Plan a visit
Group Requirements To Schedule a Program
Group size: 20 student minimum; not counting underaged siblings or chaperones
Groups over 25 students will be broken into subgroups, which will rotate through scheduled sites.
Due to space constraints and staffing, the number of students allowed at each site at one time will be limited.
Groups of less than 20 students are welcome to visit the facilities on their own, depending on availability, but will not receive a guided program. Public admission fees will apply.
Points To Consider When Planning Your Trip
Programs are offered at three sites within the site: Star of the Republic Museum, Independence Hall, and Barrington Plantation. Students may participate in one program at each site if time permits.
Star of the Republic Museum, Barrington Plantation, and Independence Hall are available for scheduled programs 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday-Friday. Please call for programming on Mondays and Tuesdays due to interpreter availability.
Teachers and chaperones may be responsible for supervising students during some of the programs.
Time in the Gift Shop can be included in the schedule, however only students who are prepared to shop will be admitted with an adult. A limited number of children will be allowed in the Gift Shop at one time.
No food or drinks are allowed inside the Museum, Visitor Center, Independence Hall, or Barrington Plantation. Backpacks and lunches should be left on the bus. Please help us preserve and protect the integrity of this historic site!
During the summer, tour activities may be modified, and some may be self-guided.
Tours at Barrington Plantation are outside. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes.
Please note: For visitor and staff safety, whenever inclement weather (thunder and lightning) is present, Barrington Plantation and Independence Hall will close and remain closed for 30 minutes after the last episode of thunder or lightning. Alternate activities will be planned.
Student Program Fees
For groups meeting the above requirements, the student fee is $2.00 for a 1-site tour; $4.00 for a 2-site tour and $5.00 for a 3-site tour.
There is no admission fee to the Visitor Center/Gift Shop or the Townsite Trail. Minimum group fee for students for one site is: $40.
Teachers (up to one per 10 students) and bus drivers (one per bus) are FREE.
Chaperones: Adult chaperones will be charged the public fee of $8. Fees should be paid at the Visitor Center and proof of payment will be required at each site.
Please remember that chaperones are expected to assist with supervision of the students. Any adult who interferes with the student program may be asked to leave. Please turn off cell phones!
School Programs Options by Grade Level
PreK-3rd
Adventures in the Republic
Star of the Republic Museum
1 hour
The age-appropriate historical adventure includes a tour on the first floor with a scavenger hunt or a guided explanation of the chronology of early Texas history, and a guided tour on the second floor. Students can view many original artifacts and primary sources from the Republic period of Texas history. Time in the interactive Pioneer Playroom is also included.
Native Americans in Texas Program (November only)
Star of the Republic Museum
1 hour
During the month of November, the Star of the Republic Museum offers an expanded, interactive Native American Program. The program is offered for a minimum of 20 students.
Walking in the Footsteps of History
Independence Hall
1 hour
Join us for a walk down Ferry Street in Old Washington to learn more about the sights and sounds of this historic town in the 1840s and 1850s. Program will be adapted for appropriate age group.
What Would Sally See?
Barrington Plantation
1.5-2 hours, depending on student age and time constraints
Sarah Sophia (Sallie) Jones was 5 years old in 1850. What might she have seen as she went through her day? An introduction to 1850s agriculture and livestock, with time allotted for yard games. Age-appropriate introductions to the topics of food production and slavery.
4th-6th
Adventures in the Republic
Star of the Republic Museum
1 hour
The age-appropriate historical adventure includes a tour on the first floor with a scavenger hunt or a guided explanation of the chronology of early Texas history, and a guided tour on the second floor. Students can view many original artifacts and primary sources from the Republic period of Texas history. The 30-minute movie, Independence: A Lone Star Rises, can be included if requested.
Courage, Convention, and Constitution: The Birth of Texas
Independence Hall
1 hour
This program helps school age children discover the role of Washington and the Convention of 1836 in the birth of Texas by use of both a story and question/answer format. It includes a visit to the replica of Independence Hall and the opportunity to sign a copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
A Call to Arms!
Independence Hall
1 hour
This program explores the Texian citizen soldier through primary documents and role play. The students assume the role of citizens of the town of Washington that joined the Texas army in 1836.
Field Work; Free Time
Barrington Plantation
1.5-2 hours, depending on student age and time restraints
Experience the dual realities of 1850s Texas with half of the time devoted to fun around the Jones home, and the other half allotted to the common farming tasks of those enslaved.
Self-Guided Townsite Trail Time
Washington Townsite
30 minutes
What did the town of Washington look like in the 1840s? What happened to it since then? This self-guided tour option adds another dimension to a visit to Washington-on-the-Brazos
7th-9th
Adventures in the Republic
Star of the Republic Museum
1 hour
The age-appropriate historical adventure includes a tour on the first floor with a scavenger hunt or a guided explanation of the chronology of early Texas history, and a guided tour on the second floor. Students can view many original artifacts and primary sources from the Republic period of Texas history. The 30-minute movie, Independence: A Lone Star Rises, can be included if requested.
Courage, Convention, and Constitution: The Birth of Texas
Independence Hall
1 hour
This program helps school age children discover the role of Washington and the Convention of 1836 in the birth of Texas by use of both a story and question/answer format. It includes a visit to the replica of Independence Hall and the opportunity to sign a copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
A Call to Arms!
Independence Hall
1 hour
This program explores the Texian citizen soldier through primary documents and role play. The students assume the role of citizens of the town of Washington that joined the Texas army in 1836.
