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If you've missed some of our events of yore,
Corn for Cash Relive the excitement of coaching in early Texas by touring Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site. Once a month, the Inn comes to life with costumed characters and activities at one of Texas most authentic and celebrated stagecoach inns. Join us February 11th as we present “Corn for Cash” a look at how an early settler to Texas turned dealing in corn into a way to finance a very successful Stagecoach Inn. In addition to the presentations, you will be magically taken back in time to the Texas 1850’s with the sweet sounds of Dulcimer music and the heartfelt poetry of a cowboy poet. Discover the stagecoach’s role in early Texas travel and communication. It’s a unique event the whole family will remember and enjoy. This event will be held at Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site located in Anderson, Grimes County off Highway 90 about 10 miles east of Texas Hwy 6 in Navasota.
Beasts of Burden Farmers of the 1850s relied on beasts of burden to cultivate a life from the soil. During the “Beasts of Burden” program, visitors will have the opportunity to see draught animals working a field to prepare it for planting. The tools that will be utilized are a plow, cultivator and harrow of the time period. This event will be held at Barrington Living History Farm located in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Site off Highway 105 between Navasota and Brenham on FM 1155.
Our Flag Still Proudly Waves Please Join us on January 28 as we learn the history and symbolism of the many flags that have flown in Texas, with guest speaker and former TSSAR president, Tom Green. Try your hand at putting a stitch into a recreation of an early Texas flag. Deepen your understanding and respect for the flags of our State. “Arouse, arouse, your flag's unfurled, seek victory or win your graves. Presentations will be given at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Ticket prices are: Adult $5.00; Student $3.00; FREE to children 6 and under.
Game Aplenty: Join us on January 21 for a special presentation on hunting in the Republic of Texas. “Nature was here a series of wonders, and a fund of delight.” Presentations will be given at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Ticket prices are: Adult $5.00; Student $3.00; FREE to children 6 and under.
Butchering & Curing Program - Barrington Living History Farm Join us for our own butchering and curing weekend, where we will be butchering two of our very own farm raised Ossabaw Island Hogs on Saturday and beginning the curing process on Sunday. Butchering livestock was a very necessary way of life in the mid-19th century. Many of the animals raised on the farm were raised for that purpose. Pork has been preserved by drying, salting and smoking for centuries. There are different ways of curing, but they all serve the purpose of preserving it to eat later. This program will be ongoing, so if you want to see every step you have to attend the entire event. Steps will not be repeated once the resources have been used up. This event will be held at Barrington Living History Farm, 14-15 January 2012, Farm admission fees are Adults-$5.00; Students-$3.00; with children 6 and under admitted free.
CARRYING THE NEWS: Stop and take a rest from the trail Park staff will bring this oft overlooked part of our history to life through firsthand accounts and reproduction props. Try your hand at using a quill pen and handmade walnut ink, just like our forefathers did over one hundred and seventy years ago! You may come to appreciate the dangerous and solitary life of the frontier mail courier, as well as the convenience of today’s communication systems. Letters are among the most significant memorial a person can leave behind them. Presentations will be given at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Ticket prices are: Adult $5.00; Student $3.00; FREE to children 6 and under.
Barrington Farm Holidays - Saturdays, December 3, 10 & 17, 2011 In recent years, Barrington Living History Farm has celebrated the Christmas season by hosting an afternoon/evening program on the second Saturday in December. This year we are making a change! This year Join us Saturdays, December 3, 10 and 17 Together we will enjoy the simplicity of farm life by making decorations and toys for the home and family, On Dec. 3, 10 & 17 we'll be focusing on simple 1850s style Christmas activities. Barrington Farm is located in Washington-on-the-Brazos state Historic Site Note: Barrington Farm is closed Sunday, December 25, 2011 for a very Merry Christmas! For further information call Barrington Farm at (936-878-2214 ext. 246.
Take a break from the hectic holiday pace and re-focus on your family and friends Highlight Holiday Celebration at Fanthorp Inn Living History Re-enactors to Highlight Holiday Celebration at Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site. Holiday Time is Family Time at Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site in Anderson, Texas. Activities begin at the Grimes county courthouse in Anderson where visitors board a replica stagecoach or carriage for a ride down Main Street to Fanthorp Inn. Upon arrival visitors will meet their hosts from 1850, Henry and Rachel Fanthorp, along with, cowboys, travelers from the 1800’s and personalities who will entertain with stories, poetry, music, wassail and good cheer. The atmosphere of the Inn and living history personalities brings the holiday season of 1850 to life. So take a break from the hectic holiday pace and re-focus on your family and friends at Fanthorp Inn’s Twilight/Firelight celebration! Suggested ticket donations are $ 5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children 12 and under. Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site
“Hearth Cooking” Class - Saturday, November 12 Have you ever been amazed at how cooking was done for thousands of years before Learn old-fashioned skills that your great-great-great-grandparents would have known. Our Hearth Cooking class will be held at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Site The hours of operation for this event are from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 12th, 2011. There is a $30.10 per person fee, which is non-refundable after November 4th.
