Texas America250

Legacy in the Making: Scanning and Oral History Recording
2026-07-11 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, 1702 N 13th St, West Columbia, TX, 77486, United States
Do you have a passed down story to share? Do you have photographs of your ancestors in Brazoria County? Site educators will assist you in creating quality scans and recordings of your passed down stories, artifacts, pictures, and more. You will get full scans and recordings to keep for your records! Timeslots must be requested in advance.
During your time slot you can:
– Have your photographs scanned (photographs should relate to family or local history)
– Record an oral history
– Have an artifact photographed
Request a slot by contacting our staff by calling (979-798-2202). Slots are available at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm on each day the program is held.

The Blessings of Liberty: America's Founding Ideas and Their Significance Today
2026-07-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site, 2000 US HWY 287, Clarendon, TX, 79226, United States
Dr. Shaffer, Professor of History at West Texas A&M University, will be visiting the Goodnight Ranch to reflect on our nation’s 250th anniversary and its connection to our region.
In Dr. Shaffer’s own words, “The United States is a creedal nation, a country founded on ideas laid out in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Even before the Revolution, Americans saw themselves as a special people. John Winthrop described New England as a “city upon a hill” and told his followers that the world was watching them. That idea has been carried down throughout our history and was echoed by leaders like Lincoln and Reagan. The War for Independence was waged largely for ideological reasons, as American Patriots argued that the British government was taking away their sacred natural rights. To describe the new nation to the world, Jefferson wrote the Declaration, famously declaring that all men were created equal. These ideas are codified in the Constitution and Bill of Rights, which creates a democratic republic and enshrines the fundamental rights of the people. While it is true that we have not always lived up to our founding ideas, they still guide us as we celebrate our 250th anniversary. Charles and Molly Goodnight carried these ideas with them when they settled the Panhandle in the late 19th century. They were heirs to this creed, as are we. The founding ideas are our legacy and our most important inheritance.”
This FREE lecture will be followed by a self-guided tour of the Goodnight Home.

Little Texans: America250 Foods
2026-07-16 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-18 10:30 - 11:30 | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
What did children eat during the American Revolution? Learn about these foods through crafts, activities and story time during this program especially designed for the littlest Texans (ages 2–5) and their caregivers. This hour-long program is a first museum experience with age-appropriate play and learning.
Program included with admission
Adult: $17
Student, Military, or Senior (age 65+): $13
Youth (4-17): $11

Red, White, and Crafty
2026-07-16 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Sam Bell Maxey House, 812 South Church St, Paris, Texas, 75460, United States
Red, White, and Crafty is a hands-on, craft-focused summer program that invites young creators to explore art, tradition, and community through weekly creative projects. Meeting on Thursdays in July, each session features a new themed craft inspired by history, seasonal celebrations, and classic American pastimes. This program also connects to America250, encouraging participants to reflect on shared traditions and creative expression as we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States.
From festive decorations and collaborative art to sweet summer treats and fiber crafts, participants will enjoy a relaxed, fun-filled environment that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and self-expression, all in the historic setting of the Sam Bell Maxey House.

Roots and Legacy: Celebrating Our Unique Heritage
2026-07-18 13:00 - 14:00 | . Landmark Inn State Historic Site, 402 Florence Street, Castroville, TX, 78009, United States
Celebrate America’s 250th at the Landmark Inn with a look into the diverse traditions and stories that shape our state. Highlighting the unique heritage of Castroville, this program highlights the town’s rich cultural roots, historic charm, and lasting legacy in Texas history.

Richardson Community Band: Music Through the Ages
2026-07-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Richardson City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Richardson, TX, 75082, United States
The Richardson Community Band will give a concert highlighting musical traditions throughout the eras of our nation’s history. For all ages.

Trivia Night at The Waystone
2026-07-30 18:30 - 20:30 | The Waystone, 2101 W Wadley Ave Suite 27, Midland, TX, 79705, United States
Join us for a special Trivia Night with The Waystone! This year we will have 1950s and America 250 themed questions. Winners will receive prizes for 1st to 3rd place.

American Experiment: Evidence of our Past (Briscoe Center Exhibit)
2026-08-15 08:00 - 2027-01-10 17:00 | LBJ Presidential Library, 2313 Red River St., Austin, TX, 78705, United States
Through an exceptional partnership with the National Archives and Records Administration and the Briscoe Center for American History, the Library showcases extraordinary original documents that have shaped the course of American history. Across four rotating exhibitions, visitors will encounter defining moments—from the Brown v. Board of Education decision and the Fourteenth Amendment to the Louisiana Purchase and the Wright Brothers’ Flying Machine Patent.

