Events

The San Jacinto Battleground is home to more than 200 species of birds, and the best time to see them is first thing in the morning. Every first Saturday of the month, we open two hours early so birders and photographers can enjoy early morning at the site. The site is open to vehicles, but we ask that visitors be respectful of those enjoying the wildlife and keep noise to a minimum.

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The Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site invites City of Paris Elected Officials to visit the Maxey House! Join us for a special tour of the Maxey House between Saturday, June 3 and Friday, June 9 at no cost to you*. Site hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

We hope to see you then!

*Free admission with city and/or work ID card

The World Atl Atl Association has designated June 3rd as World Atl Atl Day. This sounds like a great reason to invite you out to spend some time learning about this ancient technology and spend time learning to throw atl atl darts.
No RSVP is required.
 

Anyone who has tried a ball & cup knows it’s harder than it looks, but practice makes perfect. Perfect your technique with your own homemade ball & cup. We’ll provide the materials; you just need to bring your imagination.

When: Saturday, June 3; drop in between 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Where: San Jacinto Museum

Age Range: Kids 5+; younger children are welcome,...

Grab your cameras and come out to see the nighttime sky at McKavett! Please be on site by 4PM to fill out a waiver and familiarize yourselves with the grounds. For more information, contact Rhett Kearns at Rhett.Kearns@thc.texas.gov or at 325-396-2358.

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We are following the cotton cultivation methods laid out by the period account of Solomon Northup, a free man who was kidnapped from Washington D.C. in 1841, and enslaved near Holmesville, LA, which is about 280 miles from Barrington. In his book, Twelve Years a Slave (1853), Northup described using a plow to cultivate (turn under the weeds) and hand hoes for scraping close to...

Every second Saturday of the month, we open the site two hours early just for cyclists. Come and bike the Birthplace of Texas without worrying about cars.

When: Every second Saturday; 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Where: Enter through the gates at the base of the reflection pool. There will be places to park your car outside the gates.

Ages: Cycling Saturdays are open to all...

The Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site invites Paris, North Lamar, and Chisum ISD staff to visit the Maxey House! Join us for a special tour of the Maxey House between Saturday, June 10 and Friday, June 16 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at no cost to you*. Site hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

We hope to see you then!

*Free admission with city and/or work ID card...

Calling all knitters and crocheters! Join us to celebrate World Wide Knit (& Crochet) in Public Day at the San Jacinto Battleground. You bring the yarn, we’ll provide the water, and we’ll celebrate in the shade at the San Jacinto Battleground.

When: Saturday, June 10; drop in between 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: Outside the San Jacinto Monument, under the trees. See below...

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Preserving food was one of the biggest jobs in the spring and summer for the times of year when food is not as plentiful. Join us while we preserve food from the garden and discuss methods of filling our larder for the future months. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.

Join Capitol Art Society artist Beryl Kerwick for this live plein air art demonstration at the French Legation. Beryl will do a demonstration of her technique while explaining her method and the equipment needed for plein air painting.

This artist demonstration is part of the temporary exhibit Common Ground / Terrain D'entente. The French Legation State Historic Site in partnership...

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Preserving food was one of the biggest jobs in the spring and summer for the times of year when food is not as plentiful. Join us while we preserve food from the garden and discuss methods of filling our larder for the future months. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.

Guests will be provided all the supplies they'll need, including plants and a container, to make their very own fairy garden. Join us for a fun afternoon of whimsy!
$15 per fairy garden. Reservations and prepayment are required. For reservations or questions please call 903-935-3044.
 

This free webinar will cover resources available, genealogy terminology and an overview of the U.S. census forms. Forms and other information will be available for download or mailed, upon request. Q & A will be at the end of the webinar.

Register for the webinar today!

Join us weekends in June for our very popular Villa de Austin Photoquest!

Our Villa de Austin Photoquest is a scavenger hunt activity with clues leading visitors to each of our outdoor buildings representing real buildings that existed in the town 200 years ago. With each clue comes a photo prompt to complete it! This activity is perfect for families, friends, or even amateur...

