Texas America250

Kids Cooking Class: Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings)
2026-02-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | TX
Join us as we savor history through foods in El Paso! Using historic recipes, site staff will explore the contributions of Chinese settlers. Celebrate Chinese New Year by making fun dough dumplings filled with veggies, just like families did in the 1880s! El Paso had the largest Chinese population in the state of Texas in the 1880’s. Their contribution began with the arrival of the train in 1881 and continues today! The cost is $10 per child. All ingredients are provided. Please call (915) 533-5147 to register in advance as space is limited.

Happy Birthday America! Family Stories to Share, Do You Know Yours?
2026-02-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Tye Preston Memorial Library,, 16311 S Access Rd, Canyon Lake, TX, 78133, United States
Learning about our ancestors isn’t just about digging up old family stories, it’s about connecting to the journey that helped shape who we are today.
The America 250 Project invites you to discover your own family’s past, from why they immigrated to the challenges they faced and the triumphs they celebrated. By preserving these stories, we’re not just keeping history alive—we’re making it personal. Now it’s your turn! Take a moment to ask your family about their stories, dive into some research, or start a family tree. Every piece of your history adds to the bigger story of America, and sharing those stories with friends, family, and community ensures that they’ll live on for generations to come. So, what’s your family’s story? Go find it, preserve it, and share it—because your story is America’s story.
This is a one-hour power point presentation including three of members telling an ancestral story they discovered while researching. The group also providing red, white and blue pens, a small paper tablet and a three- generational genealogy chart to help attendees identify their immediate ancestors (if they have never organized their family in a structured way). Members and library staff people will be available after the program is done, to talk with, ask questions and visit the history and genealogy room with lots of free computer resources.

Reading and Interpreting Genealogy Sources
2026-02-21 11:00 - 12:00 | French Legation State Historic Site, 802 San Marcos Street, Austin, TX, 78702, United States
As we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial (250 years) and soon Texas’ bicentennial (200 years), we also honor local and family history. Join the French Legation State Historic Site Educators in the third session of our Genealogy Research series: Reading and Interpreting Genealogy Sources. Learn how to access, read, and utilize primary sources like U.S. census records with tips and tricks that can prepare you for your own genealogy research. Reading and Interpreting Genealogy Sources will feature a short presentation on accessing and reading online primary sources as well as a demonstration of genealogy research using the longest owners of the French Legation, the Robertsons’, family tree!

Ima: An American Furniture Collector
2026-02-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, 1702 N 13th St, West Columbia, TX, 77486, United States
Join us for a demonstration on how museums use specialized cleaning techniques to preserve furniture! You will also learn how to identify American furniture styles through Ima Hogg’s collection.

Music in the Chamber: 1826-1876
2026-02-20 19:30 - 21:00 | George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco, TX, 75934, United States
As the Music in the Chambers series continues, this performance features the musical stylings of 1826 to 1876.
Founded in 2021, SEUM Chamber is a vibrant and versatile string ensemble that brings music to life through performances in various formations, including string duo, trio, piano trio, and string quartet. Their repertoire spans a rich spectrum of styles—from Baroque and Classical masterpieces to Romantic and Contemporary works—reflecting their passion for both tradition and innovation. Featuring violinists Hyeryun Cha and Mikyung Kim Kwon, violist Rachel Kim, and cellist Hyunmi Cho, SEUM Chamber has captivated audiences across the Dallas–Fort Worth area with performances in concert halls, community events, and church venues. Their expressive playing and ensemble chemistry continue to earn them a growing reputation for musical excellence and artistry. Chamber’s members serve as inspiring mentors at Semihan Music Academy, local colleges, and public schools, where they share their love of music and guide young musicians in their artistic journeys. Since its founding, SEUM Chamber has performed regularly and continues to broaden its musical reach.

