SPECIAL EVENTS

Step back into history at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site when the Republic of Texas era comes to life February 28-March 1, 2009 for a free Two-Day Texas Independence Day Celebration.  Visitors will be immersed in Texas history with costumed re-enactors, period craft demonstrators, toe tappin' Texas musical performances and black powder gun salutes by the Texas Army.

Hours are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. both days. All admission fees will be waived during the celebration weekend, and food vendors will be on site with a variety of festival foods.

The Star of the Republic museum will open a new exhibit entitled "Texas Transformed: Early Maps of Texas" in celebration of Texas Independence Day 2009. Included in the exhibit will be the largest map of Texas, on loan from the Texas General Land Office. The map was drafted in 1879 by Charles W. Pressler, an employee of the General Land Office for 50 years, and measures approximately eight feet square.

Also included in the exhibit will be Guillaume de Lisle's "Carte de la Louisiana et du Cours du Mississippi from 1718. This is the first map to identify "Tejas" as a place. Other maps on display include Firoenzo Galli's "Texas" from 1826, which is the first printed map to show Texas separately from the rest of the continent. Maps from the 1830's and 1840's will also be on display.

On Sunday at 11:00 a.m., the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park Association and the Ron Stone Foundation will dedicate a marker and rose garden in honor of long-time supporter, the late Ron Stone.

At 2:00 p.m., Dr. Stephen L. Hardin, professor of history at Victoria College and widely acclaimed expert on the Texas Revolution, will be the guest speaker during a public celebration at the park amphitheater with the assistance of members of the Texas Heroes.

And, don't miss the Tanner Family Minstrel Show with a concert of music, songs, and laughter. Plus a Texas-sized birthday cake will be served, with the help of the Washington County Historical Society Heritage Belles.

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site features Independence Hall - replicated on the original cornerstones of the site where the Texas declaration was signed on March 2, 1836; the Star of the Republic Museum - the only museum dedicated to the Republic period of Texas; and Barrington Living History Farm - a working 1850's cotton farm featuring the home of Anson Jones, last president of the Republic of Texas.

The complex is located off Hwy. 105 on FM 1155 between Brenham and Navasota, approximately one hour northwest of Houston. For directions and additional information, call 936-878-2214 or visit www.birthplaceoftexas.com .