Austin, TX – As the United States prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is proud to announce a series of patriotic events honoring the real stories of Texas and its contributions to the nation’s past.
Below is a list of some events happening at the THC’s historic sites. For a complete list of events, go to www.thc.texas.gov/america250.
Big Fat Quiz of the U.S.A., Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site
Show off your knowledge of America during the Big Fat Quiz of the U.S.A. at the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site in Bonham from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. January 23, 2026. The site is looking for four teams of two to answer questions about America, from history to culture and everything in between. Registration costs $1 and is required. To register, call 903-583-5558 or email Margo.McCutcheon@thc.texas.gov. The deadline to register is January 7.
History At Home: Preserving Family Photographs and Documents, French Legation State Historic Site
Along with celebrating the 250th anniversary of the nation and the impending 200th anniversary of Texas, the French Legation State Historic Site in Austin is also honoring local and family history from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. January 24, 2026. In this second session of the site’s Genealogy Research series, learn how to store and preserve photographs and timeless documents or learn how to scan them to preserve them digitally. Standard admission is required.
Historic Preservation: How Americans Honor the Past, Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
Join visitors and staff at Fulton Mansion State Historic Site in Rockport from 2–3 p.m. February 17, 2026, for a lecture that explores how Americans uniquely mark historic eras like the 1976 Bicentennial, the 1936 Texas Centennial, and the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The lecture examines how these anniversaries have transformed educational and physical landscapes, as well as the ways to highlight and preserve history in your own community.
“The Republic of Texas is no more.” 180th Anniversary of Texas Statehood, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
Celebrate the anniversary of Texas becoming a state at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, where Texas became Texas. On February 19, 1846, Anson Jones lowered the Texas flag and raised the American flag, signifying the end of the Republic of Texas. While this event happened in Austin, the groundwork for Texas’ annexation happened while Washington was the capital. The site will have its own American flag raising in front of Hatfield’s Exchange, and readings of Anson Jones’ speech at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. For more information, please contact Tynan Shadle at tynan.shadle@thc.texas.gov or at 936-878-2214, ext. 224.
America 250 with Time-Traveling Quills, Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site
Celebrate 250 years of American history with a hands-on history experience at Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site in Paris from 10–11 a.m. and 2–3 p.m. March 10-13, 2026. Kids will step back in time as they write or draw using real quills and ink on parchment paper. Creative prompts will inspire thoughtful reflections and a bit of imaginative time travel. The cost of the event is $3 per person.
About the Texas Historical Commission
The Texas Historical Commission is the state’s official historic preservation agency. It preserves, operates, and manages 42 state historic sites, the Texas Heritage Trails Program, Texas Main Street Program, Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, and many more heritage tourism and historic preservation initiatives across the state. The Texas Historical Commission’s mission is to protect and preserve the state’s historic and prehistoric resources for the use, education, enjoyment, and economic benefit of present and future generations. For more information, visit thc.texas.gov.
