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all ages can experience history in the Showers-Brown Discovery
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The Republic of Texas Exhibition
The Star of the Republic Museum is the
only museum in the state of Texas created specifically to collect
and interpret the material culture and history of the Republic of
Texas period from 1836-1846. In 1992 the Museum embarked on a long-range
plan that included building renovations, a building addition, and
a major fund raising campaign for the complete renovation of the
museum exhibit program. The Republic of Texas exhibition,
completed in 2002, is the result of this long-range plan. Professionally
designed and fabricated, the new permanent exhibition allows the
museum to showcase over 1,000 objects which demonstrate the heritage
of Texas within the context of the early to mid 19th century.
The first floor exhibits present a chronological
history of early Texas, from the first Texans (the Native Americans)
to European explorers, to settlers and colonists, to the soldiers
and patriots who fought for Texan independence. Above the ramp leading
to the second floor, a 140 foot-long, ten-foot tall mural illustrates
the overland route from east Texas to the town of Washington in
the mid 19th century. The second floor exhibits represent the social
and multicultural history of the Republic of Texas, which existed
from 1836-1846. The complete exhibition provides a comprehensive
and unparalleled history of the people, places, and events that
created the Republic of Texas.
The Museum was selected to receive a 2003
Certificate of Commendation for the Republic of Texas exhibition
from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH).
This award program is the most prestigious recognition for achievement
in the preservation and interpretation of local, state, and regional
history.
Audubon Exhibit Coming
to Star of the Republic Museum
The Star of the Republic Museum will open a new
exhibit entitled “Audubon’s
Creations: His Texas Legacy” in celebration of Texas Independence
Day 2008. John James Audubon is world renowned for his glorious
images of birds, but he is equally recognized for his images of
mammals. The exhibit at Washington-on-the-Brazos will display a
select collection of lithographs of these mammals––including
the Texian Hare, Red Texan Wolf, Texan Lynx, and Texan Skunk––all
drawn from specimens collected by Audubon and his party during their
visits to Texas in the 1830s and 1840s.
Audubon, born in Haiti and raised in Europe,
traveled extensively throughout North America searching for new
specimens whose likenesses he could capture on paper. The hand-painted
lithographs that resulted were a lifelong collaboration with his
wife, two sons, and long-time friend, John Bachman. Audubon died
in 1851 before the publication of this work, The Viviparous
Quadrupeds of North America.
“Audubon’s Creations: His Texas Legacy” will
be on exhibit for the Texas Independence Day Celebration at Washington-on-the-Brazos
beginning March 1, 2008 and continuing through August 31, 2008.
Let the Convention Go On: Online
Exhibit
If you missed the opportunity to see Let
the Convention Go On..., an exhibit featuring key documents
from the Convention of 1836, you can still see it online.
Created in celebration of Texas Independence Day, the exhibit includes
the original handwritten Texas Declaration of Independence, the
first draft of the Constitution of the Republic of Texas, journals
of the Convention of 1836 and William Fairfax Gray’s diary
describing the proceedings of the Convention.
An 1836 newspaper copy of the last letter from William Barret Travis
at the Alamo to the delegates at Washington-on-the-Brazos, beseeching
them to “let the convention go on” is also featured.
Additional key documents clarify the settlers’ grievances
against the Mexican government and their reasons for declaring independence.
This exhibit is a collaboration between the Texas State Library
and Archives Commission, Texas General Land Office, Center for American
History at the University of Texas at Austin and Dallas Historical
Society.
For more information about William Fairfax Gray and additional teacher
resources, click here.
Showers-Brown Discovery Center
The Showers-Brown Discovery Center is a place
where learning knows no age limit. "Children" of all ages can experience
history through hands-on, multi-sensory displays and activities.
Interactive elements are designed to be self-guided, allowing for
open exploration and discovery. Visitors might participate in household
chores, play with old-fashioned toys, or try their hand at carding
cotton or building a log cabin. A dress-up trunk allows the opportunity
for visitors to see themselves as a part of history. A special reading
area allows for exploring Republic topics and a chance to take a
break.

The Discovery
Center is also used for scheduled school tour programs at
selected times of the year. Students will gain a better understanding
of the past by experiencing it through first-hand activities. History
will come to life as students make a personal connection with the
past!
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