Do you have the urge to create something, but don't know where to begin? Join us once a month for our Make-A-Thing class where we provide the materials and the know how to jump start your creativity. From fans to sugar skulls and everything in-between, we offer a wide range of projects that you can take home and embellish to your heart's content!

September's project is fan-making....

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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 1850s method for taking wild...

Eisenhower Birthplace is excited to host A Slice of History: Women Like Ike. Throw it back to a 2000s style pizza party while exploring why so many women voted for Ike. Come make “campaign” pins inspired by Ike or featuring something you stand for, take part in throw-back crafts and games, complete trivia sheets to win prizes, meet other members of the Denison community, and have some...

Thinking of making a family outing for Father's Day? We are offering free admission for all fathers and fatherly figures all Father's Day long! With something for everyone and every age, it's bound to be a great day!

We are open from 9am to 5pm and this offer is good all Father's Day long! The story starts here, at San Felipe de Austin!

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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 1850s method for taking wild...

Looking for fun? Come join Starr Family Home and Table Ready for a night of board games.  Grab your friends and family and head over to the Blake House on the site of the Starr Family Home, every third Tuesday of the month, 4:00-7:00pm. Board games will be set up in the Blake House for all to play. Guidance and instructions provided. 

Join us weekends in June for our very popular Villa de Austin Photoquest!

Our Villa de Austin Photoquest is a scavenger hunt activity with clues leading visitors to each of our outdoor buildings representing real buildings that existed in the town 200 years ago. With each clue comes a photo prompt to complete it! This activity is perfect for families, friends, or even amateur...

Join us weekends in June for our very popular Villa de Austin Photoquest!

Our Villa de Austin Photoquest is a scavenger hunt activity with clues leading visitors to each of our outdoor buildings representing real buildings that existed in the town 200 years ago. With each clue comes a photo prompt to complete it! This activity is perfect for families, friends, or even amateur...

Why are old recipes so strange? Join us at the Magoffin Home State Historic Site Visitor Center as we discuss this and look at the role food played in the daily lives of 19th Century El Paso. This month's recipe comes from the El Paso Cookbook published in 1898. Call 533-5147 to reserve your spot!

Cost: $5

COOKING CLASS SCHEDULE 2022-2023

September- Postre de Arroz...

Barbara Judkins, the Site Manager and principal cook, is venturing into uncharted territory by experimenting with recipes from 19th century cookbooks. It’s risky but could yield great results or turn out to be a culinary blunder. As she stirs up these vintage dishes, only time will tell what the outcome will be.  We cannot allow guests to taste the food but will give away recipes.  For...

BOOM! Have you ever wondered how to load a cannon or seen one fired? This weekend, visitors to the San Jacinto Monument can learn how to load a cannon and watch regular cannon demonstrations. It will be a blast, literally!

When: Saturday, July 1; 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; cannon fire will be on the hour and the half hour

Where: Outside the San Jacinto Monument

Ages: All...

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We’re cooking desserts and discussing picnics and entertainment Dr. Jones might have seen around the 4th of July holiday. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.

Ground cloths were used by military and civilians alike, be it to use as a shelter, cover, or a pad on the ground as its name suggests. Painted cloths are a mixture of oils to make a primitive waterproofing. Participants will need to purchase their materials and bring their own sewing notions. For more information, contact Rhett Kearns at Rhett.Kearns@thc.texas.gov or at 325-396-2358.

Stretch your legs and honor the memory of the Texas Revolution with a bike ride at the battleground. Join us for a guided bike tour of the San Jacinto Battleground.

When: Saturday, July 8; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Where: Meet by the entrance to the San Jacinto Monument; between the reflection pool and the Monument

Activity Level: Easy. Most of the route is flat with two...

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Dr. Jones penned in his journal on July 13, 1854, that those enslaved– “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 to them as needed to supplement foraging. Come pull and make “hands” (bunches) of fodder from our corn crop! Contact Ben...

Music at the Mansion

Anyone else feeling the Texas heat yet? Beat the heat with a WATER BALLOON FEST at the Maxey House!!

