WASHINGTON-ON-THE-BRAZOS GIVE CALENDAR EVENTS THROUGH DECEMBER

  

The Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic site reminds visitors that the museum host activities year around.

Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site has many onsite amenities open daily, as well as an incredible schedule of events and programs.  On the grounds of this TPWD-run state park is the Star of the Republic Museum (collections honoring the history, cultures, diversity and values of early Texans; administered by Blinn College); Independence Hall (the site in 1836 where the representatives met to write the declaration of independence); and Barrington Living History Farm (where interpreters dress, talk, work and farm as the earliest residents of the original farmstead did).  The site’s Visitor Center features interactive exhibits which present a timeline of the Texas Revolution and highlight the historic attractions located within the park; it also houses the spacious Washington Emporium Gift Shop, which offers snacks and a wide range of Texas-themed items and keepsakes.   The Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site is a wonderfully preserved example of a 19th century stagecoach inn, located nearby in Anderson, TX. And remember, entrance to the park grounds, Visitor Center and parking is always free.

Unless noted otherwise, all programs are open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Dress appropriately for the season and be prepared for the weather as the event will take place in an 1850s period setting with some portions outdoors.

Feb. 1, 2015 through Feb. 15, 2016 - Enduring Spirit: African Americans in 19th Century Texas, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Star of the Republic Museum is celebrating Black History in Texas with a yearlong exhibit that captures the spirit of 19th-century black Texans and the challenges they faced before, during and after the Civil War.  While the first African Americans in Texas were free men and women seeking opportunity and advancement, the laws of the newly formed Republic of Texas forced them out and opened the door to thousands of enslaved people who served as the backbone of the labor force for almost 30 years. Finally gaining their freedom after the Civil War, they discovered their struggle was far from over.  Artifacts on display include slave records, freedmen contracts and an oath of allegiance. Stoneware pottery made at Wilson Pottery near Seguin, the first African American business in Texas, is exhibited, as well as an example of the intricate Pine Burr pattern quilt.  Star of the Republic Museum; 936-878-2461, ext. 237.

Weekends (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) in September 2015 - Cotton Pickin’ Weekends, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Visitors can join the farm hands in harvesting the Barrington Farm cotton crop.  The Cotton has been planted, watered and weeded, and now visitors can help pick, hand gin, card and weave the beautiful “Lone Star” antique variety of cotton.  Standard farm admission fees apply. Activities may vary depending on weather conditions and resource availability. Barrington Living History Farm; contact Ben Baumgartner or Bruce Wardlow: (936) 878-2214, ext. 246.

Sept 12 and October 10, 2015 - Stagecoach Days, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Stagecoach Days allow visitors to experience what it was like to travel cross-country via stagecoach and learn about the Inn’s history and connection with early stage lines. There is no admission fee to visit the Inn, with a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children for stagecoach rides. Rides last approximately 15 minutes; Inn tours last 30-45 minutes. Additional activities on these days may include music from the Star of Texas Dulcimers and poem readings by a cowboy poet.  Fanthorp Inn; contact Jon Failor: (936) 878-2214, ext. 224 or jon.failor@tpwd.texas.gov.

September 19, October 17, November 21, and December 19, 2015 - Living History Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Travel back in time to where a nation was born in 1836.  On the third Saturday of each month, staff and volunteers dressed in period clothing bring to life the people and events of Old Washington, providing a unique opportunity to discover various aspects of life surrounding the birth of the Republic of Texas.  The program features activities suited for the entire family such as writing with a quill pen; signing a copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence; visiting with militia soldiers travelling through town; or playing some early Texas games.  Traditional guided tours of Independence Hall will not be offered these days.  Independence Hall; contact Jon Failor: (936) 878-2214, ext. 224 or jon.failor@tpwd.texas.gov.

September 26, October 24, 2015 - Music Makes a Celebration, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Discover the music that inspired celebration and recreation in 19th century Texas with the program “Music Makes a Celebration,” presented by Homestead Strings at Fanthorp Inn. Relive the joy that weary travelers and local citizens experienced as the Inn provided the largest accommodations in the area to host celebrations, parties and the occasional escape from the rugged Texas frontier. Presentations will be ongoing throughout the day and will last approximately 35-40 minutes. Fanthorp Inn; contact Jon Failor: (936) 878-2214, ext. 224 or jon.failor@tpwd.texas.gov

Thursdays, October, 2015 - Home School Days:  Every Thursday in October, the staffs at the Star of the Republic Museum and Barrington Farm present Childhood in Early Texas, an interactive, hands-on program for the entire family, targeting students ages 5-12. At the Museum, visitors will learn about childhood chores, clothes and schools, and then make some old-fashioned toys to take home.  At Barrington Farm, they can experience life on the 1850s era farm to learn more about the crops, livestock and daily life of early Texans. No minimum group size required. Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Cost: $8/child, $6/adult for both attractions. Barrington Farm and Star of the Republic Museum; advance reservations and payment required by calling Donna Barker at 936-878-2461, ext. 245.October 10, 2015 – Henry Fanthorp’s Wake – A Look at Death and Mourning in 19th Century Texas:

“Henry’s Wake” will take a look at the ceremonies and rituals of death in 19th century Texas.  The unfortunate death of Henry Fanthorp, proprietor of one of Texas’ most successful stagecoach inns, on October 31, 1867 reminds us of the fragile state of life in the 19th century.  This famous innkeeper and his wife were but a small portion of the souls who met their demise at Fanthorp’s stagecoach Inn. Presentations (not recommended for children under 10 years) will be by reservation only for 7, 7:15, 7:30, 7:45, 8:00 and 8:15 p.m. and will last approximately 50 minutes. Reservations open September 1, 2015. Fanthorp Inn; contact Jon Failor: (936) 878-2214, ext. 224 or jon.failor@tpwd.texas.gov.  This program is recommended for adults only. Children that attend must be under adult supervision.

