Independence Hall/Washington town site
2008 Living History Event Dates-
November 15-16
There will be a recreated militia muster based on the requirements set forth in Texas in 1836. Watch, and possibly join in as living historians learn the proper drill and experience a bit of what life was like in the Texas Army. Instruction for this event will be provided by Dr. Bruce Winders, noted military author and Alamo curator.
December 20-21
In 1833 John Hall and a surveying crew lay out and marked what would become the town site of Washington. This event will recreate the surveying of the old town site and will include a small surveyor’s camp and a representative “block” being surveyed and marked off. For those who have always been interested in learning a little about the early surveying and surveyors of Texas this is the event for you!
2009 Living History Event Dates-
January 17-18
In 1836 David Crockett and four friends spent the night in Washington headed to Bexar to join the Texian forces gathered there. While in Washington the traveler’s likely visited with recruits gathering in the area as a part of the ever growing Texas Army. With a little luck we may be visited again by Crockett and his companions! There is also a militia muster being planned for this weekend. Aside from all of this martial excitement there will also be a public auction and lottery for town lots in the new town of Washington!
February 14-15
In 1858 the residents of Washington refused to pay the Houston & Texas Central Railroad eleven thousand dollars to link the town to a projected rail line that was approaching from the south. Join a group of ladies for a lively discussion of Washington’s past, present, and future. Through their conversation, relive the growth of the new town of Washington, her boom days as the capital of the Republic of Texas and regional commercial center, and the decline of businesses & population that were a result of the town’s failure to adapt to change.
February 28 /March 1
The Washington Guards were raised and mustered in here at Washington during March and April of 1836. There will be a recreation of the raising of the Washington Guards complete with inspections, speeches and all that accompanies the raising of troops!
Barrington Living History Farm
2008 Living History Event Dates-
September 27-28
How did the President of the Republic party?
Why, with a true Texas barbecue, of course! Come to Barrington Farm and meet a cast of characters visiting the Jones family. Swap stories with a soldier returning from the Mexican American War; enjoy tall tales and music; experience the sights, smells and sounds of an 1847 cotton plantation. This is a rare chance to witness the staff of Barrington Living History Farm as true period characters, not just in dress, but in speech and style as well! On Saturday and Sunday, September 27-28, Barrington Living History Farm invites visitors to experience a period barbecue by joining us in Keeping Up with the Jones’.
October 4-5
Power to Move
Learn to drive working oxen and participate in hands-on skills used daily on an 1850's farm in Texas. For reservations, contact Brenham Community Education.
October 25-26
Smithing in Texas
Watch blacksmiths produce products commonly used around the house and farm in 1850's Texas.
November 1-2
Cooking School
This class will teach adults to cook in the open-hearth using period recipes, similar to cooking techniques and recipes that folks in Texas would have been eating in the mid-19th Century. Sign up is through Brenham Community Ed.
December 13
Barrington Living History Farm
An Old-Fashioned Texas Christmas
Come share a traditional Christmas with the Jones family at their annual gathering of friends and neighbors. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with a sampling of 1850’s music and dancing. Wassail and cookies will be served.
Saturday 3-8 pm
2009 Living History Event Dates-
January 10-11
Mourning AJ
Celebrate the life and death of the last president of the Republic of Texas. Learn about mourning customs, clothing and practices. Costumed interpreters present this program.
Fanthorp Inn SHS
2008 Living History Event Dates-
October 11
Texian Days Grimes County
November 29
Twilight Firelight
Visit the 1850s stagecoach inn bedecked with lanterns, luminaries and holiday decorations. The inn comes to life with dulcimer music, the dulcet tones of Latrelle Lindon, cowboy poetry, living history and period characters! Ride the stagecoach and wagon from the historic Grimes County Courthouse to the inn. Enjoy holiday fare and start the holidays off right.