From See to Can't
Barrington Plantation
1.5-2 hours, depending on student age and time restraints
What made the plantation run like a machine? Explore how the Jones developed Barrington as a comfortable home and gain a perspective of the cost of those enslaved who built and sustained it.
Self-Guided Townsite Trail Time
Washington Townsite
30 minutes
Any grade level
What did the town of Washington look like in the 1840s? What happened to it since then? This self-guided tour option adds another dimension to a visit to Washington-on-the-Brazos.
10th-12th
Adventures in the Republic
Star of the Republic Museum
1 hour
The age-appropriate historical adventure includes a tour on the first floor with a scavenger hunt or a guided explanation of the chronology of early Texas history, and a guided tour on the second floor. Students can view many original artifacts and primary sources from the Republic period of Texas history. The 30-minute movie, Independence: A Lone Star Rises, can be included if requested.
Courage, Convention, and Constitution: The Birth of Texas
Independence Hall
1 hour
This program helps school age children discover the role of Washington and the Convention of 1836 in the birth of Texas by use of both a story and question/answer format. It includes a visit to the replica of Independence Hall and the opportunity to sign a copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
Prosperity and Prejudice
Barrington Plantation
1.5-2 hours, depending on student age and time restraints
Former President Jones sought to negotiate a favorable annexation of Texas to the United States and fulfill his vision of freedom and prosperity for its citizens. On the other hand, he also took advantage of the enslaved labor system that contradicts the idea of freedom. Explore how his choices as president still affect our lives today, as well as how those enslaved coped with the inequity of slavery and prejudice.
Self-Guided Townsite Trail Time
Washington Townsite
30 minutes
What did the town of Washington look like in the 1840s? What happened to it since then? This self-guided tour option adds another dimension to a visit to Washington-on-the-Brazos.
Mixed Age Groups/Homeschool
Adventures in the Republic
Star of the Republic Museum
1 hour
The age-appropriate historical adventure includes a tour on the first floor with a scavenger hunt or a guided explanation of the chronology of early Texas history, and a guided tour on the second floor. Students can view many original artifacts and primary sources from the Republic period of Texas history.
Courage, Convention, and Constitution: The Birth of Texas
Independence Hall
1 hour
This program helps school age children discover the role of Washington and the Convention of 1836 in the birth of Texas by use of both a story and question/answer format. It includes a visit to the replica of Independence Hall and the opportunity to sign a copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
A Mile in Their Shoes
Barrington Plantation
1.5-2 hours
How might your life have looked in the 1850s? Explore the differing roles and tasks expected of both children and adults, enslaved and free, working at a plantation like Barrington.
Self-Guided Townsite Trail Time
Washington Townsite
30 minutes, any number of students
What did the town of Washington look like in the 1840s? What happened to it since then? This self-guided tour option adds another dimension to a visit to Washington-on-the-Brazos.
Reservations
School tour requests must be made at least 2 weeks prior to your visit.
The size of your group and your choice of program may affect availability.
It is important for you to be on time for your scheduled program! Consider travel time to Washington-on-the-Brazos. Please allow time for bathroom breaks, paying admission fees, and checking in at each site prior to the scheduled program time. Large school groups visiting multiple sites at the same time should have all students at their assigned site at the scheduled time. Late arriving groups will be kept on assigned schedule, thus forfeiting a portion of their program.
Scheduled time may include allowances for travel from site to site.
Picnic area is available for lunch (free of charge) or pavilions may be reserved at a reduced rate for schools.
Certain time slots fill very quickly, so you are encouraged to make reservations as early as possible.
Please note that if you have not received an email from us, you do NOT have a reservation!
Call 936-878-2461, ext. 236 or jordan.lucier@thc.texas.gov to ask questions.
Before requesting a tour, you must know the following information:
- Teacher/contact person name, name and mailing address for school, phone and fax number and e-mail address
- Best time to reach teacher during the day
- Number of students and grade level
- Desired programs
- Requested dates and time-- be prepared with 2-3 alternate dates and times, in case your first choice is not available.
To make a field trip reservation, simply submit a Tour Request Form. Once it has been submitted, the museum will contact the teacher to finalize and confirm the request. If you do not get a response, check your trash folder or "junk mail" folder to be sure it did not get filtered as "junk." BE SURE YOUR SCHOOL ALLOWS YOU TO RECEIVE EMAILS FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES. If not, you may want to use your personal email address.
NOTE: Tour booking for the 2022-23 school year opens August 8, 2022. Requests submitted prior to that date will NOT be accepted.
Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis, to the best of our ability. Telephone requests will not be considered. Please understand that many schools submit requests during this period to secure desired dates. Leaving a voice-mail message does not guarantee date availability.
Once Your School Tour Is Booked
You will receive a pre-confirmation email informing you that your school group has been placed on the calendar.
Three to four weeks before your visit, you will receive another email which will contain a CONFIRMATION CONTRACT to sign and return, confirming your tour date. Failure to return it may jeopardize your reservation. Once we receive your signed contract, we will send you a schedule and tour information, including maps, brochures, and points to remember. Please share the information, including the schedule, with ALL teachers, chaperones and bus drivers who will be participating in the field trip! NO PACKETS WILL BE SENT IN THE U.S. MAIL!
NOTE: Times when you receive materials may vary based on how far in advance tours are reserved.
As of August 1, 2018, payment (check or credit card--Visa, MasterCard, Discover) is required one week in advance with one payment used for entire group, including students, and additional teachers. Please be aware that there are NO REFUNDS, and any additional students will be charged the day of the tour.