October 24 and 25, 2015 - Labor of Thine Hands: Trades in Early Texas, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Ponder for a moment all of the skills and trades practiced that people rely upon daily: auto mechanics, carpenters, electricians and plumbers to name a few.  Just as people today need skilled laborers to live, so, too, did the farmers of early Texas. Barrington Farm presents this expanded program where demonstrators will exhibit some of the many skills needed by our ancestors, from blacksmiths to tailors and potters. Program is free with general admission to the Farm.  Reservations not required. Barrington Farm; contact Ben Baumgartner or Bruce Wardlow: (936) 878-2214, ext. 246.

November 7, 2015 – Night at the Star of the Republic Museum, 7 – 9 p.m.:   Explore the museum in a new light…a flashlight!  After the lights go down in the museum, the exhibits come to life as live characters step out of the exhibits to tell the story of the Texas Republic. Guests should bring a flashlight.  Adults/$5; students/$3; children ages 6 and under and all those with current Blinn College ID are free. Star of the Republic Museum; contact Anne McGaugh at 936-878-2461, ext. 237.

November 28, 2015 - Twilight Firelight – A Period Gathering at Fanthorp Inn, 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.: Inns like Fanthorp Inn were places where news from far away was spread, ideas were exchanged and communities developed. Visitors can tour this historic inn, restored to its 1850s appearance, ride a replica stagecoach, enjoy period music and interpreters in period clothing and learn about this exciting site, rich with history and culture. Twilight Firelight includes stagecoach and wagon rides from the courthouse square in Anderson to the inn and back at the conclusion of your tour. Parking for this event is in downtown Anderson. A donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children is suggested for stagecoach ride. Fanthorp Inn; contact Jon Failor at (936) 878-2214, ext. 224 or jon.failor@tpwd.texas.gov.

December 12, 2015 – Christmas on the Brazos featuring Barrington Candlelight Christmas Start the holiday season by spending the day at Washington on the Brazos with modern and historic holiday activities for all ages, staggered throughout the park. The Star of the Republic Museum will have Christmas crafts available throughout the day and will be open during regular museum hours. At 5 p.m., activities will shift to Barrington Farm for Candlelight Christmas, the evening event. This special program features timed vignettes, offering glimpses into 1850s festivities through a candlelit tour of Barrington Farm. The event will include live 19th century music and dancing, bonfires and Christmas readings, 1850s Santa Claus, musket firing and cookies and hot cider.  Please allow at least one hour to complete the full experience.  Groups will enter the site at timed intervals and reservations are highly recommended and will be accepted starting November 1.  Standard site admission fees apply.  Washington on the Brazos site, Star of the Republic Museum, Independence Hall, Visitor Center and Barrington Farm; for more information or to make reservations, contact Jessica Guidry at (936) 878-2214 ext. 246 or barrington.farm@tpwd.texas.gov.

Coming in 2016 - 2017 will be an important year for Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site: not only is it the 180th anniversary of the signing on that very spot of the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico in 1836, but it will also be the park's 100th birthday.  To commemorate this special occasion the three entities that administer and support this site—Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. (TPWD), Blinn College and Washington on the Brazos State Park Association—are planning a Texas-size celebration.

Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, 2016:  “Texas Independence Day Celebration” (TIDC) is an annual two-day celebration featuring live music, food, traditional crafts, living history presentations, historical encampments and commemorative programs as guests step back into history to experience life in Texas in 1836.  In 2016, TIDC will be escalated to include a historical play, a special exhibit in Star of Republic Museum, additional historical reenactments, special events at the Barrington Living History Farm and family reunions of the descendants of the 59 men who signed the Declaration.   And just as they did 180 years ago, riders on horseback will deliver to Independence Hall the letter written by Alamo leader William Barret Travis to the delegates meeting at Washington on the Brazos.

The Park:  The expansive park grounds along the Brazos River also provide a beautiful setting for picnicking, sightseeing and bird watching, as well as four geocaching sites—two each from TPWD and the Brenham/Washington County Chamber and CVB.  It also features a Conference Center, which is perfect for meetings, weddings and reunions. The Education Center with a main auditorium and two classroom style spaces are perfect for smaller groups. An outdoor amphitheater and two pavilions are also available to rent.

There are many reasons to join the Washington on the Brazos State Park Association as a member and explore this Texas treasure.  Besides the irreplaceable satisfaction of helping to uphold Texas history through the Association’s preservation projects, celebrations and programming, spending time at the park is an easy, inexpensive, educational and fun way to entertain families and visitors. Park Association membership levels are available for individuals, families and businesses and include free admission to the Site’s attractions for a year, including—for some levels—private parties during the park’s special celebrations.  The Park Association has underwritten its new website at www.wheretexasbecametexas.org.

Visitors should call the park at (936) 878-2214 to confirm all of these dates and times; events subject to change based on weather, etc.  Leashed pets allowed in park, but NOT ALLOWED onto farm site or in the buildings. Accessible for the mobility impaired.   For lodging information, please contact the Brenham Visitor Center at www.visitbrenhamtexas.com/ or 1-888-BRENHAM.

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