Star of the Republic Museum

The Star of the Republic Museum, in Washington, Texas, USA is the only museum in the state created specifically to collect and interpret the culture and history of the [http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/RR/mzr2.html Republic of Texas] from 1836-1846. Within the Museum’s two floors of exhibits, visitors can learn about the history of the time period through media experiences, as well as informative exhibits.

Location

The Star of the Republic Museum is one of three sites located within the [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/washington_on_the_brazos/ Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site] in Washington, Texas. The historic site is located in Washington County off of Highway 105. Coming from Brenham take Highway 105 east 14 miles, then turn right on FM 912 to the historic site, or coming from Navasota take Highway 105 west 7 miles, then turn left on FM 1155 to the historic site.

Mission

The Star of the Republic Museum was created by the Texas Legislature and is administered by Blinn College as a cultural and educational institution. Its purpose is to collect and preserve the material culture of the Texas Republic (1836-1846) and to interpret the history, cultures, diversity, and values of early Texans. The Museum strives to inspire interest, understanding and appreciation of Texas heritage for students, teachers, scholars, and the general public through exhibits, tours, programs, web activities, and outreach. (approved by the Blinn College Board of Trustees, 2007)

History

In 1969 the State of Texas created the Star of the Republic Museum through House Bill No. 634, of the Sixty-First Legislature. The Museum officially opened on Texas Independence Day, March 2, 1970 and was transferred from the State Parks and Wildlife to [http://blinn.edu Blinn College] , located in Brenham, Texas. 1n 1972 the Star of the Republic Museum received one of the highest honors in the museum field by achieving accreditation from the [http://www.aam-us.org/ American Association of Museums] . As an accredited facility, the Museum is certified in adhering to the standards set forth by the museum profession, providing quality service to the public, and maintaining the collections in a responsible manner. Of the approximate 8,500 museums in the nation, only around 800 are accredited. In 1992 the Museum began a long-range plan for major facility renovations. The plans included renovations to the building, a building addition, and a fund raising campaign to renovate the Museum’s exhibits. Through the efforts of this plan, The Republic of Texas exhibition was finished in 2002. This permanent exhibit allows visitors to view over 1,000 objects from the collection depicting the culture of early 19th century Texas.

Hours/Price

The Museum is open to the public seven days a week, from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, and from December 23 through January 1. The price of admission for the Museum is $4 per adult and $2 per student. Children 6 and under are admitted free.

Annual Events

"Texas Independence Day Celebration"
The largest event for the entire park is the Texas Independence Day Celebration. This celebration occurs every year on the weekend closest to March 2nd, the actual anniversary of Texas Independence. During the celebration weekend visitors are able to tour all the sites in the park free of charge. While visiting the sites, individuals can also enjoy costumed interpreters, special performances, and a variety of demonstrators relating to the Republic time period.

"Fireworks on the Brazos"
Another large event for the Museum, as well as the park, is the Fourth of July celebration. On this day visitors are welcome to visit the museum until 6:00 p.m.; regular admission prices apply. Other activities during this event include 1850’s children’s games and activities, a live concert, and free Blue Bell and Coca Cola products. The event is brought to an end with a wonderful display of fireworks, simulcast to patriotic music.

Exhibits

The Museum’s exhibits are displayed on two floors, the first of which is in the shape of a five-point Texas star and the second floor in a pentagon shape. The exhibits on the first floor present a chronological history of early Texas, beginning with the first Texans, the Native Americans, and continuing to the Texain soldiers who fought for independence. Intriguing artifacts on the first level include: The Reading of the Texas Declaration of Independence, a 1936 painting of the men who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence and the Lone Star Flag, the oldest known Texas flag from the period of 1839-1846. The second floor exhibits depict the social and multicultural history of the 1830’s and 1840’s. Through impressive design, the exhibits portray the daily life practices of the Republic settlers. The second level’s attractions include: a simulated riverboat trip down the Brazos River and an observation deck to view the 300 acres of the historic site.

References

[http://www.starmuseum.org Star of the Republic Museum]

External links

* [http://www.starmuseum.org Star of the Republic Museum]
* [http://www.birthplaceoftexas.com Birthplace of Texas]
* [http://www.blinn.edu Blinn College]
* [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/washington_on_the_brazos/ Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site]
* [http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/RR/mzr2.html Republic of Texas]