WASHINGTON-ON-THE-BRAZOS RECEIVES $1 MILLION DONATION FOR HISTORIC SITE IMPROVEMENTS

  

The Washington-on-the-Brazos Historical Foundation has received a significant contribution toward its efforts to improve and expand the historic site. 

The Historical Foundation has announced a $1 million donation from the Joan and Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation to the “Where Texas Became Texas” Capital Campaign. 

The renovation project, led by the Texas Historical Commission, includes plans to enhance and preserve Independence Hall and other areas of the historic site in preparation for Texas’ bicentennial celebration in 2036.  The capital campaign seeks to raise $51.6 million in public and private funds and, with this donation, has surpassed $50 million of that goal. 

According to the Historical Foundation, the renovations are expected to increase visitation to the site each year from 90,000 to 120,000 people. 

Campaign co-chairs Jim Kolkhorst and Cyndee Smith thanked the Kelleher family for its support, calling this “a pivotal moment” as the Historical Foundation and Texas Historical Commission work to “honor the past and build for the future.”  The two said, “The Kelleher family’s profound generosity will ensure that the story of Texas and the spirit of those who fought for its independence will be told for generations to come."

The capital campaign seeks to enhance the visitor experience to Washington-on-the-Brazos through educational programs, interactive exhibits and maintenance of the site grounds and historic structures.  Specifically, the Kelleher Foundation’s contribution will go toward preservation efforts for Independence Hall, a recreation of the building where delegates met to declare independence from Mexico.  Through this project, the hall will sit alongside reconstructed buildings and structures as part of the “town” of Washington. 

Texas Historical Commission Chair and honorary campaign chair John Nau III said, “No other site in the state can tell the story of the people of the Republic of Texas – how their courage, leadership and bravery built an independent nation.  As a destination for all Texans, it is inspiring to see generosity from across the state to support this important site.”

The exhibits on the townsite are planned to open in spring 2026.  The newly renovated Star of the Republic Museum is scheduled to open this fall.

The Historical Foundation invites continued support as the construction project enters its final phase.  To learn more, visit https://wheretexasbecametexas.org.