September 19th, 2009 –
Life at the Crossing– Rivers have always served as a lifeline for inland settlements and the relationship between the Brazos river and the town of Washington was no different. The town’s very existence could be attributed to the crossing on the Brazos and the rise of Washington was definitely due to the river traffic that began in earnest in 1842. Oddly enough the downfall of Washington can also be linked to the river because of the towns’ dependence on the traffic there and their resulting reluctance to try out the railroad.
This special program focuses on the importance of river traffic to the town of Washington. Living historians will set up a small interpretive camp at the overlook and will visit with the public about what took place at this crossing and others just like it. This program is on-going throughout the day.
October 16th-17th, 2009 –
Storytellin’ at the Tavern– Once again the old Anson Jones kitchen will serve as the local tavern and the perfect setting for storytellin’. This time rather than merrymaking we will offer an hour long program of tale telling and yarn spinning in the finest tradition of the old time Texians. Visitors will settle in to a period setting after a brief introduction and the tale telling will begin. This is a special after hours program in keeping with the holiday season and will be offered two times per evening at 6PM and 7:30, on Friday and Saturday or per registration. Due to the nature of this type of program all attendees will be required to pre-register.
November 14th, 2009 –
Texas History Symposium– This one day history symposium will focus on the Texian War of Independence and the early republic period. Lead presenter for the symposium will be Dr. Richard Winders, curator of the Alamo and military historian and he will be joined by other noted Texas historians. Speakers will present sessions on military and social culture of the revolutionary and republic eras. This one day symposium will be held at Washington on the Brazos SHS.
December 12th, 2009 –
Christmas up in Washington– Experience the magic of the holiday season with a candlelight visit to Independence Hall, the Birthplace of Texas. Enjoy caroling in the Visitor Center while shopping for those special gifts. Afterwards, stroll down a candlelit trail to Independence Hall, and enjoy stories of Washington’s past and learn how the residents of Washington would have celebrated the holiday season. Discover the holiday traditions at Washington on the Brazos….they just might become your traditions as well. Designed to coincide with Barrington Farm’s event, this special program will be an ongoing experience from 6PM to 8PM.
January 16th, 2010 –
Passing through Washington– 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. Visitor’s will get a chance to meet Crockett and some of his traveling companions as well as locals gathered to see the famous Bear Hunter and Politician and if the Col. is of mind(and he always is!), visitor’s will be treated to some of his tall tales and hunting stories. This special program is on-going throughout the day.
February 27th-28th, 2010 –
Texas Independence Day– March 2nd, 1836 is one of, if not the most important dates in Texas history. The importance of that date is most relevant here at Washington on the Brazos SHS. Washington was the town where Texians declared independence from Mexico and as such is know as the Birthplace of Texas. Come out and spend the weekend visiting with us here at the park. Admission to the park is free and there will be folks demonstrating period crafts, food vendors from all over Texas, period music by local musicians and historic figures on hand to visit with you about the early days of Texas.
February 27th, 2010 –
Who were the Washington Guards?– While most Texans have heard of the garrison of the Alamo and Goliad and of Sam Houston’s army at San Jacinto, most don’t know that there was a militia unit raised right here in Washington during the revolution! In March of 1836, amidst the chaos of the revolution local citizens from Washington were formed into a volunteer unit to serve as part of Sam Houston’s command. The Washington Guards did their duty acting as rear guard for the Runaway Scrape as well as participating in the battle of San Jacinto. Visitors will learn who these men were, what they were fighting for and what became of them after the revolution was over. This special one hour program will take place at Independence Hall and will be scheduled twice daily at 11AM and 3PM.
March 20th, 2010 –
Original Texas Women– An early visitor to Texas once remarked, “Whether she be handsome or homely, accomplished or otherwise, all women made their mark on Texas. ” This program will share stories of the lives of early women settlers, who had connections with the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. They may have been spouses, children, or grandchildren of these early Texas patriots. Drop by Independence Hall and celebrate with us the lives of these original Texas Women. Designed to coincide with Barrington Farm’s event, True Texas Women, this special one hour program will take place at Independence Hall and will be scheduled twice daily at 11AM and 3PM.
April 17th, 2010 –
Republic of Texas District Court Day– Washington hosted the district court during the later 1830’s and into the early 1840’s. Notable judge, ranger and Texian icon, R.M. Williamson presided over district court here in Washington during the republic era. It was also here in Washington that Commodore Moore came for his court martial after returning from his adventures in the Gulf of Mexico.
Now almost one hundred and seventy years later the district court will be returning to Washington. Court will convene in Convention Hall and will hear several cases, some based on historic cases while others will be created for the event. Participants in the case from the attorneys to the plaintiffs will be dressed in period clothing and will be conducting the trial based on mid 19th century law in the Republic. Visitors will be encouraged to sit in on the trials and if interested, serve as jurors.
May 15th, 2010 –
Rowdy Loafers and Upstanding Citizens– Texas is full of colorful characters from rough and ready frontiersmen to upstanding citizens. This special program focuses on the clothing and accessories of some of these male character types as well as their manners(or lack thereof), and habits. Visitors will not only get a chance to see what these characters looked like but will also be able to examine some of the typical garments and accessories worn and used by these men. This special one hour program will take place at Independence Hall and will be scheduled twice daily at 11AM and 3PM.
For more information call Washington on the Brazos SHS Monday through Friday from 9AM-4PM at 936 878-2214 ext. 224.
