Star of the Republic Museum

10/17/2026

What do a cat's paw prints, a Spanish coin, and British ceramics have in common?

They were all found during the 2024 archeological dig at Washington-on-the-Brazos, and each one has a story to tell. (Yes, that's a real paw print in the photo!)

Celebrate Texas Archeology Month with us and dig into the stories of the past! Families can explore hands-on activities that show how archeologists uncover history and see artifacts uncovered at the Townsite!

Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., included with regular admission
What do you think the cat was up to when it left that paw print?

10/14/2026

Looking to learn more about living history in Texas? Join us in January for the Texas Living History Association Conference!

🎉 Registration opens TOMORROW!

The countdown is almost over! Registration for the 2027 Texas Living History Association Conference opens October 15!

Join us at Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site for Plows, Planes, and Parchment: Building Texas, where living history enthusiasts, museum professionals, educators, and interpreters will come together to share ideas, learn new skills, and explore the stories that shaped Texas.

From engaging sessions and hands-on workshops to fascinating field trips and opportunities to connect with fellow history enthusiasts, there's something for everyone!

📅 Registration opens October 15!
🌾 Mark your calendar, spread the word, and get ready to join us!

10/13/2026

Before a Texas city carried his name, Thomas Lubbock was a 19-year-old volunteer in a crowded New Orleans meeting hall.

On October 13, 1835, the New Orleans Greys organized there and became the first American volunteer company to march to aid the Texas Revolution. Lubbock was among them.

This week’s Object of the Week is his honorable discharge, signed at Refugio on February 5, 1836, by Capt. William G. Cooke. It says Lubbock left “at his own request.” Within weeks, most of the Greys would die at the Alamo and Goliad. Lubbock lived.

Hear the full story in our podcast episode “When the Greys Go Marching.” Link in bio.

Have you ever visited Lubbock, Texas? Did you know who it was named for? Tell us below

10/09/2026

🚨 Calling all students and researchers:

The Real Places 2027 conference is seeking academic poster submissions! Showcase your research and findings with other preservation professionals and connect with leaders and practitioners from across the state. Accepted posters receive complimentary registration to the Austin conference, May 5–7, 2026.

Don’t miss this chance to present your work statewide—deadline to submit is October 23: https://www.cvent.com/c/abstracts/a2eb2245-0c6c-44ac-9e57-f646d60cd267

Presented by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission in partnership with Phoenix I Restoration and Construction, LLC, Real Places is the state’s premier preservation conference, bringing together professionals and communities to share ideas, skills, and real-world solutions.

10/08/2026

"Amazing museum to learn more about Texas history. Don't miss out!" – Alejandro A.

Thank you, Alejandro! We couldn't agree more.

At the Star of the Republic Museum, you can see the bell rung to celebrate the Texas Centennial, learn why Texas declared its independence in 1836, and let the kids dive into hands-on activities in our family gallery.

Planning a day trip? Your museum admission also gets you into Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site and Barrington Living History Farm . That's a full day of Texas history on one ticket!

Have you visited? Tell us your favorite part below!

10/06/2026

"The sticks with which this tribe (the Choctaw) play are bent into an oblong hoop at the end, with a sort of slight web of small thongs tied across, to prevent the ball from passing through. The players hold one of these in each hand, and by leaping into the air, they catch the ball between the two nettings and throw it, without being allowed to strike it, or catch it in their hands." George Catlin, 1841

The Choctaw call the game Ishtaboli or kapucha toli. The players launch the towa (leather ball) in the air, attempting to score goals in the opponent's goalpost. There is no standard number of players or ball players, and during the 1840s (when George Catlin observed the game), the goals could be miles apart in different villages. The game played an important role in Choctaw society as a form of mock battle, allowing different Ikas (clans) to settle their disputes without bloodshed. The game still plays an important role in Choctaw culture and is a central activity at the annual Choctaw Indian Fair.

10/02/2026

Come and take it!

On October 2, 1835, Mexican soldiers from San Antonio arrived in Gonzales to take back a small cannon the town had been loaned for protection. The local militia refused. They raised a homemade flag showing a star, a cannon, and three bold words, then fired the cannon at the soldiers, who withdrew.

That defiant stand became the first battle of the Texas Revolution. Just five months later, delegates gathered right here in Washington-on-the-Brazos to declare Texas independence.

Learn the rest of the story at the Star of the Republic Museum!

10/01/2026

Not THAT Liberty Bell!

Washington, Texas, has a Liberty Bell of its own, and it's on view now for a limited time!

Family history says that when the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed in 1836, two sisters ran through the streets of Washington ringing a dinner bell to celebrate. Their parents ran the town's Merton Hotel, and the story was passed down through the family to Mary Dwyer Ross.

A century later, in 1936, this bell was reproduced to honor that story and celebrate the centennial of Texas independence.

On view through November 2026
Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

If you'd been in Washington in 1836, how would you have celebrated the news?

09/29/2026

Make sure your stitches are neat and tidy!

Ann Fowler was just 10 years old when she finished this sampler in 1841. She stitched the alphabet, a four-line verse, birds, flowers, and even a few tiny animals, then proudly signed it: "Ann Fowler Her Work Aged 10 Years."

Samplers have been stitched since at least the 1500s. Early samplers were simple, used as reference charts for stitchers. By the late 1700s, they had become a way for girls to show off their education, and designs varied by teacher and region. By the 1840s, families treasured them as heirlooms.

Look closely at the verse: can you spot the two words Ann spelled differently than we would today? Tell us in the comments!

09/23/2026

Homeschool Day is almost here, and we're expecting a FULL house! Here's your game plan for a great day. Tap through for tips!

Friday, September 25, 10 am–4 pm

Preregistration tickets are sold out! Check your email for parking information.

Your ticket gets you into Barrington Living History Farm , Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site, and the Star of the Republic Museum. Start wherever you park! All activities are drop-in, so you won't miss a thing no matter what time you get here.

Drinks stay at the museum front desk to protect our artifacts, so label those water bottles!

Planning around sensory needs? The museum will be the busiest spot until about 1:30, then things quiet down.

What part of Homeschool Day is your crew most excited about? Tell us in the comments!