“Hearth Cooking” Class - Saturday, November 12 Have you ever been amazed at how cooking was done for thousands of years before Learn old-fashioned skills that your great-great-great-grandparents would have known. Our Hearth Cooking class will be held at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Site The hours of operation for this event are from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 12th, 2011. There is a $30.10 per person fee, which is non-refundable after November 4th.
Night at the Star of the Republic Museum! - Saturday, October 22 Come one, come all, to the museum to see Back to the Republic of Texas we’ll go The Star of the Republic Museum at Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site presents “This event will allow visitors to discover the history of Texas in a different light!” For additional details, visit www.StarMuseum.org or call 936-878-2461, ext. 237.
"Music Makes a Celebration" - Saturday, October 8, 2011 Discover the music that inspired celebration and recreation in 19th century Texas As one of early Texas’ most occupied Stagecoach Inns, Fanthorp often found itself as the focal point for parties, celebrations, and great Balls; which brought delight to significant dates such as New Years, Christmas and Texas Independence Day. Relive the joy weary travelers and local citizens experienced as the Inn provided the largest room and accommodations in the area to host celebrations. Imagine interacting with noted Fanthorp guests who included Sam Houston, Zachary Taylor, and Robert E. Lee as fanciful music filled the rooms and heads of travelers, locals and dignitaries. Absorb the music that brought relief to the weary and excitement to young and old alike. Explore the period music performed by skilled musicians on instruments including the Mountain Dulcimer, Guitar, and don’t be surprised to feel yourself join in the toe tapping music. Visit Fanthorp Inn on this special Saturday in October and experience the life and music of Texans and travelers. Tap on the tambourine or try your hand at strumming the mountain dulcimer. Discover stories told by costumed guides, describing the workings of an Inn and its very successful Innkeeper. Fanthorp Inn is located at the end of Main Street in Anderson, Texas and is administered by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Fanthorp Inn is open 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays only.
New Look for 12th Annual H-E-B presents Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical site is the place to bring your family this July Fourth. The “Birthplace of Texas” has a full day of fun activities planned to celebrate our nation’s independence, capped off by a remarkable laser light show, choreographed to your favorite patriotic tunes. It’s the first time a laser show has been presented at the park. There will be no fireworks display this year, due to the extreme drought. Members of the park staff, Texas Parks and Wildlife department, and area volunteer fire departments decided foregoing the fireworks this year would be the most responsible action to take. Instead, the park will host a concert by western swing band, “Back at the Ranch”, followed by a one of a kind laser light show. Start the day by visiting the site’s three main attractions: Independence Hall, where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed in 1836; Admission to the park is free, but some tour fees apply. Call 936-878-2214 for tour hours. The Star of the Republic Museum is housing a special exhibit entitled Fifty-nine for Freedom. On March 2, 1836, as Santa Anna was approaching San Antonio, the delegates at Washington-on-the-Brazos declared: “Our political connection with the Mexican nation has now forever ended, and the people of Texas do now constitute a free and independent republic.” By signing this Declaration, these men were signing their own death warrants, jeopardizing their property, and the lives of their families. Fifty-nine for Freedom will explore the life and contributions of each delegate with numerous artifacts and documents owned or created by many of the 59 signers. Children will be invited to participate in 1800’s period games, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Cool off with some free Blue Bell Ice Cream and Coca-Cola products at 5:30. At 7:15, head to the amphitheater for a free special concert by western swing band Back at the Ranch. State park rules apply; alcohol is prohibited.
"Day in the Garden" Come spend Memorial Day weekend with us and see two programs in one! We at Barrington Living History Farm invite you to come spend a day in the garden during our “Day in the Garden” weekend. See how we grow heirloom varieties of vegetables as they did in the 1850's according to Thomas Affleck from Gay Hill at Glenblythe Plantation. Try your hand at making old fashioned crafts to take with you. Help us harvest our rye they old fashioned way, then take a break on the dog run porch and learn about the Anson Jones family and life 160 years ago. Also, see the final process of fabric production at Barrington Farm. We have planted, water, weeded, picked, spun and woven our antique cotton into fabric and now we will be dying it different colors. The plants and animals we'll be using are all natural and were common dyes in 1850, some are still used today in fabric and food dyes. This program will be held on May 28th & 29th, 2011 at Barrington Living History Farm, located at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site off Highway 105 between Navasota and Brenham on FM 1155. The hours of operation are from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm daily. For additional details call (936) 878-2214 ext. 246.