On view from June through January, this once-in-a-lifetime experience pairs these iconic artifacts with dynamic public programs featuring leading historians, authors, and thought leaders. Together, they explore how the American story has unfolded over 250 years—and where it may go next.

Little Texans: America250 Games
2026-08-20 10:30 - 11:30 | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Learn about games children played during the American Revolution through activities and story time during this program especially designed for the littlest Texans (ages 2–5) and their caregivers. This hour-long program is a first museum experience with age-appropriate play and learning.
This program is FREE for Members or with Museum admission.

Legacy on the Land: 150 Years of the JA Ranch
2026-08-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site, 2000 US HWY 287, Clarendon, TX, 79226, United States
While our country turns 250 years old, the first cattle ranch in the Texas Panhandle, the famed JA, turns 150!
In honor of this momentous occasion, Dr. Alex Hunt from West Texas A&M University is visiting the Goodnight Ranch on Saturday, August 22nd at 11 am and will look back at the history of the JA and how its culture is deeply rooted in the landscape and people of the Texas Panhandle.
This free program is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so saddle up and bring your family and friends over! This event is presented as part of Texas-America250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Legacy on the Land: Cornelia Adair's JA Ranch
2026-08-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site, 2000 US HWY 287, Clarendon, TX, 79226, United States
While our country turns 250 years old, the first cattle ranch in the Texas Panhandle, the famed JA, turns 150!
In honor of this momentous occasion, Dr. Alex Hunt from West Texas A&M University is visiting the Goodnight Ranch on Saturday, August 22nd at 11 am and will look back at the history of the woman behind the ranch, Cornelia Wadsworth Ritchie Adair.
This talk will give a brief overview of Cornelia’s life, with special emphasis on Cornelia’s relationship to the JA. Cornelia was an individual with strong ideas regarding land and livestock, and even when she could not visit so regularly, maintained close communication with the ranch. While she long felt that the ranch must be sold to give way to changing times, she never could bring herself to actually make the sale.
This free program is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so saddle up and bring your family and friends over! This event is presented as part of Texas-America250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Finding Your Roots: Genealogy at the Fulton Mansion
2026-08-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, 317 S. Fulton Beach Rd., Rockport, Texas, 78382, United States
As part of our America 250 celebration, join us at the Fulton Mansion for a genealogy presentation that connects the past to the present through family history. We’ll explore how archival records, census data, and family heirlooms can reveal rich, personal stories. Participants will learn beginner-friendly techniques to start their own genealogical research, with tips on using online tools, organizing family documents, and navigating historical records. Whether you’re just beginning or continuing a family history project, this presentation offers practical insights and inspiration. Discover how tracing your roots can deepen your connection to American history and give new meaning to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

A Night of Honor Music & Legacy | AMERICA 250 | TEXAS 250
2026-09-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita Street, San Antonio, TX, 78205, United States
Veterans Soirée on the Riverwalk: Honoring Service, Celebrating America Join The Platform Magazine Foundation for an unforgettable evening.

Join The Platform Magazine Foundation for the Veterans Soirée on the River Walk, a special evening dedicated to honoring veterans, military families, and the enduring spirit of American service.
Held at the historic Arneson River Theatre in San Antonio, this free community event will feature live entertainment, cultural performances, scholarship presentations, and special recognitions as we celebrate the individuals who have served our nation and the next generation of leaders they inspire.
As part of the nationwide America 250 | Freedom 250 commemoration, the evening will bring together community members, students, veterans, military families, and supporters for a memorable celebration of patriotism, education, service, and civic engagement.

Texas Capital Air Show
2026-11-07 09:30 - 2026-11-08 09:30 | San Marcos Regional Airport, 1807 Airport Dr, San Marcos, TX, 78666, United States
The Texas Capital Air Show is a family-friendly community event taking place at the San Marcos Airport, November 7th & 8th. We hope to draw families and aviation enthusiasts from all over Central Texas and beyond. Our goal is to host a world-class patriotic event that celebrates aviation, and honors the military, first responders, and our nation.
The Air Show will be headlined by the USAF F-22 Raptor Demo Team; as well as include demonstrations from the Texas Air National Guard F-16s, the Wings and Warriors Jump Team, the CAF Central Texas Wing’s C-47 and B-27, Bob Carlton, and more. There will also be a variety of modern military aircraft and historical aircraft on ground display, and a STEM area with hands-on activities for kids.
Proceeds from the show will go toward supporting the Wings & Warriors Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. They strive to eradicate suicide in our nation’s military members and first responders by being there for them in their times of need and providing them with any support and resources they may need.

Fields of Honor Set-Up
2026-12-06 07:00 - 16:00 | 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.

Fields of Honor Cleanup Day
2026-12-07 07:00 - 12:00 | San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, 3523 Independence Parkway South, La Porte, TX, 77571, United States
