Events
for 2007-2008
Events
for 2007-2008 Sept 8?, 200? -
Living History Open House Cos House and Patio, La Villita, San Antonio, TX. The San Antonio Living History Association will host a free community open house at the Cos House and patio area in La Villita, San Antonio's designated historical arts center. Working in collaboration with La Villita Tenants Association and the City Parks & Recreation Dept., everyone interested in different eras of San Antonio and Texas history is cordially invited to attend and enjoy this relaxing open event. SALHA is seeking to engage new members, volunteers, and associates who are interested in our city's diverse culture and rich heritage. All area members of heritage and cultural groups are welcome.
Living history interpretation is an educational art form that incorporates many arts types including theater, music, dance, period fashions, and storytelling.
The San Antonio Living History Association is a educational 501(c)(3)non-profit organization. Our goal is to promote greater understanding of San Antonio's multi-cultured heritage using the skills and art of living history interpretation in local schools and historic sites. Our purpose is to educate, engage, and entertain audiences, while expanding their historical and cultural horizons.
Interested support (non-reenactor) members, as well as new living history interpreters, will be given an information packet and an organizational program describing how to become actively involved and enjoy this educational and entertaining hobby. SALHA members will be presenting some of their historical clothing, skills, and interactive demonstrations for Cos House visitors between 1:00 and 5:00PM.
In addition, an illustrated brochure titled "A Walking Tour of La Villita", describing the interpretive markers located at each restored building, will be given to La Villita visitors at the open house. These interesting brochure describes the interpretive building markers that relate the history and evolution of San Antonio's "little village" from Spanish Colonial times through its restoration in 1939 which preserved that colorful part of our city's history.
The Cos House is on Villita Street, next to the entrance to the Arneson River Theater. Bring your love of San Antonio history and enthusiasm to this landmark site.
Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Ronnie Kelly (210) 240-3002 or Bob Benavides (210) 273-1730 or email SALHA at sanantoniolivinghistory@yahoo.com.
This event is rated 1.
Sept 15, 2007 - Texian Navy Day Saturday, September 15, 2007, is Texian Navy Day, honoring the contributions of the Texian Navy in helping secure the independence of the Republic of Texas in 1836. Long recognized in an ad hoc manner by governors and the Texas legislature, in 2005, the legislature enacted a law (Texas Govt Code 662.051) officially establishing the third Saturday of each September as Texian Navy Day, which "shall be observed with appropriate ceremonies and activities."
History has forgotten that the lone star of the Republic of Texas shone brightly on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Without the daring and dangerous exploits of the Texian Navy, Mexico easily could have re-supplied their land armies still in Texas in the immediate aftermath of the surrender of Gen. Santa Anna at San Jacinto or mounted a seaborne invasion after the San Jacinto victory. The Texian Navy was able to protect the young republic's long coastline with its many rivers, bays, and inlets to projecting power beyond its littoral waters to Mexican coastal towns as far away as the Yucatán. Ultimately, the Texian Navy was a real balance of power amongst the Navies of the United States, Mexico, and the European powers, all vying for influence in the Gulf of Mexico. The Texians' courage and striking power were far in excess of that which reasonably could have been expected from such a numerically disadvantaged force, and it was their fighting spirit that made the difference.
Please help recognize this date in history and preserve the memory of the seaborne valor of those who helped create the Lone Star State by flying your Texas flag on this day.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
J. Richard Reese, KSJ, President General, The Sons of the Republic of Texas 713 871-0634
David Hanover Texas Navy Committee Chairman, The Sons of the Republic of Texas 903 509-2206This event is not rated.
Sept 14-15, 2007 - Texas Heroes Day - The Legend Lives Friday and Saturday, the annual Texas Heroes Day - The Legend Lives Event will take place at the Texas Parks and Wildlife's Monument Hill Kriesche Brewery State Historic Site in La Grange, Texas. This event is co-produced by the Friends of Monument Hill Kreische Brewery, the Monument Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Chapter Number 53 of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, and the Friends of the Fayette Library and Museum. This two day event will celebrate the contributions made by the men of the ill-fated 1842 Dawson Massacre and the 1846 Meir Expedition. Every year this event is held on the weekend closest to September 18th when the remains were placed in their final burial site on the bluff above the scenic Colorado River valley which is now part of the state park.