2011 Texas Independence Day Celebration Washington, Texas – The Birthplace of Texas - The 175th anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence will be recognized during a free two-day festival, February 26-27, 2011 at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. This celebration brings the Republic of Texas era to life. The festival will be held on both Saturday and Sunday, from 10am until 5pm, with endless opportunities for family-oriented activities. A special commemorative program will be held on Sunday afternoon at the Tom & Jane Bullock Amphitheater, featuring U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, a direct descendant of Texas Declaration of Independence signer Charles Taylor, as the keynote speaker. A contingent of the Fighting Texas Aggie Band will start things off at 1:00pm. Direct descendants of the 59 declaration signers will also be recognized during a dramatic roll call of each of the signer’s names. During the program the Star of the Republic Museum, Arts Council of the Brazos Valley, and the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park Association unveiled The Big Picture! – a “Texas-sized” reproduction of a famous painting by artists Charles and Fanny Normann. The Normanns originally created their dramatic “Reading of the Texas Declaration of Independence” for the Texas Centennial Celebration in 1936. The image was divided into 72 segments, and then over 70 local artists, both professional and amateur, were assigned a segment of the image to paint on a 2 X 3 ft. panel. When complete, the segments will be assembled to create an 18 X 24 ft. reproduction of the original painting, three times its original size. A Texas-sized birthday cake was served to audience members, with the help of the Washington County Historical Society Heritage Belles. Following the program, a performance of The Convention of 1836 by the Navasota Theater Alliance will be held in the amphitheater at 4:00pm. Throughout the two-day celebration, the 293 acre park along the Brazos River was transported back to the time when Texas was a sovereign nation. Re-enactors in period clothing and members of the Texas Army, along with skilled craftsmen and talented musicians, will fill the park as Texas commemorates its inception. Statesmen of the era, such as Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin and William Barret Travis, will be on hand to bring the history to life On Saturday, the Star of the Republic Museum opened a new exhibit entitled Fifty-nine for Freedom. On March 2, 1836, as Santa Anna was approaching San Antonio, the delegates at Washington-on-the-Brazos declared: “Our political connection with the Mexican nation has now forever ended, and the people of Texas do now constitute a free and independent republic.” By signing this Declaration, these men were signing their own death warrants, jeopardizing their property, and the lives of their families. Fifty-nine for Freedom will explore the life and contributions of each delegate with numerous artifacts and documents owned or created by many of the 59 signers. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site features three attractions that are open year round – Independence Hall, the Star of the Republic Museum, and Barrington Living History Farm. All admission fees will be waived during the celebration weekend! Food vendors selling a variety of festival foods will be on site. This event is made possible through funding from Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park Association, Exxon Mobil Corporation and Bluebonnet Electric Co-op. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is located between Brenham and Navasota off State Hwy. 105 and FM 1155, approximately one hour northwest of Houston. Directions and schedule of events are available online at www.starmuseum.org Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is located between Brenham and Navasota
Saturday, February 26th The Park was filled with living historians recreating the day to day life, chores and activities of a Texian volunteer. Through the use of period appropriate clothing, weapons and accoutrements visitors will experience what life was like for the men who fought to gain Texas' independence. Firing demonstrations, small arms and artillery at river overlook, Craft vendors, demonstrators, and musicians: Free admission to the Star of the Republic Museum Historic craft demonstrators at the Museum: Recreation of key moments of the Independence Convention: Texas Heroes Living History at the Museum Theater The Texas Convention: The Birth of a Republic March 1-17, 1836: Republic of Texas Art Contest Awards at Museum Theater Texas Heroes Living History at the Museum Theater Sunday, February 27th Volunteer camp interpretation near overlook: Texas Army camp near museum and old Anson Jones kitchen: Lott's tavern in old Anson Jones kitchen: Free admission to the Star of the Republic Museum Historic craft demonstrators at the Museum: Washington Guard interpretive program at Independence Hall: Drill competition: Firing demonstrations, small arms and artillery at river overlook, Anson Jones kitchen, Craft vendors, demonstrators, and musicians: Stroll through the park and enjoy the many craftsmen demonstrating skills and crafts of the period. Enjoy music from one of the many bands offering up the finest in period appropriate music as well as modern favorites at various locations and times throughout the weekend. Texas Heroes Living History at the Museum Theater Recognition of Descendants of the Signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence • Fightin' Texas Aggie Band Directions are available online at www.starmuseum.org Media Contact: Ginger Moreland