The Amazing Journey of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca with Brandon Seale
2026-02-19 18:00 - 20:00 | TX
In the 1530s, three shipwrecked conquistadors and one enslaved African became the first men from those continents to visit the future site of El Paso. The brief visit was part of an impossible eight year journey that stretched from Florida to Central Mexico and then to Gulf of California. One of the shipwrecked explorers, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, was later memorialized by artist Tom Lea, Jr. In his Twelve Travellers Through the Pass of the North. Join podcaster and researcher, Brandon Seale, in a high energy and engaging lecture on the journey of Cabeza de Vaca and his companions through El Paso and beyond on February 19, 2026 at the Magoffin Home Visitor Center at 1117 Magoffin Avenue. This free lecture will feature many historical documents, drawings, maps, and resources. Light refreshments and beverages will be available as a fundraiser for the Casa Magoffin Compañeros beginning at 6 PM. The talk will start at 6:30 and will be in English, but the speaker and staff will be available to answer questions in Spanish.

Historic Preservation Lecture: How Americans Honor the Past
2026-02-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, 317 S. Fulton Beach Rd., Rockport, Texas, 78382, United States
This lecture explores how Americans uniquely mark historic eras—like the 1976 Bicentennial, the 1936 Texas Centennial, and the 2026 250th anniversary of the United States. These anniversaries often inspire not just patriotic celebrations, but also historic preservation and education on national and local levels. The Fulton Mansion was purchased to be a historic site during the country’s bicentennial! This lecture explores how these anniversaries have changed our educational and physical landscapes and the ways that you can highlight and preserve history in your own community.

America 250: Texas in the Nation's Service (Lecture Series)
2026-02-12 14:30 - 16:00 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
The NCHM’s Modern Times speaker series this year is dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the nation. The lectures over the course of the year will show how the people and events of Texas have helped to shape the United States more broadly.
Modern Times – Origins of Juneteenth presented by Dr. Jacqueline Smith-Francis | February 12, 2026
$10 general admission, $5 students, free to members

Rhapsody of Freedom
2026-02-12 08:00 - 17:00 | La Grange ISD Performing Arts Center, 656 E Travis Street, La Grange, TX, 78945, United States
This is a Play relative to our county’s namesake, Marquis de Lafayette who fought in The Revolution and became a lifelong friend to George Washington. His 24 State triumphant return in 1824 resulted in many cities, counties, streets etc. bearing his name.
“Rhapsody of Freedom” by Mary Margaret Mann, Playwright
Sponsored by the Smith-McMillan Chapter, NSDAR
Presented by La Grange High School Drama Club
Thursday, February 12, 2026
At the La Grange ISD Performing Arts Center, 656 E Travis Street
Ticket price: $20
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and Play begins at 7:00 p.m.

Art Talk with Andrew L. Thompson
2026-02-07 14:00 - 15:30 | TX
Artist Andrew Thompson uses “stories shared by ancestors and recollections from childhood” to reconstruct the Mims community, Sweeny, Brazoria, and Hinkle’s Ferry. His vivid paintings capture buildings that no longer exist and the changing community. Locals will recognize many structures including the George Washington Carver School, William’s Grocery, and the Levi Jordan Plantation Site. Join us for a discussion of this artwork and the historical significance of Brazoria County with local artist Andrew L Thompson and site educators.