Friday, the Fayette Library and Archives is offering extended hours and a 6 PM private reception and archival presentation for families and scholars researching the historical period between 1836 - 1840's when Texas gained independence from Mexico as a Republic through its transition into Statehood. Visitors are encourage to bring private historical collections with them to this event in order that those items can be copied or donated to the Fayette Archive adding to the efforts to grow the body of knowledge of this time period in this historic, central Texas region. Fayette County was part of the original Stephen F. Austin colony.
Saturday will feature historical re-enactments, a historic flag display, period craft demonstrations and music in addition to a commemorative program beginning at 9 AM at the Park. This year's commemorative program is To Be Announced. The Saturday program ends at Noon with a picnic.
Free handicap accessible, bus shuttles are offered using satellite parking at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on US 77 and Walnut Street in La Grange. The Park fee are $3 for adults and $2 for children under the age of twelve. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic and folding chairs to enjoy a day in the Park. Proceeds from the tickets and donations go to the continuance and development of the Park's interpretive program that focuses on the 1836 - 1840's period history. Refreshments will be available for sale.
Monument Hill Kriesche Brewery State Historical Park is located one mile south of La Grange, Texas off U.S. 77 and Spur 92. The park is one mile west on Spur 92.
Contact Information:
Monument Hill Kreische Brewery State Historical Park at 979-968-5658
Reenactors contact:Lennie Brown info@texanatrailslodge.com979.247.4457
Historical information about the Dawson Massacre and/or the Mier Expedition see the Handbook of Texas online at www.tsha.utex.edu/handbook/online/
October 6, 13, 20, 27 2007 - Living History Festival Marble Falls. Click here.
October 5-7, 2007 - "Come and Take It" Days in Gonzales, Texas. In 1831 the Mexican government loaned the citizens of Gonzales a six-pound cannon as protection against the Indians. In September of 1835, as political unrest grew, Mexican officials at San Antonio de Bexar demanded the cannon be returned.
A corporal with five soldiers and an oxcart were first sent by Col. Ugartechea, Bexar military commander, to Gonzales. The corporal carried a request that the small reinforced cannon, a bronze six-pounder, be returned. Andrew Ponton refused, stalling for time, and the little cannon was buried. Next came Lieutenant Castaneda and 150 mounted soldiers to "take" the cannon. When the soldiers appeared on the west bank of the Guadalupe River, there were only 18 men in Gonzales, but these 'Old Eighteen' stood at the river in defiance, denied the Mexicans a crossing by hiding the ferry and sent out a call for volunteers to assist them. As the soldiers scouted the river for a place to cross, they moved upriver a short distance and camped for the night. There, early on Oct. 2, 1835, the colonists crossed the river with their cannon, surprising the troops and waving their hastily fashioned flag, which proclaimed "Come and Take It." Almost immediately the cannon fired, killing one of Castenada's men and scattering the rest, forcing them to retreat to San Antonio de Bexar. Thus was fired the shot that set off the struggle for Texas independence from Mexico. When the smoke cleared, the Mexican troops had taken off. The Texas Revolution had begun. Gonzales became known as "The Lexington of Texas", where the first shot was fired, and where the first Texas Army of Volunteers gathered. A few months after the first shot, men and boys from the region would gather in Gonzales, sending the only reinforcements ever received at the Alamo. More info at http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/batgonframe.htm
Each October, on the weekend nearest the October 2 anniversary, the citizens of Gonzales gather to celebrate their Texas heritage in a three-day festival called "Come & Take It." In downtown Gonzales there is a parade, craft & food booths, music and much, much more. After you've seen the parade, eaten and drank your fill and the music is getting to you, gather up the family and head out to the Gonzales Pioneer Village, a mile or so north of downtown. At the Pioneer Village, you can leisurely stroll amongst 19th and early 20th century homes and other buildings. While doing this you will receive a short history and insight to the life and daily routine of the 1835 Texans. You will witness various scenarios and a skirmish between the Mexican troops and the Texans. This not an actual re-enactment of the original clash, but will give you a better understanding of 1830's military tactics. On Saturday the Village is open from 12 noon till 5p.m. There is a small admission fee for entry, but it is well worth it. See you there. Reenactors: This is an open event sponsored by the Crossroads of Texas Living History Association (COTLHA) and the Gonzales Pioneer Village. All re-enactors are welcome provided they have the proper clothing, weapons, accouterments and camping gear for the 1836 Texas Revolution time period. (Clothing can be machine sewn, square toe boots of two or three piece leather or period shoes, modern eyeglasses accepted but discouraged in favor of period eyeglasses, period tobacco products.)
