Texas America250

Music in the Chamber: 1876-1926
2026-03-20 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco, TX, 75934, United States
Stockton Helbing and his Helbing Jazz Initiative project will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a musical examination of the roots of America’s beautiful original art form: jazz. Stockton and his band will take the audience on a fun musical romp through the birth of jazz music in New Orleans at the end of the 19th century and the songs and artists that ushered in the new sounds of jazz in the early 20th century.

FamilySearch for Beginners
2026-03-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, 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.

Happy Birthday America! Family Stories to Share, Do You Know Yours?
2026-03-21 10:30 - 13:00 | New Braunfels Public Library-West Branch, 2910 IH35 Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, 78130, 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 provides 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 are available after the program is done, to talk with, ask questions and visit our history and genealogy room with lots of free computer resources.

Family History Day
2026-03-21 11:00 - 15:00 | 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. Honor and share your family history at the French Legation’s Family History Day! With activities like creating your family tree, you can engage with your family and local history today and in the future. Perfect for future historians and genealogists, families, adults, and seniors.

Kids Cooking Class: Cozy Irish Potato Soup
2026-03-21 12:00 - 13:00
Join us as we savor history through foods in El Paso! Using an historic recipe from the El Paso Cook Book published in 1898, the staff will explore the history of Irish settlers and their influence on El Paso’s development. Using potatoes, onions, and milk, this dish is warm and soothing on a chilly day. The cost is $10 per child. All ingredients are provided. Please call (915) 533-5147 to register in advance as space is limited.

Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival
2026-03-21 12:00 - 2026-03-22 16:00 | Southside Preservation Hall, 1519 Lipscomb St, Fort Worth, TX, 76104, United States
Featuring a show-stopping lineup of award-winning artists from across North America, the Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival (FWAAMFest) features performances, educational sessions, and jamming celebrating the central role of blackness in American roots music. It is unique among U.S.- major city festivals, Black-led and centered on Black artists reclaiming their place in roots music forms through preservation and innovation.
This year’s FWAAMFest is bigger than ever, with two new events: A free kickoff dance on Friday, March 20th, and a documentary screening experience at the Modern Museum of Art Fort Worth on Sunday, March 22nd.
https://www.fwaamfest.com/
https://www.facebook.com/fwaamfest/

General Admission $50 • Seniors $40

Teachers/School Staff $35 • Youth (13-18) $20

Students $25 • Kids 12 and under Free Admission

Scouting America American Heritage Workshop
2026-03-22 12:30 | Lone Star Flight Museum, 11551 Aerospace Ave., Houston, 77034, United States
Lone Star Flight Museum’s collection of warbirds represents the heritage of the American people that fought to protect the rights outlined in the Constitution. Meet veterans that fought for those rights and hear their stories, discuss how history is depicted in music of wartime eras, learn about local historic places and the events that happened there, and investigate the meaning of the Declaration of Independence and its importance to you and your family.

Display: Documenting America in Government Records. Keeping America Informed - From Printing Press to Digital AI Era (1700s to Present)
2026-03-24 08:00 - 2026-07-31 17:00 | Fayette County Courthouse, 151 N Washington St, La Grange, 78945, United States
This exhibit reveals the behind-the-scenes—often lesser-known but highly significant—history of federal printing, preservation, and public access to information in the United States since the 1700s—inviting visitors to deepen their understanding and broaden awareness of how government information reaches the public. How has free, equal, and permanent public access been ensured—and how is it evolving today? What roles have libraries played? What do you want libraries to provide—now and in the future—to support open and reliable access to information? From the long-standing partnership between federal institutions and libraries to the evolving digital FDLP and emerging NCSA model, the exhibit also showcases the latest official government information discovery tools and highlights opportunities to learn more about and use government information services at Fondren Library and across the Federal Depository Library network. It reflects on Fondren Library’s journey as a Federal Depository Library since 1967, encouraging visitors to consider how they can help preserve and advance free, equal, and permanent public access to information in a digital, AI-driven era.

Home on the Range: The Goodnight Legacy
2026-03-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site, 2000 US HWY 287, Clarendon, TX, 79226, United States
In celebration of America 250, Goodnight Ranch is hosting a FREE program that explores the legacy of Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight. Their vision, generosity, and resilience helped shape not only the town of Goodnight but also other pioneer communities in the Texas Panhandle. Come hear how they helped other Texans build the state and nation we call home today. The program will be followed by a self-guided house tour. Do not forget to wear red, white, and blue!
This event is presented as part of Texas America250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

America 250: Texas in the Nation's Service (Lecture Series)
2026-03-29 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 – Doris Miller presented by Dr. Stephen Sloan | March 29, 2026
$10 general admission, $5 students, free to members

America250 Exhibit
2026-03-31 09:00 - 2026-07-31 17:00 | Longview Public Library, 222 W. Cotton St., Longview, TX, 75601, United States
Texas America250 Traveling Exhibit: Texas America250, on loan from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). The Texas America250 exhibit highlights historically significant Texas Treasures from the State Archives, encouraging all Americans to explore the story of the Lone Star State over the past 250 years. From Spanish missions to the space race, the landscape, culture, economy and people of Texas have played essential roles in the development of the United States.

