Happy Birthday America! Family Stories to Share, Do You Know Yours?
2026-02-21 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Stories of Service: 250 Years of the American Military
2026-03-02 11:00 - 16:00 | National Museum of the Pacific War, 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, United States
Join the National Museum of the Pacific War for Stories of Service: 250 Years of the American Military, a festival-style celebration honoring the people, moments, and innovations that have shaped our nation’s armed forces from the Revolution to today. This special America 250 program brings history to life through powerful storytelling, live demonstrations, music, and hands-on experiences for all ages. Spend the day exploring interactive stations led by partner sites, meeting living historians, watching war-dog demonstrations, and engaging with frontline stories across time. Enjoy a moving choir performance, participate in a collaborative art project, and experience a stunning projection-mapping program that transforms the Historic Nimitz Ballroom. Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast, a military family, or simply curious about the legacy of American service, this event offers a compelling look at how generations of Americans have answered the call on the battlefield, on the home front, and in communities across the nation. Discover the stories. Honor the service. Experience 250 years of the American military in one extraordinary day.

Hope for Spring: America 250, Stars & Stripes Forever
2026-03-04 11:00 - 2026-04-05 16:00 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
The Neill-Cochran House Museum will host Hope for Spring: America 250, Stars and Stripes Forever from March 4, 2026-April 5, 2026. This is an open-call juried art exhibition open to all Central Texas artists age 18 and up. Each year the Museum presents a theme, and in honor of the 250th the theme in 2026 will focus on what America means to us all. We accept artwork in any medium that fits the theme and place the work on view throughout the historic house.
We will also host an opening reception on March 7, 2026 from 4-6PM.
The exhibition is included with admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors/students. Active military and their families and children 12 and younger are always free.

Texas Independence Day Dance
2026-03-05 17:00 - 21:00 | The Grace Garage, 102 Cypress Street, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States
As part of the celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial, The Grace Museum will host a Texas Independence Day Dance to celebrate our history as Texans. Attendees can enjoy live music by Evan Christian and Friends (beginning at 6 pm), craft barbecue by Sherrod’s BBQ Food Truck (for purchase), and a cash bar hosted by Ice House – and of course, DANCING! Additional activities will also provide more information about the history of Texas Independence Day.

Tree Planting Quest to 155
2026-03-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Tornillo Trail at Coyote Park, 600 O T Smith Road, Tornillo, 79853, United States

Cooking Class: Irish Potato Soup
2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:00 | TX
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 person. All ingredients are provided. Please call (915) 533-5147 to register in advance as space is limited.

Spring Break on the Bluff
2026-03-07 10:00 - 2026-03-15 14:00 | TX
Join us on the Bluff from March 7-15 for nine days of unique Spring Break activities! Each day features a different program from 10am-2pm inspired by the 19th-century German-Texan experience. Step into the shoes of an early German immigrant coming to Texas and practice the skills needed to succeed in your new life. From adapting to new foodways, learning about American citizenship, and finding your livelihood, each activity or craft will bring you along the journey to becoming a German-Texan.

Texas America 250 Open House
2026-03-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Fairbanks Branch Library, 7122 Gessner, Houston, TX, 77040, United States
Please Join Us As We Celebrate Texas America 250 with a Special Open House at the Fairbanks Branch Library on Saturday, March 14th, from 10 am to noon. There is something for everyone as we celebrate our library hosting the Texas State Library & Archives Commission’s Texas America 250 traveling exhibit.
While exploring the exhibit, pick up a free kids’ fun pack, including a free Open Door pass for a family of 6 to visit the Children’s Museum of Houston while supplies last.
We will also be handing out a limited number of US Constitution and Declaration of Independence booklets.
Spend Time Coloring Texas America 250 Activity Sheets.
Learn more about our community partners: Fairbanks Friends of the Library, Houston Cy-Fair Lions Club, and Harris County Appraisal District Voter Education Outreach Program.
Light refreshments will be served while supplies last.
Come learn more about our state’s history and have some fun at the library!
A special thank you to the Friends of the Fairbanks Library for sponsoring this event in partnership with the Houston Cy-Fair Lions Club.

Liberty Tree Planting
2026-03-17 14:45 | Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber, 505 W. Davis St., Conroe, TX, 77301, United States
Chamber members and the community are invited to attend a ceremonial Liberty Tree planting on Tuesday, March 17, at 2:45 p.m., in front of the Chamber building (505 W. Davis) in downtown Conroe. Chamber President Scott Harper will officially plant the tree.
The tree planting is tied to the ongoing America 250 celebration. Attendees are encouraged to wear green in honor of both the planting and St. Patrick’s Day. The 15-gallon Redbud tree was donated by Trees for Houston.

A Woman at Her Easel: Leola Freeman with Jennifer Moxley
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:00 | TX
Step into the colorful world of Leola Warnock Freeman, a trailblazing impressionist and portrait artist who helped shape El Paso’s 20th-century art scene. A 1934 Public Works of Art Project awardee, Freeman’s work—ranging from intimate family portraits to sweeping landscapes—still graces public spaces across the city today. Join her descendant, Jennifer Moxley, for an image-rich lecture exploring Freeman’s remarkable life, legacy, and the vibrant art community she helped build. This lecture will take place on March 19, 2026 at the Magoffin Home Visitor Center at 1117 Magoffin Avenue. This free lecture will feature many historical documents, drawings, atworks, 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 staff will be available to answer questions in Spanish.

Music in the Chamber: 1876-1926
2026-03-20 19:30 - 21:00 | 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

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 | TX
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.