Friday: Oct. 5 Set Camp-Electricity is available at camp sites; bring an extension cord and a fan! Hide in tent when grounds are open. Check with Event Coordinator Dennis Riedesel at riedeseld@suddenlink.netfor camping spots!-i.e., you camp in the battle ground-you move! Supper is on your own-traditionally we eat at the Whataburger Drive In. However you can have a camp fire and cook any and all meals if you wish. You can bring a period sleeping bag and sleep in some of the buildings but the beds in the houses are off limits.
Saturday: Oct. 6
7:30-8:00 Traditionally we all go to the restaurant at the Livestock Auction Barn for breakfast.
9:00 Those who want to ride the flatbed trailer or march in the parade load up for the trip downtown.
10:30 Downtown Parade.
12:00 Eat Lunch at the Festival Booths downtown. Those who participated in the parade get limited food and drink tickets-bring funds to purchase extra tickets.
1:00 Pioneer Village Opens to public. Living History presentations and demonstrations for the public.
3:00 Re-enactors start discussions and arguments on porch of the Gates House in favor of following positions: Federalist, Centeralist, Revolution, or Pacifist
3:15 Soldados take up positions-A few men on picket duty and the rest in reserve out of sight. Remember to perform a weapons safety check. No ram rods in the field or paper down the barrels!!!
3:30 Texian forces prepare for battle Weapons Safety Check-Flag raising-March out of town--Riedesel reads W. P. Smiths speech-- March to battle re-enactment positions.
4:00 Texian fire on Soldado's Picket line. Cease fire when Dr. Launcelot Smithers breaks from the Mexican Line to arrange a parley. Rest of the Mexican forces reinforce the picket line. Castaneda and Moore parley but break with no resolution to the argument. Moore shouts back, "If you want the cannon, come and take it!" When he clears the field, the cannon fires and both sides open fire. The Texian line advances and the Mexicans retire into the pasture.
End of battle 'til 5:00 Living history discussions and presentations with public.
5:00 Pioneer Village closes.
5:30/6:00 Chicken and Dumplings Dinner for Re-enactors. (This is one of the main reasons that all of us really come for!!)
6:00 Break camp if you have to leave. The rest of the evening is a period living history party time for re-enactors.
Sunday, Oct 7
7:30-8:00 Traditionally we all go back to the restaurant at the Livestock Auction Barn for breakfast.
9:00 Pioneer Village Opens. If you are leaving Sunday morning, you must have your camp struck and vehicle out of the Village before 9:00.
10:00 Pioneer Village's Memorial Ceremony for the Immortal 32. After this Memorial Ceremony, you can bring in your vehicle and strike camp.
IMPORTANT NOTES: Mosquitoes, red bugs (chiggers) and fire ants are usually a problem for campsites; wasps, spiders & scorpions are a concern in the buildings: be prepared.
If it is working, a shower facility is available--so bring soap and a towel.
Safety Check before battle. No ramrods in the field. Load from paper cartilages only. No paper down the barrel of any weapon. COTLHA Safety Rules are in effect!!
Directions to back gate and re-enactor parking:
Traveling South on US 183: Turn left on to Alt. US 90. Traveling North on US 183: Turn right on to Alt. US 90.