Cooking Class: Kugel
2026-04-04 10:00 - 12:00
Join us as we savor history through foods in El Paso! Modern El Paso is a blend of many communities’ traditions and we are experiencing them one dish at a time. This historic recipe for kugel combines egg noodles, cheese, and raisins, this dish is popular during Jewish holidays. The cost is $10 per person. All ingredients are provided. Please call (915) 533-5147 to register in advance as space is limited.

Tom Lea: Brushstrokes from the Frontlines of World War II
2026-04-07 08:00 - 17:00 | The Old Post Office Museum & Art Center, 510 Third Street, Graham, TX, 76450, United States
Tom Lea: Brushstrokes from the Frontlines of World War II

El Paso artist Tom Lea was the first Accredited War Artist-Correspondent hired by LIFE magazine to paint World War II as it was being experienced by U.S. and Allied troops. From 1941 to 1945, Lea traveled more than 100,000 miles to record military activities in places like the South Pacific, China, and Peleliu. His most iconic paintings were published in eleven issues of LIFE and became some of the most recognized war paintings in the world.

As we celebrate a huge milestone for America, this exhibit will pay tribute to all the men and women whose sacrifices have made 250 years of the United States of America a reality.

May 15 – July 25, 2026

Stars and Stripes on Sidney Baker Street
2026-04-09 08:00 - 2026-08-01 17:00 | I10, 202 Thompson Dr,, Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
Stars and Stripes on Sidney Baker Street. U.S. flags will be displayed on electric poles along Sidney Baker Street from Interstate 10 to Louise Hays Park.

LCpl. Benjamin W. Schmidt Symposium on War, Conflict, and Society
2026-04-10 18:00 - 2026-04-11 14:00 | Dee J. Kelly Alumni Center, 2820 Stadium Dr., Fort Worth, 76129, United States
Join the Texas Christian University History Department for the 2026 Schmidt Symposium, focused on “America’s Revolutionary War.” The symposium will begin on Friday evening with a keynote address, followed by a day of panel discussions on Saturday featuring scholars and historians exploring the key issues and legacies of the war. All events are free and open to the public. More information will become available on TCU’s website throughout the fall.

Stars, Stripes & States
2026-04-11 08:00 - 2026-09-11 17:00 | Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Highway, Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
Special outdoor display of all 50 state flags, plus the 27 flags flown under the U.S. banner since 1776. Sponsored by Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bank & Trust, in conjunction with KPUB. Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Highway, Kerrville. Museumofwesternart.com

Burning on the Brazos
2026-04-11 09:00 - 16:00 | San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site, 220 2nd St., San Felipe, TX, 77473, United States
On March 29th, 1836, the town of San Felipe de Austin was set aflame by its own citizens as a defensive tactic against the Mexican Army. In the weeks leading up to this, the town played a significant role in the war with Mexico. Learn about the chain of events that ultimately led to the town’s destruction. Visitors will be able to participate in hands-on activities, witness historical demonstrations, and answer the ultimate question: Would you have burned the town? It all happens on Saturday, April 11th beginning at 9am! The story starts here, at San Felipe de Austin!

Texas History Day 2026
2026-04-11 10:00 - 15:30 | Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Encouraged by their teachers and parents, thousands of Texas students in grades 6 to 12 participate in the National History Day contest. The best entries will bring their projects to be judged at the annual state-level competition, organized by the Texas State Historical Association and held at the Bullock Museum and the University of Texas on April 11. Students compete in five categories: exhibits, websites, papers, performances, and documentaries. The winners will move on to Nationals in Washington, D.C. this summer.
The Texas History Day contest takes place at the Bullock Museum and at the University of Texas at Austin. All exhibits entries will be displayed at the Bullock Museum with public viewing from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on April 11.

City of Longview & Gregg County America 250 Kickoff Celebration
2026-04-11 10:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Longview, 219 E. Methvin Street, Longview, TX, 75601, United States
The City of Longview and Gregg County will host a America 250 Kickoff Celebration featuring multiple free events and activities in Downtown Longview on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The Day begins with a Chautauqua Festival at the Longview Public Library from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; a historical “old west” style festival called Dalton Days at the Gregg County historical museum from Noon – 4 p.m.; a Downtown Live concert at Heritage Plaza from 5 – 8 p.m.; an America 250 parade at 6:30 p.m.,; and an America 250 Laser Light Show at 8:15 p.m. All events are free to attend and focus on our shared local community and national history.