Bexar America250 Celebration Kickoff
2026-02-07 12:30 - 17:00 | Main Plaza, 115 N Main Ave., San Antonio, Texas, 78205, United States
Join us as we kick off Bexar America250 with a special public celebration on Saturday, February 7 at 12:30 p.m. in Main Plaza, historically known as Plaza de las Islas, in the heart of San Antonio.
The program will feature remarks from Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai. Attendees will experience living history elements, including cattle and horses provided by the San Antonio Charro Association and participation from the Bexar County Mounted Horse Deputies Unit, bringing the plaza’s rich past to life. The celebration will also include Los Granaderos y Damas de Gálvez, with a reenactor portraying Bernardo de Gálvez, the Spanish military leader whose contributions were critical to the American victory.
Together, we will honor the diverse people, cultures, and alliances that shaped Bexar’s unique place in the story of America’s independence
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National Revolutionary War Exhibit and Super Saturday
2026-02-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Kilgore Public Library, 301 N Henderson Blvd, Kilgore, TX, 75662, United States
The Battlefield Trust traveling National Revolutionary War Exhibit will be at this event with a hands on Colonial Experience including Rope Making, Making Butter, Basket Weaving, Homesteading with live animals, Tanner teaching about tanning hides and preserving skins, Forestry – plant and tree identification, animal track identification, Mountain Man storytelling, Stories read in the Library about Colonial life and the Revolutionary War period of America, a Patriotic selfie area and the opportunity to sign The Declaration of Independence, a food truck providing hamburgers and hotdogs, Birthday cake to celebrate America 250! and more!

Cooking Class: Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings)
2026-02-07 10:00 - 12:00 | TX
Join us as we savor history through foods in El Paso! Using historic recipes, site staff will explore the contributions of Chinese settlers. Jiaozi, or potstickers, are dumplings prepared for the Chinese New Year by filling a dough casing with meat and vegetables. El Paso had the largest Chinese population in the state of Texas in the 1880’s. Their contribution began with the arrival of the train in 1881 and continues today! The cost is $10 per person. All ingredients are provided. Please call (915) 533-5147 to register in advance as space is limited.

March on Fredonia
2026-02-07 09:00 - 16:00 | San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site, 220 2nd St., San Felipe, TX, 77473, United States
Please join us for our annual March on Fredonia event coming up on Saturday, February 7th!
This event commemorates the Austin militia joining in on the effort to quell the Fredonian Rebellion which began in 1826; a time in which a few lone colonists attempted to claim independence from Mexico ten years before Texas would do so officially.
Learn what it took to be a member of Austin’s militia 200 years ago, about why no one wanted to declare independence from Mexico that early, and (best of all) see a cannon be fired!
The fun begins at 9am on Saturday, February 7th. The story starts here, at San Felipe de Austin!

American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibit
2026-02-03 09:00 - 2026-02-12 17:00 | Kilgore Public Library, 301 N Henderson Blvd, Kilgore, TX, 75662, United States
View the Battlefield Trust American Revolutionary War Experience Traveling Exhibit plus additional exhibit detailing Texas (New Spain) contribution to the Patriot cause in the American Revolutionary War.

Tides of Freedom: Spain and the Battle for American Independence
2026-02-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Texas Maritime Museum, 1202 Navigation Circle, Rockport, TX, 78382, United States
The Texas Maritime Museum will host an opening reception for this exciting new exhibit on Monday, February 2nd, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. This special evening celebration, which is open to the public, will feature light refreshments and a presentation by noted historian Caroline Crimm, offering guests a deeper look into Spain’s vital place in the fight for American Independence. Tides of Freedom explores how Spanish influence, leadership, and resources helped shape the course of the Revolutionary War, an especially meaningful story for Texas, which was part of Spain’s American territories during this pivotal era. Through captivating storytelling and historical highlights, the exhibit sheds light on the strategic importance of the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi River, and the Spanish frontier. The exhibit will remain on display through the end of the year.

Saturday History Lecture: Texas and the American Revolution
2026-01-31 10:30 - 17:00 | Republic of Texas Plaza, 5117 North Main Street,, Baytown, TX, 77522, United States
Guest speaker John Espinosa, Governor General – Member of the Houston Chapter, Los Granaderos y Damas de Gálvez, will tell how Texas, although not part of the United States at the time, contributed to the American Revolution.