From Alt. US 90 Turn north on FM 794 toward Harwood. Follow highway to Pioneer Village Back Gate sign. Turn left and follow gravel road to gate.
CHECK ON PLANS TO REBUILD FORT WAUL!!
Contact Dennis Riedesel at riedeseld@suddenlink.net for more reenactor info and to RSVP, he wants to send out info packets. This event is rated 3.
October 6, 2007 - Boonville Days Living History Fair, sponsored by the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History. From the museum: "Visit with our blacksmith, flint knapper, roaming oxen, and miscellaneous characters again; enjoy kids' crafts, basket making, a cast-iron cook-off, pottery demonstrations, archery and more from 10 am to 5 pm. Daytime events are FREE and open to the public.
Please let me know if you or any of your membership may be interested. We are also looking for other organizations that may be interested in participating."
Setup should be completed by 9:30 AM and takedown to start about 5:30 PM with a chuckwagon dinner at 6 PM. The dinner is open to the public at $30 per plate, it is to hopefully become our annual fund raising event. We will offer lunch and refreshments to preregistered (reenactors, craftspeople, etc.), but no dinner tickets. These folks are welcome to depart after the daytime events end, or around 5:00 pm.
Cartridge blank shooting will be allowed; (standard safety rules apply); coordinate with Heather on firing schedule.
There is a midnight to 5 AM curfew, so overnight camping is not allowed (county rule). Bathrooms and water will be available; no dug fire pits (park rule) and above-ground fire pans may be allowed if a burn ban is not in effect then. For more info and registration contact Heather Prestridge or Tony Okonsky.
This event is rated 3.
October 13, 2007 - Fall at the Alamo, sponsored by the DRT - Place: On the grounds of the Alamo - Time: Setup 8 AM, event 9AM to 5PM. The theme will be Honor in the Republic of Texas. RSVP: Please contact Ernesto Rodriguez at erodriguez@thealamo.org or 210-225-1391 ext 28, if you or your group would like to attend this year's Fall at the Alamo and what type of set up is necessary. If you have any questions please let us know.
The Alamo welcomes your participation. Not all participants are required to participate in the living history portion of the event. As in the past, areas will be designated for historic crafts, dancing, demonstrations, music and story telling.
This event is rated 3½ .
October 6, 13, 20, 27 2007 - Living History Festival Marble Falls. Click here.
October 20-21, 2007 - Taking of the Presidio at Presidio La Bahia, Goliad. This event is a reenactment of the capture of La Bahia from the Mexican garrison by Texians under Collinsworth. (See Battle for Goliad, Oct 9 1835 above.) For more info click here or contact Jim Lauderdale. Waiver / liability form available here. This event is not yet rated.
October 26-27, 2007 - Texian Market Days, at the George Ranch just south of Richmond, Texas . It has grown into a favorite fall tradition. For years, Texans (long-time residents, new neighbors and "temporary" Texans) have gathered at the Fort Bend Museum Association's Texian Market Days to enjoy a living view of Texas' past. On October 26 and 27, 2007 folks will gather again at the George Ranch Historical Park to celebrate Texian Market Days.
TMD is a two-day event for 2007, but the days are Friday and Saturday. We are hopeful that re-enactment groups will be so excited about the prospect of Sunday being an at-your-own-pace breakdown day (or even a tactical/meeting day) that they might be willing to recruit more for Friday’s school day. The event is aiming to get more people, more excitement over those two days. We hope to see 2500 school kids or so, if we can manage them with program turnout. Then Saturday’s traffic should be heavier (we hope) and Sunday will be lazy, no-public. Still will have a Saturday night volunteer dinner. Still provide food for volunteers at all sites, though we are really looking hard at a near-site hospitality area for re-enactors. It will be a private, step-out-of-the-limelight area with food/snacks and drinks. Info letter and registration forms: check the George Ranch website linked above, or email Bryan McAuley. (Get it done soon, they need a good head count for food... ed.)
