Star Museum Events and Activities

Activities and Events

Anson Jones: President
and Physician

Republic of Texas Art Contest

Brazos Valley Regional History Fair

"A Slice of Life"

Texas Independence Day Celebration

Brazos Valley Regional History Fair

Texas Independence Day Celebration

HEB Fireworks on the Brazos

2012 Calendar of Events

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 2012

In honor of Dr. Anson Jones’ 214th 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.

Republic of Texas Art Contest, February 2012

The Star of the Republic Museum is hosting the annual Republic of Texas Art Contest. The purpose of this art contest is to give area 4th graders, in Washington and Grimes Counties, the opportunity to make historical and cultural connections through Art. They will explore their artistic talents while they discover the rich history of the Republic of Texas, as well as events that led up to the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Deadline for entry is February 1, 2012. Winning artwork will be on display at the Star of the Republic Museum until May 21, 2012 and the Awards Ceremony will take place Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 12:30 in the Star of the Republic Museum Theater during the Texas Independence Day Celebration. For more information, guidelines and registration form, click here.

Brazos Valley Regional History Fair, February 10, 2012

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 7-12 create projects related to an annual theme, which in 2012 is "Revolution, Reaction, Reform." Project categories include: historical papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, and websites. For more information, click here.

"A Slice of Life: Washington in the 19th Century," opening March 2, 2012

The Star of the Republic Museum will open a new exhibit entitled “A Slice of Life: Washington in the 19th Century,”on March 2, 2012. The exhibit focuses on the people, businesses and events that influenced the fledgling village of Washington during the 1830s. Marriages, divorces, lawsuits, balls, horse races—Washington had it all! Best known for the Convention of 1836 that declared Texas’ independence from Mexico, Washington was also a hub for medical practices, land offices, mercantile establishments, hotels and, of course, taverns. A special sneak preview of the Asa Hoxey collection is also planned. The exhibit continues through December 31, 2012.

Texas Independence Day Celebration, March 3-4, 2012

Texian Army Re-enactment 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.

"H-E-B Fireworks on the Brazos," July 4, 2012

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 a fabulous laser light show in the park amphitheater 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.

School Daze-Education in Early Texas, August, 2012

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 October, 2012

Every Thursday in 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. Enjoy your picnic lunch in the pecan grove along the Brazos River. At Barrington Farm, experience life on an 1850s era farm to learn more about the crops, livestock, and daily life of early Texans. No minimum group size required.

Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $8/child, $6/adult
Lunch not provided, picnics welcome!
Reservations and payment in advance required:
Call 936-878-2461, ext. 236 for reservations, after August 1.

Archeology Awareness, October 2012

The Star of the Republic Museum will recognize October as Texas Archeology Awareness Month with a display in the Showers-Brown Discovery Center. Information about public digs, websites to visit, and other literature will also be available.

| | | | | | | |