Wear your bathing suits and join us at 10:00 am on July 15th as we toss balloons, enjoy some wacky water balloon races, and play some yard games after everyone dries off!

Give us a call at 903-785-5716 for more info!

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Wear some old clothes and help us paint the house fence and kitchen interior with whitewash. A traditional part of spring cleaning increases the life of the buildings and fences. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.

Stop by the San Jacinto Museum for a chance to play with replicas of 19th-century toys, weapons, tools, food, clothing, and much more. Learn all about the battle of San Jacinto and life on the Texas frontier, and imagine yourself in the shoes of a soldier or a frontiersman/frontierswoman.

When: Sunday, July 16; drop in between 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: San Jacinto Museum...

Pack up your lunch and join us at the Magoffin Home State Historic Site Visitor Center for the Brain Trust Brown Bag Lecture series. Every month a lecturer discusses a topic from history, including how it's preserved. Each lecture is a new topic ranging from an historic recipe to archiving family photos. You bring your lunch and curiosity, we will provide tables, chairs, and the scintillating...

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According to one 1850s farming periodical, “Farmer Thrifty” kept a neat and well-maintained farm, while “Squire Slipshod” allowed his barn, tools, and fences to fall into filth and disrepair. Dr. Jones noted in his journal on August 5, 1847, that the enslaved “Cleaned up Barn & Stables.” – following the model of “Farmer Thrifty”. Join us as we tackle the seasonal maintenance...

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According to one 1850s farming periodical, “Farmer Thrifty” kept a neat and well-maintained farm, while “Squire Slipshod” allowed his barn, tools, and fences to fall into filth and disrepair. Dr. Jones noted in his journal on August 5, 1847, that the enslaved “Cleaned up Barn & Stables.” – following the model of “Farmer Thrifty”. Join us as we tackle the seasonal maintenance...

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Fancy learning 1850s style? You can mind your manners and your ABCs for a period school lesson at the Jones’ home while getting ready to head back for your upcoming school year! Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.

The San Jacinto Battleground is home to more than 200 species of birds, and the best time to see them is first thing in the morning. Every first Saturday of the month, we open two hours early so birders and photographers can enjoy early morning at the site. The site is open to vehicles, but we ask that visitors be respectful of those enjoying the wildlife and keep noise to a minimum.

...

10a-4p

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 finish out the day strong...

Stop by the San Jacinto Museum for a chance to play with replicas of 19th-century toys, weapons, tools, food, clothing, and much more. Learn all about the battle of San Jacinto and life on the Texas frontier, and imagine yourself in the shoes of a soldier or a frontiersman/frontierswoman.

When: Sunday, August 6; drop in between 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: San Jacinto Museum...

Every second Saturday of the month, we open the site two hours early just for cyclists. Come and bike the Birthplace of Texas without worrying about cars.

When: Every second Saturday; 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Where: Enter through the gates at the base of the reflection pool. There will be places to park your car outside the gates.

Ages: Cycling Saturdays are open to all...

10a-4p

There are 1,774 miles between Anson Jones’ hometown in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and where he lived in Washington, Texas. How did he get there? Long distance travelers in 19th century America have quite a commute! Stop by the house and see how folks like Dr. Jones embarked on their travels through Texas. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248...

10a-4p

There are 1,774 miles between Anson Jones’ hometown in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and where he lived in Washington, Texas. How did he get there? Long distance travelers in 19th century America have quite a commute! Stop by the house and see how folks like Dr. Jones embarked on their travels through Texas. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248...

Pack up your lunch and join us at the Magoffin Home State Historic Site Visitor Center for the Brain Trust Brown Bag Lecture series. Every month a lecturer discusses a topic from history, including how it's preserved. Each lecture is a new topic ranging from an historic recipe to archiving family photos. You bring your lunch and curiosity, we will provide tables, chairs, and the scintillating...

