Exhibit: Tom Lea's Twelve Travelers Through the Pass of the North
2026-01-22 09:00 - 2026-04-26 16:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

"Favorite Black Media" Board
2026-02-09 07:00 - 2026-02-28 18:00 | Fondren Library, Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX, 77005, United States
Join Us for Fun!
Instructions: Write your favorite black movie, music, or art and why on the sticky notes & post it. The activity shows the influence of Black media on current culture.

"Heritage/Visit": Push Pin Map
2026-02-09 07:00 - 2026-02-28 18:00 | Fondren Library, Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX, 77005, United States
Join Us for Fun!
Instructions:
Red Pins: Where your heritage originates
Green pins: Where you’d like to visit.
Shows the immigration history and patterns of African Americans and recent immigrants from Africa.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Printing the American Revolution
2026-02-21 10:00 - 2026-08-22 17:00 | Wichita Falls Museum of Art, 2 Eureka Cir, Wichita Falls, TX, 76308, United States
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, explore how print culture was crucial to the American Revolution. Prints, books, and newspapers shaped colonists’ reactions to British rule, informed Americans of major developments during the war, and commemorated beloved leaders after the United States gained its independence. Read about these important works thanks to students’ research in Dr. Mary Draper’s Revolutionary America class from the History Department at MSU Texas.
February 21-August 22 | Tuesday through Friday 10am-5pm | Saturdays 1-5pm (except university holidays)
Exhibitions and programs are made possible in part by grants from the City of Wichita Falls as administered by the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture, the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation, and the Texas Commission on the Arts; the J.S. Bridwell Foundation; the Bryant Edwards Foundation; the Fain Foundation; the Lola Pitzer Endowment; and MSU Texas with support from the Museum Trust Fund and individual donors to Texoma Gives and the Museum Annual Fund.

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!