One-of-a-kind ONLINE AUCTION ITEMS
Own a piece of THE BIG PICTURE! Own a COMMEMORATIVE PEN with a Signer’s Signature! Own a HISTORIC PECAN TREE SEEDLING! www.BiddingForGood.com/Brenhamtexas Auction open from 5 PM Sunday, February 27 thru 5 PM Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Texas Heritage Ranch Celebration The rolling, bluebonnet covered hills of Dr. Gary and Vicki Friedman’s O2 Ranch were the site of an old-time, Texas styled party honoring our Texas heritage. More than 300 party goers pulled on their boots, donned their Stetsons, and traveled down wildflower covered roads on a glorious April day to the Friedman’s 875 acre family ranch. Vicki and Gary wanted an event that would bring together three Washington County organizations which preserve and promote our Texas heritage. The primary beneficiary of the event was Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park Association and the affiliated Texas Heritage Ranch Association, which provide financial and other support to the park. The Ron Stone Foundation, another beneficiary, promotes Texas history and historians, with its primary goal being the upkeep of the Park, and support of the student visitation program. Finally, members of the Washington County Fair Association youth scholarship program were on hand. The Fair program helps prepares the next generation of Texans to carry on the Texas way of life. Dr. Friedman said the family wanted to bring together people from different organizations who have “worked hard to preserve our past, enjoy our present and prepare for our future.” Guests from all over Texas entered the party down a mile long drive lined with more than 200 historical flags provided by the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park. A reception was held around the pool where guests were entertained to cowboy and western music by Mr. John Pickul. Appetizers, with a beautiful array of dip, salsa and other hors d’oeuvres were donated by Design II of Brenham. The main party then moved to a covered arena on a hill overlooking a lake. There, folks were treated to a steak and chicken dinner cooked real cowboy style. Even the peach cobbler was made from scratch in Dutch ovens dug in the ground. Mr. Eddie Eppler of Eppler Cowboy Catering and a crew of 6 cowboys cooked and served with the aid of a genuine 100-year-old chuck wagon. The peach cobbler was topped off with vanilla ice cream donated by Blue Bell (it wouldn’t be Washington County without it!). The tables in the arena were covered with red and white table cloths and decorated with floral arrangements from Ellison’s Greenhouse. Mr. Ron Stone was the master of ceremonies and spoke on the importance of our Texas heritage and what we can do to preserve it. Joe King Fultz, president of the Washington- on-the-Brazos, and Tom Scaggs, manager of the park, told the gathering about the importance of the park and described its current needs. Sassy Stanton of the Texas Heritage Ranch Association invited folks to join the association and support the park. During the meal and afterwards, the crowd was entertained by “Back at the Ranch” with Clover and Rachael Carroll, Matt Menke and their group,playing western swing and cowboy music. Allen Commander thrilled the crowd with his portrayal of Sam Houston and the reading of the Travis Letter from the siege of the Alamo. It was pure Texas! Dr. and Mrs. Friedman welcomed their guests and thanked everyone who helped make the event possible, including Mike Hopkins Distributing of Brenham who donated the kegs of refreshments for both the reception and the dinner. Volunteers from the Washington County Fair were of great assistance with parking and shuttling guests from one site to another on six-passenger golf carts donated by Washington County Tractor of Brenham.
Allen Commander as Sam Houston Photos by Colleen Michele
Sweets for the Soul February 12th & 13th, 2011 On February 12th & 13th, Barrington Living History Farm invites visitors to experience Sweets for the Soul, which focuses on candy making of the 1850’s and how common it would have been on the farm. Join in as staff dressed in period costumes make jams, jellies and candy from recipes of the period. Learn what types of sweets were available and other possible alternatives. Finally, you will be able to make a connection between the 19th and 21st Centuries’ sweet tooth. Sweets for the Soul will be held at Barrington Living History Farm, home of Dr. Anson Jones, last president of the Republic of Texas. It is located at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site off Highway 105 on FM 1155 between Navasota and Brenham. The hours of operation for this event are Saturday and Sunday, February 12th & 13th, starting at 10:00 am and continuing until 4:30 pm. Farm admission fees are Adults-$5.00; Students-$3.00; with children 6 and under admitted free. State Park pass holders are admitted free as well. Discounted tour tickets for Independence Hall and the Star of the Republic Museum are available. For additional details call (936) 878-2214 x 246.
Visit our monthly Event Calendar and our Special Events page for upcoming events. |
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