Texas America250 Exhibit
2026-01-01 08:00 - 2026-12-31 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, 1201 Brazos St., Austin, TX, 78701, United States
As the country celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, every state has a story to tell about its own contributions to the development of the nation.
Our 2026 exhibit, Texas America250, now on view at the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, spotlights some of the areas where Texans’ contributions shine especially bright—true Texas icons that remind all Americans of the 28th state.
From cowboys to astronauts, from Beaumont to Big Bend, the country would not be what it has become without Texas.
Visit www.tsl.texas.gov/texasamerica250exhibit to explore online!

Gregg County Historical Museum's Historic Windshield Tour
2026-01-01 08:00 - 2026-12-31 17:00 | Gregg County Historical Museum, 214 N Fredonia St, Longview, United States
Self-guided driving tour across Gregg County with audio. Gregg County Historical Museum invites you to take a journey through the people, places, and stories that shaped one of East Texas’s most remarkable communities. From early settlements and stagecoach routes to downtown landmarks, churches, cemeteries, and the oil fields that changed the world.

Exhibition: Rancheras: Spanish Texas Women and Their Contributions to American Independence
2026-01-01 09:00 - 2026-12-31 15:30 | Municipal Archives & Records Center, 719 S. Santa Rosa Ave, San Antonio, TX, 78204, United States
Rancheras: Spanish Texas Women and Their Contributions to American Independence uncovers the overlooked role of women ranch owners in eighteenth-century Texas and their
influence during the American Revolution. Through original wills, petitions, and census records, the exhibition shows how women exercised legal and economic authority under Spanish colonial law while managing cattle networks that supported frontier economies and wartime efforts. By linking Texas, Spain, and the Revolution, Rancheras reframes familiar narratives and highlights how local women and regional history shaped global events and the struggle for independence.

Lead the Way: Civic Season Drop-In
2026-01-01 11:00 - 2026-07-03 14:00 | National Museum of the Pacific War, 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
Join the National Museum of the Pacific War this summer for Lead the Way: Civic Season Drop-In, a hands-on family program exploring how leadership shaped the Pacific War and how it continues to shape our civic life today. Designed for learners of all ages, this come-and-go experience invites families to jump into creative activities that connect past decisions to the choices we make as citizens and leaders today. Lead the Way: Civic Season Drop-In is part of the national Civic Season movement, empowering families to explore history, reflect on values, and consider their role in shaping the future. No registration required—just stop by and join the experience at your own pace.

Texas America250 Traveling Exhibit
2026-01-02 10:00 - 2026-12-31 18:00 | Palestine Public Library, 502 N. Queen St., Palestine, 75801, United States
Texas America250 traveling exhibit will be on display in the Palestine Public Library public spaces.

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.

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?

The American Experiment: A Celebration of America 250 exhibit
2026-01-13 11:00 - 2026-09-26 17:00 | Welcome Center at Brown House, 301 N Ballard Ave., Wylie, TX, 75098, United States
This free exhibit features a gallery of art prints that vividly depict the chronology of the American Revolution and illuminate the colonists’ struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices in their quest for liberty. Discover the motivations that ignited a desire for freedom and explore the socio-political climate that compelled ordinary people to rise against the world’s most formidable empire. Learn how the media of the day–pamphlets, newspapers, and broadsides–united the colonists in their cause, galvanized support for independence, and framed the narrative of the war. We welcome group tours! Call 972/516-6331 to schedule. Hours are 11-5 Tuesday-Saturday.

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!

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

Exhibit: Tom Lea's Twelve Travelers Through the Pass of the North
2026-01-22 09:00 - 2026-04-26 16:00 | TX
The Magoffin Home State Historic Site, in partnership with the Tom Lea Institute, is pleased to host Tom Lea’s Twelve Travelers Through the Pass of the North, a collection of illustrations depicting significant historical figures who shaped the history of El Paso and the Southwest. Initially published in 1946, these images will be displayed at the Magoffin Home Visitor Center (1117 Magoffin Avenue, El Paso, TX) from January through April 2026 as part of the American Sesquicentennial celebration.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Texas America250 Traveling Exhibit
2026-01-26 08:30 - 2026-07-04 17:00 | Ingleside Public Library, 2775 Waco Street, Ingleside, TX, 78362, United States
Our Traveling Exhibit is displayed in our foyer for patrons to learn and enjoy!

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

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.

America the Beautiful Art Exhibit at Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center
2026-02-01 08:00 - 2026-12-31 17:00 | Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center, 700 E Marshall Ave, Longview, TX, 75601, United States
Curated in conjunction with the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, this America the Beautiful art display features community submitted artwork. The artwork can be found on the hospital’s ground floor near the ER entrance.

Texas Constitution on Display Through July 31
2026-02-02 08:00 - 2026-07-31 08:00 | Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, 1201 Brazos St., Austin, TX, 78701, United States
From February through July, the original 1876 Texas Constitution will be on display in TSLAC’s Reference Reading Room. This landmark document isn’t just a set of lofty principles—a defining feature is its extensive detail, more typical of state law codes. Its 17 articles cover everything from voting rights and education to railroads and taxes. The very first page features a brief preamble and 14 sections from Article I: The Bill of Rights. Texas still operates under this constitution today. Don’t miss your chance to see the foundation of Texas government in person!
The Constitution display is open to the public 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Check the Visit Us page for current information about hours, parking, and access.

Texas Constitution on View
2026-02-02 09:00 - 2026-07-31 17:00 | Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, 1201 Brazos St., Austin, TX, 78701, United States
From February through July, the original 1876 Texas Constitution will be on display in TSLAC’s Reference Reading Room. This landmark document isn’t just a set of lofty principles—a defining feature is its extensive detail, more typical of state law codes. Its 17 articles cover everything from voting rights and education to railroads and taxes. The very first page features a brief preamble and 14 sections from Article I: The Bill of Rights. Texas still operates under this constitution today. Don’t miss your chance to see the foundation of Texas government in person!
The Constitution display in the Reference Reading Room is generally open to the public 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.
Check the Visit Us page for current information about hours, parking, and access: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/visit#lorenzo

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.

Tides of Freedom: Spain & The Battle For American Independence
2026-02-02 17:00 - 2026-12-31 17:00 | Texas Maritime Museum, 1202 Navigation Circle, Rockport, TX, 78382, United States
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.
Central to the exhibit is the remarkable leadership of Bernardo de Gálvez, whose efforts both before and after King Carlos III of Spain declared war on Britain proved instrumental in weakening British control. Visitors will also discover how Texas cattle were driven across vast distances to help feed Spanish troops, demonstrating the region’s critical logistical role. Stories of Spanish military engagements along the Mississippi River and the Gulf further illustrate the breadth of Spain’s involvement and sacrifice.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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
.

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.

Documenting America: Black History in Government Records
2026-02-09 07:00 - 2026-02-28 18:00 | Fondren Library, Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX, 77005, United States
From laws and reports to statistics and public programs, government publications offer critical evidence of Black history in the United States. This exhibit features the history and development of the Federal agency – U.S. Commission of Civic Rights, how it has recorded, shaped, and responded to Black experiences over time.
The exhibit is open to the Rice community and the general public.
