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!