This year, the festival will include costumed staff and volunteers presenting vignettes of daily lives and heroic moments from the early days in Stephen F. Austin's colony (1830s) through the late years of the Great Depression and World War II (1940s), along with toe-tapping old-time tunes, an antique tractor show and pull (in collaboration with the Texas Antique Tractor Pull Association), arts and crafts from around the region at the Texian Market Place and so much more. Texian Market Days is a fund-raising event supporting the educational programs of the Fort Bend Museum Association, including the George Ranch Historical Park and the Fort Bend Museum.
Festival Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Daily hours are the same)
Admission at the Gate: $10 adult ($8 if purchased by October 21); $5 child ($4 if purchased by October 21) Children 4 and younger and members of the Fort Bend Museum Association are free. SAVE MONEY! Buy tickets by October 20 and save 20%. Adult admission is just $8 per person and $4 per child if purchased by October 20. They'll be available online by September 1, 2007.
Craft vendors, please see the Vendor Information Package or e-mail Mitzi Jackson or call her at 281-342-1256.
For information about volunteering, please email Bryan McAuley or call him at 281-343-0218 x 278.
For information about setting up a food booth, please email Donna Hoover or call her at 281-343-0218 x 258.
For information about joining us as a sponsor of Texian Market Days, please email Candy Jones or call her at 281-342-1256. This event is rated 3.
October 27, 2007 - "Battle of Concepción" 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Admission is free. Near the old Spanish Mission of Concepción, this battle of the Texas Revolution was fought between the Mexican military garrisoned in town and the Texian rebels. This historical encampment and battle reenactment will be presented across from Mission Concepción at 919 Mission Road, adjacent to St. Peter/St. Joseph's Children's Home. Members of the San Antonio Living History Association, using authentic flintlock muskets, long rifles and cannon of the combatants, dress in uniforms and clothing of the 1830s. The field event includes a historic encampment with period demonstrations and life skills of the 1835-36 Texas Revolution. This San Antonio Living History Association-sponsored event welcomes and invites participation from other Texas Revolution reenactors and organizations who wish to register for this event. For more information contact SALHA through their web site. This event is rated 3.
October 6, 13, 20, 27 2007 - Living History Festival Marble Falls. Organizers want to have period encampments, black powder demonstrations, cannon fire a couple of times during the day and more. There are pasture and orchard areas for period camps. Setup is each Friday afternoon / evening, with vehicles in parking areas and camps public-ready by 9:30 AM Saturday. Tear down is no earlier than 6 PM Saturday, but Sunday preferred. Public hours are 10 AM to 9 PM Saturday (there will be stage entertainment in the evenings). Port-a-johns and garbage cans will be provided; firewood and water (well water) will be supplied. Dug fire pits will be allowed. Shooting will be in designated display area only, not allowed in camp; standard safety rules apply. Period smoking will be allowed in camp; non-period smoking must be out of public view. For those bringing horses or other livestock, there is a small fenced area and several good places for horse picket lines. Horses must have proof of current Coggins. There is an arena for horse exhibitions. For more info, the webpage is http://bouldercreekministries.org/fallfestival.html and to RSVP, contact Natalee Norwood (natalee@texannarecords.com)This event is rated 3.
November 2-4, 2007 - Austin Town Historical Reenactment Imagine the sound of a thunderous cannon boom as the militia is called to muster and seeing Stephen F. Austin, Jane Long, and other historical characters living life as it was in their time.
Step back in time with the Brazoria County Historical Museum as it presents the annual Austin Town. A living history re-enactment, Austin Town recalls and celebrates the lives of those pioneers who settled Colonial Texas from 1821 to 1832. The fictitious "Austin Town" typically features character interpreters, demonstrators, sutlers, militia drill units, and period games. The purpose of the three-day event is not only to provide an educational and entertaining experience for Brazoria County residents, but also to attract visitors from outside the County who appreciate our area's wonderful history as well.
