Barrington Plantation State Historic Site Events

Jun. 4th & 5th, 10a – 4p: 

Spring cleaning was a yearly ritual that has been obliterated by modern conveniences. Preparing the house for warmer weather, chasing out cobwebs and dirt, scrubbing walls and floors, is far more laborious than cleaning today. Help wash windows, beat rugs, and wash and wax furniture as needed. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-...

Jun. 11th & 12th, 10a – 4p:   

Dr. Jones noted in his journal on July 19, 1846 – “Ripe peaches from my Orchard at Barrington.” Caring for an orchard takes skill and patience, but it can be highly rewarding! Come help us haul water and cultivate the orchard as you learn about heirloom trees and fruit growing in the 19th century! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc.texas....

Jun. 18th & 19th, 10a – 4p: 

Though purchased at the price of others’ freedom, Dr. Anson Jones and his sons enjoyed a variety of gentlemanly pursuits in their leisure time, including card playing, hunting, and fishing.  Join the world of the Jones men and try your luck at cards while sitting in the cool of the dogtrot of the house, or head to the field for a demonstration of the ...

Jul. 2nd & 3rd, 10a – 4p: 

We are getting ready for the 4th so we’ll be making some period desserts and talking about picnics like ones Dr. Jones might have attended. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.

July 9th & 10th, 10a – 4p:  

Dr. Jones penned in his journal on July 13, 1854 – “Commenced taking corn blade fodder.” Although very few ears of corn were used to feed livestock, the dried leaves of the corn plants made excellent hay (fodder) that could be fed out to them as needed to supplement foraging. Come pull and make “hands” (bunches) of fodder from our corn crop! Contact Ben...

Jul. 16th & 17th, 10a-4p: 

Wear some old clothes and help us paint the fence and kitchen interior with whitewash. A traditional part of yearly cleaning it keeps the Plantation looking nice and tidy. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.

Jul. 23rd & 24th, 10a – 4p:  

Though free time for those enslaved at Barrington was typically limited to Sundays and occasional holidays, time off provided an opportunity to rest and enjoy a variety of games, music, and entertainment. Come learn how Jerry, Mary, or Willis might have spent their time off. Make and take a clay marble home with you! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben....

Aug. 6th & 7th, 11a – 2p:  

Taking a break, or “nooning,” in the heat of the day would help both enslaved and free 19th century farmers renew their energy on a long day in the blazing Texas sun! A little rest, food, water, and shade goes a long way. Pack a lunch and join us under the cottonwood trees by the crop fields as we take a break from our labors and recover so that we can...

Aug. 13th & 14th, 10a – 4p:  

Come stay cool with us in the heat of summer and discover what early Texans did to stay cool. Without modern A.C. you might be surprised at how comfortable you can be in a Texas summer. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.

Aug. 20st & 21st, 10a – 4p:   

Dr. Jones noted in his journal on Aug. 4, 1847 - “Thrashed out rye”.  Now that our grain crop has been harvested, it’s time to thresh and winnow it to separate seed from stalk. Come help us make our harvest ready to be ground into flour! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.