Texas Constitution on View
2026-02-02 09:00 - 2026-07-31 17:00 (America/Chicago) | 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!

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.

Kids Cooking Class: Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings)
2026-02-21 12:00 - 13:00 | TX
Join us as we savor history through foods in El Paso! Using historic recipes, site staff will explore the contributions of Chinese settlers. 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.

"Timeline of Texas 1598-1846"
2026-02-24 10:30 - 2026-03-31 12:00 | Texas Independence & the American Revolution, 405 5th St, Valley Mills, TX, 76689, United States
Join the Texas Society DAR for an engaging series exploring Texas history and historical fiction from Texas Before the Lone Star. Designed especially for home-schooled students, these interactive sessions will feature timelines, maps of Texas, and compelling stories that bring the past to life.
Topics include:

Stephen F. Austin & The Old Three Hundred
Texas Independence
The American Revolution
The roles of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT)
The Texas America 250 Reading Challenge

Students will gain a deeper understanding of Texas’ role in the broader American story through storytelling, discussion, and hands-on learning.
When: Every Tuesday morningTime: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Through: March 31

Annual George Washington Birthday Celebration Dinner
2026-02-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Communities Foundation of Texas, 5500 Caruth Haven Lane,, Dallas, TX, 75225, United States
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 | Program – 7PM | Dinner $125.00
Communities Foundation of Texas
5500 Caruth Haven Lane Dallas, TX 75225
*Founding Forward, a 501(c)3 non nonpartisan nonprofit charity, is the result of a merger between The
Union League Legacy Foundation and Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. These two organizations,
founded in 1947 and 1949, respectively, united based on their long-standing partnership and shared values.
Together as Founding Forward, they will combine their greatest assets and strengths to become the leading
voice and institution in civic education

"Revolutions and Constitutions: Nation-Building in the Americas after 1776" Exhibit
2026-02-27 09:00 - 2026-12-14 17:00 | Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection, 2300 Red River Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
What happens when undergraduate historians dive into the archives? You get “Revolutions and Constitutions: Nation-Building in the Americas after 1776.” This exhibition commemorates the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence by placing it within a broader hemispheric narrative. It explores how revolutionary ideals and new models of governance, shaped by Enlightenment thought and the U.S. Revolution, sparked independence movements and constitutional experimentation across Latin America. But it is also the result of a unique collaboration between UT history students (guided by Professors Lina del Castillo and Cristina Soriano) and Benson Curator Veronica Valarino. Together, they’ve unearthed rare documents that challenge simple narratives about independence.
Come see how student research has brought to light the complex legacies of liberty, citizenship, and persistent inequality that continue to shape our hemisphere today.
Featuring: Rare maps, manuscripts, and a companion digital exhibit by Benson Digital Scholarship Coordinator Albert Palacios. Digital Exhibit link: “Polarizing Uncertainty in the Atlantic World around 1776”
Visit us: Now through December 14, 2026 at the Benson Latin American Collection, Ann Hartness Reading Room, First Floor, Sid Richardson Hall, Unit 1, University of Texas at Austin.

Texas and Houston from 1850–2026: Maps, Atlases, and Geopolitical History
2026-02-27 14:00 | Fondren Library, Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX, 77005, United States
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 your knowledge by answering a series of guided questions integrated into the display.
Geopolitical Insights: Explore how maps have shaped the identity of our state since the mid-19th century.
The exhibit is open to the Rice community (faculty, students, staff), and the general public. The public (ages 18 and up) may visit the library during non-Rice visitor hours. A government-issued ID is required.

Tree Planting Quest to 155
2026-02-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Estrella Park, 14590 Greg Drive, EL Paso, TX, 79938, United States
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, symbolizing growth, resilience, and the long‑standing Texas tradition of caring for our land and communities.
The event series includes three community planting days, each hosted at a different county park or trail space. Participants will learn about the ecological and social value of trees, contribute directly to beautifying public spaces, and take part in a collective effort that reflects the America250 themes of civic engagement, environmental responsibility, and community collaboration. Each event is open to all ages and backgrounds, encouraging families, students, civic groups, and local residents to join in service and celebration.
Activities
Guided tree‑planting demonstrations
Hands‑on planting of native trees
Educational moments highlighting the “power of trees” and their role in Texas history, culture, and environmental health
Opportunities to connect with neighbors, county staff, and fellow volunteers
Bilingual engagement to ensure accessibility for the entire community
Who We Hope Will Attend
-Local families and youth
-Community groups and service organizations
-Schools, student clubs, and environmental programs
-Civic leaders and residents passionate about conservation
-Anyone interested in contributing to a meaningful, future‑focused community project
Timeline & Event Dates
Participants may attend one or all of the following 2026 planting events:
Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 9–11 AM
Estrella Park – 14590 Greg Drive, El Paso, TX 79939
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 9–11 AM (New Date)
Tornillo Trail at Coyote Park – 600 O T Smith Road, Tornillo, TX 79853
Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 9–11 AM (New Date)
El Paso County Sportspark – 1780 N. Zaragoza, El Paso, TX 79936
Participants can reserve their spot using the sign‑up link provided on the flyer. The series culminates in the successful planting of all 155 trees, marking a meaningful contribution to the county’s environmental legacy as Texas prepares to commemorate America250.

FamilySearch for Beginners
2026-02-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Varner-Hogg Plantation, 1702 N. 13th St., West Columbia, TX, 77486, United States
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 in exploring a new platform.

Red, White, & Stew
2026-02-28 10:00 - 14:00 | Kreische house, 414 State Loop 92, La Grange, TX, 78945, United States
Join living history interpreters for a celebration of America’s unique and multicultural food history from the Republic of Texas era. Stop by the Kreische house for a campfire cooking demonstration using recipes recorded during the Dawson and Mier Expeditions. Smell the delicious ingredients of our Thomas Jefferson Green and Company stew, and learn some of the history of foodways on-the-go for long journeys in the early 19th century.

Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony
2026-02-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Liberty Gardens of Bicentennial Park, 200 Unity Way, Southlake, TX, 76092, United States
The Captain Molly Corbin Chapter, NSDAR, will host a community event to dedicate a Liberty Tree in honor of America 250! A bronze DAR Commemorative Marker will accompany a newly planted Shumard red oak in the tranquil setting of the Liberty Gardens of Bicentennial Park.
