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 […]

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 […]

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. 

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

Thomas Jefferson to Visit Dallas! On Feb .24, 2026 – The Founding Forward-Dallas Chapter* will hold a special America 250 observance at its Annual George Washington Birthday Celebration Dinner. The program will feature an interview of noted interpreters of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington (in costume) by author and presidential historian Talmage Boston. Reception 6-7PM […]

This exhibit offers a deep dive into the cartographic evolution of our region. Curated by Kelley Center’s student staff member, Apollinaire Mendoza—a Sophomore studying Global Studies at Rice. What to Expect at the exhibit: Historical Depth: Trace the dramatic transformation of Rice University, the City of Houston, and Texas over 175 years. Interactive Scholarship: Test […]

This community tree‑planting initiative invites residents from across El Paso County to take part in a hands‑on environmental stewardship effort aligned with the spirit of Texas America250—celebrating our shared history, strengthening community bonds, and investing in a thriving future for the next generation. Throughout 2026, volunteers will help plant 155 new trees across the region, […]

Learn to trace your family history using FamilySearch, a free online platform. Site educators will use historic individuals from the plantation sites to show you how to: use the website, analyze census records, develop your family tree, and more. This program is perfect for absolute beginners ready to get started and for experienced researchers interested […]