Levi Jordan & Varner-Hogg Plantations Virtual Book Club
2026-01-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Ima Hogg: The Governor’s Daughter by Virginia Bernhard is the story of Ima Hogg, the only daughter of Governor James Stephen Hogg. Ima was born in 1882 and died in 1975 at the age of 93, and she became a legend in her own right. Ima attended the University of Texas, studied music in New York City, and was a beneficiary of her father’s investment in the oil boom in West Columbia, Texas. Ima devoted much of her life to the enrichment of the educational and cultural life of Texas and gave her house and Early American art and furniture collection at the Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site to the people of Texas in 1958.
This is a virtual event

Bridge to the Future
2026-01-24 17:00 - 18:30 | Comanche County Historical Museum, 402 Moorman Road, Comanche, TX, 76442, United States
The Comanche County Museum is proud to launch the “Bridge to the Future” Project in commemoration of Texas America250, a year-long celebration honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary and the vital role Texas plays in America’s story. The centerpiece of this initiative will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., when the museum will prepare to illuminate its four historic pony bridges on the campus grounds. Each bridge will be adorned with red, white, and blue lights, symbolically linking Comanche County’s rich historical legacy with its vision for a vibrant future. The evening will feature a community gathering culminating in a ceremonial countdown to sunset at precisely 6:00 p.m., at which time the switch will be thrown to activate the lights, officially launching the celebration. Throughout 2026, the illuminated bridges will serve as a lasting symbol of the enduring connection between the community’s proud past and its forward-thinking aspirations. “Comanche County is more than a destination—it is a living testament to history and a community committed to progress,” said museum representatives. “We invite residents and visitors alike to join us in lighting the way for this historic milestone and to make 2026 a year to remember together.” For more information about the “Bridge to the Future” Project and upcoming Texas America250 events at the Comanche County Historical Museum, please visit the museum’s website or contact the museum directly.

Preserving Family Photographs and Documents
2026-01-24 11:00 - 12:00 | French Legation State Historic Site, 802 San Marcos Street, Austin, TX, 78702, United States
As we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial (250 years) and soon Texas’ bicentennial (200 years), we also honor local and family history. Join the French Legation State Historic Site Educators in the second session of our Genealogy Research series: Preserving Family Photographs and Documents. Do you have old family records stashed in random boxes? From letters and newspapers to photographs we will discuss storage tips, resources, and how to use the sources in research. Preserving Family Photographs and Documents will feature a short presentation on storing and preserving photographs and documents as well as a demonstration of how to scan these items using a phone so you can scan at home like a pro!
Please note that this program is a presentation and demonstration of how to preserve family photographs and documents. We will not scan photographs and documents from home collections.

Hearth Wars
2026-01-24 09:00 - 14:30 | San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site, 220 2nd St., San Felipe, TX, 77473, United States
Join us on Saturday, January 24th as some of the best cooks in Texas museums face off to see who is the best cook in Austin’s Colony! Staff and volunteers from various Texas Historical Commission sites will all compete to make the best dish using a mysterious secret ingredient. Contestants will begin cooking at 9am with judging to take place between 12:00 and 1:30. Awards will be given out for the top places at 2:30pm. While registration is limited to a select audience, the public is welcome to come see all the contestants cooking and the award ceremony at 2:30!

Music in the Chamber: 1776-1826
2026-01-23 19:30 - 21:00 | George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco, TX, 75934, United States
Soloists from the renowned Austin Baroque Orchestra present “Close Encounters of the Colonial Kind,” evoking the sonic world of colonial North America in a commemoration of the first 50 years after American independence. Featuring replicas of instruments from the 18th century and music from the four colonial powers — England, Spain, France, and the Netherlands — listeners will enjoy popular songs by late composers Ignacio Jerusalem, Jean-Baptiste Lully, Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, Alexander Reinagle, and more. Whether sounds from the cathedrals of New Spain, or the Ursuline Convent in New Orleans, or melodies originating in the small settlement of New Amsterdam, or the Revolutionary-War-era streets of Boston, this program invites the audience to consider how musical traditions crossed oceans, transformed cultures, and took root in American soil amid the complexities of colonial life.