10a-4p

According to one 1850s farming periodical, “Farmer Thrifty” kept a neat and well-maintained farm, while “Squire Slipshod” allowed his barn, tools, and fences to fall into filth and disrepair. Dr. Jones noted in his journal on August 5, 1847, that the enslaved “Cleaned up Barn & Stables.” – following the model of “Farmer Thrifty”. Join us as we tackle the seasonal maintenance...

10a-4p

According to one 1850s farming periodical, “Farmer Thrifty” kept a neat and well-maintained farm, while “Squire Slipshod” allowed his barn, tools, and fences to fall into filth and disrepair. Dr. Jones noted in his journal on August 5, 1847, that the enslaved “Cleaned up Barn & Stables.” – following the model of “Farmer Thrifty”. Join us as we tackle the seasonal maintenance...

Come join us and make a one-of-a-kind Junk Journal.  If you aren't sure what they are, we'll tell  you.  Junk Journals are handmade books of recycled and found materials and ephemera. The pages can be used to write, draw, paint or record memories, thoughts, ideas and inspiration.  the finished junk journal can become anything you want!

Do you know where General Santa Anna set up his camp during the Battle of San Jacinto or where General Houston was shot? How about where the Surrender Tree was located? Discover the San Jacinto Battleground like you've never seen it before on a staff-led van tour of the battlefield. Tours start shortly after the showing of Texas Forever!!

When: Tours start at 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and...

The San Jacinto Battleground is home to more than 200 species of birds, and the best time to see them is first thing in the morning. Every first Saturday of the month, we open two hours early so birders and photographers can enjoy early morning at the site. The site is open to vehicles, but we ask that visitors be respectful of those enjoying the wildlife and keep noise to a minimum.

...

Every second Saturday of the month, we open the site two hours early just for cyclists. Come and bike the Birthplace of Texas without worrying about cars.

When: Every second Saturday; 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Where: Enter through the gates at the base of the reflection pool. There will be places to park your car outside the gates.

Ages: Cycling Saturdays are open to all...

Looking for fun? Come join Starr Family Home and Table Ready for a night of board games.  Grab your friends and family and head over to the Blake House on the site of the Starr Family Home, every third Tuesday of the month, 4:00-7:00pm. Board games will be set up in the Blake House for all to play. Guidance and instructions provided. 

This fall is a great time for Foraging with Merriwether!

Caddo Mounds State Historic Site invites you to a foraging workshop with Mark “Merriwether” Vorderbruggen. Mark writes the Foraging Texas Blog, http://www.foragingtexas.com/, and is a practiced forager and teacher. His book Foraging: Explore Nature's Bounty and Turn Your Foraged Finds Into Flavorful Feasts (Outdoor...

The past will come to life at Fort Griffin State Historic Site on October 13-14, 2023, as living historians gather to portray life at the fort and nearby Wild West town as it was in the 1870's. You're invited to join us from 9 am to 4 pm both days for exciting demonstrations, education, and authentic frontier history.
Admission is free during this event!
If you are a teacher...

Join us for our annaul archeology day and star party! Our staff will show you how this active archeological site has transformed since its town days ended nearly fifty years ago. When the sun goes down, members from the Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society will set up telescopes so you can get a special viewing of the nighttime sky! Evening event participants must fill out a waiver and be...

Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy

Before an army could fight, it had to be fed! Soldiers in the Texas Army were usually supplied with the basic ingredients and had to make their own food out of what was provided.

In his memoirs of the Texas Revolution, Dr. Labadie wrote that the day before the Battle of San Jacinto, he “secured a small tin pan full, and having made it into dough, I threw it on the hot embers, and in...

The Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site invites city of Paris Fire, EMS, Police, and Municipal Court to visit the Maxey House! Join us for a special tour of the Maxey House between Saturday, November 11 and Friday, November 17 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at no cost to you*. Site hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

We hope to see you then!

*Free admission with city...

Every second Saturday of the month, we open the site two hours early just for cyclists. Come and bike the Birthplace of Texas without worrying about cars.

When: Every second Saturday; 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Where: Enter through the gates at the base of the reflection pool. There will be places to park your car outside the gates.

Ages: Cycling Saturdays are open to all...