Becoming the United States Exhibit
2026-04-11 10:00 - 2026-07-22 17:00 | Frisco Heritage Center, 6455 Page St, Frisco, TX, 75034, United States
April 11 through July 31, 2026
Becoming the United States exhibit is a stirring new exhibit that celebrates America’s 250th birthday by tracing the nation’s journey from revolutionary sparks to a unified republic.
Through powerful artifacts, immersive storytelling, and interactive displays, visitors will explore the moments that shaped independence from colonial unrest and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to the forging of the Constitution and the birth of democratic ideals. Historic documents, period clothing, and hands-on experiences bring this transformative era to life, offering a deeper understanding of the people, conflicts, and dreams that gave rise to the United States.
It’s a compelling tribute to resilience, innovation, and the enduring spirit of freedom!
The exhibit is brought to you in part by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
Frisco Heritage Center Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10am to 5pm.

Kerrville Pets Alive!
2026-04-16 08:00 - 17:00 | KPA! S.A.F.E Campus, 2102 Memorial Blvd, Kerrville, TX, 78028, United States
Kerrville Pets Alive! Rabies Drive. Organizers hope to service 250 animals. All participating pets will receive patriotic neckwear. Kerrvillepetsalive.org

Colonial Texas Storytime
2026-04-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Butt-Holdsworth Library, 505 Water Street, Kerrville, TX, 780228, United States
Colonial Texas Storytime with Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Learn about life in colonial Texas, given from the viewpoint of a 10-year-old, with readings from the book Texas Before the Lone Star. Try your hand at a few different toys typical in colonial times, Patriot coloring pages, design your own tricornered hat like George Washington, while enjoying refreshments as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday! At Butt-Holdsworth Library, 505 Water Street, Kerrville (830)257-8422.

95th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Contest & Reunion
2026-04-17 10:00 - 2026-04-18 17:00 | Henderson County Courthouse Square and the Texan Theater, 100 E Tyler Street, Athens, TX, 75751, United States
Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion & the Lone Star Fiddle Championship is the oldest, continuous running fiddle contest in Texas surrounded by a festival on the Henderson County Square with live music, classic car show, fair foods, arts & craft vendors, domino tournament, armadillo races and street dances with some of the best Western Swing Bands in the country. You can’t get more of a traditional event to commemorate our patriotism & 250 year birthday. Fiddle music was held at barn dances and hoe downs since the founding of this country.

Liberty Lantern Walk
2026-04-17 10:00 - 2026-08-01 17:00 | Frisco Heritage Center, 6455 Page St, Frisco, TX, 75034, United States
In honor of America’s 250th Birthday, the Frisco community will proudly host the Liberty Lantern Walk, a breathtaking nighttime journey of 250 glowing lanterns that begins at City Hall by the flagpole, circles Jones Park, and concludes at the historic Heritage Center. Each lantern will shine as a symbol of liberty, and every fifth lantern will share a pivotal moment in the American Revolution—starting with the first shot fired at Lexington and Concord, highlighting Paul Revere’s midnight ride, recalling the courage at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and culminating in the decisive Battle of Yorktown, where independence was finally secured. This immersive walk is more than a local celebration—it is part of a nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th birthday, uniting communities across the United States in reflection and pride. As visitors follow the illuminated path, they will not only witness history but feel the awe of retracing the steps of a nation’s fight for freedom. From April through July, families, friends, and neighbors are invited to gather under the glow of lantern light, experiencing the Revolution’s timeline as it unfolds in a way that is both educational and deeply moving. The Liberty Lantern Walk is free and open to the public, offering everyone the chance to celebrate America’s story together. It is a moment to honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future—standing as one community among many in a grand national tribute to 250 years of liberty.
This event is ongoing as it is a walking trail through August 2026.

Celebration of Books
2026-04-17 11:00 | Lake Whitney Public Library, 602 E Jefferson Ave, Whitney, TX, 76692, United States
As we celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial or the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Fort Graham Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution want to celebrate this milestone with some of our youngest citizens. Through a special DAR America 250 grant from NSDAR, Fort Graham has worked with the Lake Whitney Library and Hillsboro City Library to select and purchase books where young readers and their families can learn more about the people who lived during this time and made many sacrifices for the America we know today. Our books focus on some of the “unknown” or “unrecognized” individuals that played a part of these historic events alongside the names of Washington, Jefferson, and Adams.
We are proud to partner with both libraries that will host our Celebrations on Friday, April 17th in anticipation the following week of National Library Week (April 20-24th). This special week highlights the vital role libraries and library professionals play in providing the educational resources to transform lives and help strengthen our communities. National Library Week kicks off on April 20th with the Right to Read Day which celebrates the freedom to read.
Please come and join us on Friday, April 17th:
Lake Whitney Public Library at 11 a.m.
Hillsboro City Library at 3 p.m.
Those in attendance can enter the name of a teacher in grades K-6 who is teaching in any school or home-school program in Hill County to be eligible to win a 250th Birthday cake (non-edible) made from school supplies. There is only one cake to be awarded. All tickets from both events will be combined and a winner drawn Friday evening.

