park during the day, including
Star of the Republic Museum (10:00 am-6:00 pm), Barrington Living
History Farm (12:00-8:00 pm), and Independence Hall; regular admission
fees apply. Food vendors will offer a variety of festival food choices
on-site. Visit the arts & crafts booths for a special souvenir.
Visitors may wish to bring picnics, blankets or lawn chairs, and
flashlights. State park rules apply; alcohol prohibited.
6:30 pm 1800's period children's games
7:00 pm FREE Blue Bell Ice Cream and Coca Cola drinks
7:30 pm "An American Celebration" with the Brazos Valley
Chorale (in the Amphitheater)
8:15 pm Blues band "Tubie & the Touchstones" (in the
Amphitheater)
9:00 pm H-E-B presents "Fireworks on the Brazos" accompanied
by patriotic music on KTEX 106
School Daze-Education
in Early Texas, August, 2008
Teachers, this is your month! All sites offer
you free admission with a school ID or business card. Find out what
learning opportunities are available throughout the year at the
Park.
Home School Days
in September and October, 2008
On the second and fourth Wednesdays in September
and October, the staff at the museum and the farm will present Childhood
in Early Texas, an interactive, hands-on program for the entire
family, targeting students ages 5-12. Discover what life was like
for a child in the mid-19th century during a visit to this historic
site. In the museum, learn about childhood chores, clothes, and
schools, and then make some old-fashioned toys to take home. Take
a break with a picnic lunch in the pecan grove along the Brazos
River, then hike up to Barrington Farm to experience life on the
farm. End your visit with a stroll through the cotton field, picking
a boll or two along the way.
Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $5/child, $6/adult
Lunch not provided, picnics welcome!
Reservations required:
Call 936-878-2461, ext. 236 for reservation
Hispanic Heritage,
September 2008
Throughout the month of September, Star of the
Republic Museum will have a temporary display in the Showers-Brown
Discovery Center entitled “Diez y Seis de Septiembre:
Mexican Independence Day.” This display examines Mexico’s
quest for independence from Spain and demonstrates how Hispanic
heritage has influenced our lives today.
Archeology Awareness,
October 2008
The Star of the Republic Museum will recognize
October as Texas Archeology Awareness Month (TAAM) with a display
in the Showers-Brown Discovery Center. Information about public
digs, websites to visit, and other literature will also be available.
Native American Heritage,
November 2008
The focus at the museum for the month of November
will be “Native Americans in Texas.” A special display
will be presented in the Showers-Brown Discovery Center related
to this topic. An expanded program on Native Americans will be offered
to students in Grades K-2, at the museum for a fee of $1 per student.
Minimum group size: 20 students. Reservations required.
Christmas in the Republic,
December 2008
In December, learn about Christmas from a multicultural
perspective in the Showers-Brown Discovery Center in the Star of
the Republic Museum. Explore the contributions of the German, English,
African American, and Hispanic cultures to Texas holiday traditions.
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