America 250: Texas in the Nation's Service (Lecture Series)
2026-01-18 14:30 - 16:00 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
The NCHM’s Modern Times speaker series this year is dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the nation. The lectures over the course of the year will show how the people and events of Texas have helped to shape the United States more broadly.
Modern Times – Texas Modernism presented by Dr. Katie Robinson Edwards | January 18, 2026
$10 general admission, $5 students, free to members

A Chef and Their Tools: A Crash Course on Cast Iron Care
2026-01-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, 1702 N 13th St, West Columbia, TX, 77486, United States
Join us for an exploration of enslaved chefs and their shaping of American cuisine. Enslaved chefs like Hercules Posey and James Hemmings used cast iron pots and pans everyday to create fine meals. During this program you will also learn about how to restore cast iron and keep it in tip-top shape!

History of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2026-01-12 07:00 - 2026-01-31 18:00 | Fondren Library, Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX, 77005, United States
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day (observed on the third Monday in January), this exhibit explores the life and legacy of Dr. King and the broader national commitment to service and social justice. Explore the history behind establishing MLK Day and its significance today.
Visitors are invited to reflect on questions such as:

How is a national holiday established, e.g., MLK Day?
What is the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and how might we, as individuals or communities, embody that spirit in our actions today?
What is the budgetary cost of establishing a national holiday?

Lincoln Reagan Experience
2026-01-10 17:00 | Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center, 1800 Highway 26E, Grapevine, TX, 76051, United States
Join us for a unique evening celebrating America and its rich history with a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. Step back in time with historical interpreters dressed as iconic figures such as George Washington, John Adams, Betsy Ross, and others who helped shape our nation.
The evening will feature:

A seated dinner
Silent and live auctions offering rare and historic items
Thoughtfully designed lighting and décor to transport guests to the era of America’s founding
Inspiring speakers
Special awards presentations
A celebration of America—right here in Texas

Don’t miss this powerful tribute to our country’s heritage and the people who continue to preserve its story.

190th Anniversary of the Goliad Declaration of Independence!
2025-12-20 10:00 - 16:00 | Presidio La Bahia State Historic Site, 217 Loop 71, Goliad, Texas, 77963, United States
Living Historians will be recreating the sigining of the first Texas Declaration 190 years to the day on the same spot as the original signers! This event is part of the Presidio La Bahia 190th Series commemorating the 190th Anniversary of the Texas War for Independence. More Info to come!

Ceremonial Flag Raising
2025-12-18 10:30 | Tarrant Courthouse, 10 W Weatherford Street, Forth Worth, TX, 76196, United States
The Sheriffs’ Association of Texas in conjunction with the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office will hold a flag raising ceremony on Thursday, December 18, 2025 beginning at 10:30 AM.
The ceremony will take place at the historic courthouse in downtown Fort Worth: 100 W. Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196.
The ceremony will be held on the east (most scenic) side of the building.

Fields of Honor: A Luminous Tribute at San Jacinto
2025-12-06 18:00 - 23:00 | San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, 3523 Independence Parkway South, La Porte, TX, 77571, United States
Fields of Honor: A Luminous Tribute at San Jacinto will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, to commemorate the sacrifice of the over 21,500 Texans who have given their lives in armed conflict. Volunteer groups are needed to participate by placing and picking up 21,500 candles on the San Jacinto Battlefield to visually depict what President Abraham Lincoln called “the last full measure of devotion.” The San Jacinto Battlefield represents both liberty and the price required to maintain it. This special event will serve to educate current and future generations about the sacrifices made by our ancestors for our benefit.

Fields of Honor Set-Up
2025-12-05 08:00 - 14:00 | San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, 3523 Independence Parkway South, La Porte, TX, 77571, United States
Join us in bringing Fields of Honor: A Luminous Tribute at San Jacinto to life. We’re seeking more than 700 volunteers to prepare, place, and collect 21,500 luminaries across the San Jacinto Battlefield — each representing a Texan who gave their life in armed conflict.