95th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion & Contest
2026-04-17 12:00 - 2026-04-18 22:00 | Downtown Athens, 100 E Tyler St, Athens, TX, 75751, United States
Celebrate nearly a century of music, tradition, and community at the 95th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion & Contest, taking place April 17–18, 2026, in Athens, Texas. Established in 1932, this beloved event preserves one of America’s oldest and most enduring musical traditions—old-time fiddle music—while bringing together musicians, families, and visitors from across Texas and beyond.
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of American independence (America250), the Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion reflects the cultural traditions that helped shape the nation. Fiddle music traveled with settlers across the American frontier and became a defining part of rural gatherings, community dances, and storytelling traditions throughout Texas. For generations, this music has been passed down family to family, and the Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion continues to keep that living heritage alive.
The two-day celebration features the fiddle contest at the historic Texan Theater, with divisions for all ages—from “Junior Junior” to the Lone Star Fiddle Championship (Open Division)—and more than $10,000 in prize money awarded to outstanding musicians. The contest showcases both rising young fiddlers and master musicians who represent the finest traditions of Texas-style fiddling.
Festival activities extend throughout the Henderson County Courthouse Square, where visitors can experience live music, community entertainment, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. Evening Street Dances will feature performances by Jody Nix and His Texas Cowboys and The Craig Howell Band, continuing the long-standing Texas tradition of gathering on the town square to celebrate music and community.
Additional attractions include the Bacon Auto Ranch Classic Car Show, the St. Edwards Academy Family Fun Zone with games and activities for children, and a Food Truck & Community Market featuring local cuisine, artisan treats, and handcrafted goods. New this year, Armadillo Races add a uniquely Texas element of fun and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
The Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion welcomes families, heritage travelers, music enthusiasts, and visitors from across Texas and the United States. From daytime competitions and jam sessions to evening dances on the square, the festival creates a vibrant celebration of music, history, and community spirit.
As the event approaches its 100th anniversary, the 95th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion & Contest invites everyone to experience a living piece of American and Texas heritage in downtown Athens—bring a chair, bring your family, and be part of the music and tradition.

Music in the Chamber: 1926-1976
2026-04-17 19:30 - 21:00 | George A. Purefoy Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco, TX, 75934, United States
Music from 1926 to 1976 is steeped in Americana tradition. The Buffalo Ruckus’ music has been described as a compendium of roots, Americana, southern soul, psychedelic postmodern avant-garde and experimental country-fried rock. The songwriting is pure and soulful with stories of heritage, spirituality, redemption, love gained and love lost. Spun from the timbers of heart and soul, the Ruckus took its first musical breath in the middle of 2013. They quickly gained public attention after winning both the 2014 Texas Music Showdown and 2014 Shiner Rising Star competitions. The band has quickly spread its musical wings and taken its heavy soul-fueled sound through Texas, Georgia, New York and the Midwest.

Tree Planting Quest to 155
2026-04-18 09:00 - 11:00 | El Paso County Sportspark, 780 N. Zaragoza, El Paso, TX, 79936, 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.

Texas Citizen Bee State Competition 2026
2026-04-18 09:30 - 13:00 | Capitol Auditorium, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The Texas Citizen Bee is open to all public, private, home school, and parochial schools. Regional contests are held in each Education Service Center region, where top-performing students earn the opportunity to advance to the state championship in Austin, Texas. Designed to promote civic knowledge and engagement, the program is proudly sponsored by the Sumners Foundation and the Law-Related Education Department of the State Bar of Texas.

Family History Workshop with TXDAR
2026-04-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center, 650 FM 1011, Liberty, TX, 77575, United States
The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center (SHC) presents its third annual Family History Day with presentations and hands-on help from the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution (TXDAR) on Saturday, April 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come learn about the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), why women join and how DAR resources can help both men and women uncover overlooked patriots. You may have one or more Revolutionary patriots in your family, and this session will walk you through the resources available that help you explore your connection to these ancestors. Presenters will also share information about the DAR’s E Pluribus Unum Committee and specialty research groups.
In addition, Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) reference staff will describe the various genealogy tools available in Austin and Liberty. After the morning presentations and Q&A, DAR volunteers and TSLAC reference staff will be on hand to assist with family history research in the reading room from noon until 2:00 p.m.
10:00 – 11:45 a.m. Presentations
Noon – 2:00 p.m. Hands-on Research
This program is free and open to the public. Registration required. Contact the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center at SamHoustonCenter@tsl.texas.gov or (936) 336-8821.
