SPECIAL EVENTS

The 175th anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence will be commemorated during a Texas Independence Day Celebration, a free two-day festival February 26-27, 2011 at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. The festival will be held from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day.

This celebration brings to life the Republic of Texas era at the 293-acre park along the Brazos River, where visitors will be transported back to the time when Texas was a sovereign nation. Costumed re-enactors and members of the Texas Army, along with skilled craftsmen and talented musicians, will fill the park as Texas commemorates its inception.

Statesmen of the era, such as Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin and Anson Jones, will be on hand to explain to visitors the importance of Texas independence.

At the Visitor's Center, guests will be able to log onto the Park Association's new web project, The Spirit of Independence. This interactive web site allows teachers and students access to the wealth of information and primary sources available at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site.

Saturday's activities include Texian Army day-to-day life interpretations; Anson Jones' kitchen in use; Lott's Tavern reenactment; small arms and artillery firing demonstrations; historic crafts demonstrations; craft vendors, musicians; and recreation of key moments that occurred during the Independence Convention.

The Star of the Republic Museum at Washington-on-the-Brazos will open a new exhibit Independence Day weekend entitled Fifty-nine for Freedom.

On March 2, 1836, as Santa Anna was approaching San Antonio, the delegates at Washington-on-the-Brazos declared, "Our political connection with the Mexican nation has now forever ended, and the people of Texas do now constitute a free and independent republic." By signing this Declaration, these men were signing their own death warrants, jeopardizing their property and the lives of their families. But who were these men who put their lives of the line?

The new exhibit will explore the life and contributions of each delegate. Numerous artifacts and documents owned or created by many of the 59 signers will be on display. The exhibit will open on February 26, in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

On Sunday, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, a direct descendant of Texas Declaration of Independence signer Charles Taylor, will be the keynote speaker at this special commemoration. A contingent of the Fighting Texas Aggie Band will start things off about 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the Tom & Jane Bullock amphitheater. Sam Houston IV and Senator Hutchison will then recognize other descendants of the 59 signers.

The Star of the Republic Museum, the Brazos Valley Arts Council and the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park Association will unveil a stunning art piece titled The Big Picture. Local artists have joined together to paint sections of the Museum's cornerstone exhibit, "The Reading of the Texas Declaration of Independence" by artists Charles and Fanny Normann. More than a dozen artists have divided the painting into sections, and are recreating the painting on a monumental scale. The finished work will measure approximately 18 x 24 feet, and serve as a backdrop at the amphitheater. "The Big Picture" will be revealed Sunday, February 27, at 2 p.m. at the park amphitheater.

At 3 p.m., a Texas-sized birthday cake will be served to audience members, with the help of the Washington County Historical Society Heritage Belles. The afternoon will conclude with a performance of The Convention of 1836 by the Navasota Theater Alliance.

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site features three attractions that are open year round - Independence Hall, the Star of the Republic Museum and Barrington Living History Farm. All admission fees will be waived during the celebration weekend! Food vendors selling a variety of festival foods will be on site.

This event is made possible through funding from Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park Association, Exxon Mobil Corporation and Bluebonnet Electric Co-op.

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is located between Brenham and Navasota off State Hwy. 105 and FM 1155, approximately one hour northwest of Houston.

Directions and more information are available online at www.birthplaceoftexas.com  or by calling 936-878-2214.

Brenham/Washington County is located halfway between Houston and Austin and is the home of Blue Bell ice cream, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site - "The Birthplace of Texas," more than 40 bed and breakfast inns, wineries, Brenham's Main Street District and more.