The Austin Town site is located approximately 3 miles off of State Highway 288 on Business 288, just north of Angleton, Texas. Public attendees: Admission Prices are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 and senior citizens over 65. Austin Town is open for school groups only on Friday. Austin Town is open to all visitors on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator via e-mail at programs@bchm.org or by telephone at (979) 864-1208. Registration forms are required and are expected to be online soon at BCHM's Website. This year BCHM will be trying a new online registration program for your convenience. This event is rated 3.
November 3, 2007 - Stephen F. Austin's Birthday Celebration, Texas State Cemetery, Austin. The Moses Austin Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas are hosting a memorial service with musket volley and cannon salute, to honor Stephen F. Austin's birthday. We will start at 10:00 a.m., and the program should last about 45 minutes, or a tiny bit more. A Children of the Republic of Texas group is hand making a wreath that they will lay at the tomb just before the rifle salute. From IH 35, go East on 7th street to Navasota. Turn left, cemetery main building will be up the block on your right, at the largest flagpole in East Austin. For info contact Bob Reese. This event is rated 3.
November 3-5, 2006 - San Felipe Campout, San Felipe. This is a Texas Army event. From Houston, travel west on Interstate 10 to FM 1458 (just before Sealy). Turn right (north) on FM 1458 and then left on Park Road 38. The camp has been across the street from Stephen F Austin State Park. Contact Jerry Tubbs for more details and the correct location for this year.. This event is rated 3.
November 10, 2007 Pioneer Day at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble Texas 77338- about 1 1/2 miles west of Hwy 59, off of FM 1960 (near North side of Bush Intercontinental Airport of Houston). Calling all Texas Living History re-enactors. We invite you to our 21st annual Pioneer Day celebration. This year's event will be held on Saturday, November 10 from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Our park features a complete Pioneer homestead, woodworking shop, blacksmith shop and Akokisa Indian village. We allow period camping on both Friday and Saturday nights. All re-enactors will receive lunch on Saturday and anyone in period dress is invited to our after event barn dance beginning at 7:00 PM.
This event is free to the public and draws between 1500 and 3000 people annually. This year's event will feature a Tex-Mex skirmish, historical exhibits, arts and crafts, games and demonstrations of Pioneer skills. Our goal is to teach Texas History and also give the public an idea of the everyday life of the early inhabitants of Texas .
We are looking for exhibitors, demonstrators, and participants for the skirmish.
The event guidelines and registration form are on one Adobe .pdf document, click here. Pre-registration is required. A flyer for the event is available on the park website www.hcp4.net/jones, also in .pdf.
For any and all re-enactors wishing to stay Friday and/or Saturday night, sites for period camping are available. We can accommodate several over-nighters in the park's tents and homestead structures on a first come, first reserved basis. Families are most welcome to stay as well. Modern restrooms and showers are located near the homestead. We have plenty of hay, fire rings, firewood and atmosphere to help make the stay enjoyable.
Please contact me for directions or with any questions - Monte Parks at 281.446.8588 or email mparks@hcp4.net For more information on the park, it's programs and people please visit: www.hcp4.net/jones or call us at 281.446.8588 - Monte Parks This event is rated 3½.
December 8, 2007 - Battle of Béjar and the Capitulation of General Cos 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at La Villita's Maverick Plaza. Admission is free. Reenactment of the 5-day storming of Béjar (old San Antonio) and the surrender ceremonies of the Mexican garrison by General Martín Perfecto de Cos to the Texian Federalist Army. The nearby Cos House in historic La Villita is the site of the December, 1835, capitulation that gave Texian troops control of Béjar and the Alamo fortress only three months before the famous 1836 siege and battle of the Alamo. This San Antonio Living History Association-sponsored event welcomes and invites participation from other Texas Revolution reenactors and organizations who wish to register for this event. For more information contact SALHA through their web site. This event is rated 3.
December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 2007 - Campfire Christmas, at the George Ranch just south of Richmond, Texas. The families of the George Ranch are delighted to invite you to a very special celebration of the holiday season. The evening will include a traditional Texas meal, wagon rides, caroling and campfires, and tours of the George Ranch homes. Travel through the park on a hay wagon, and visit the Jones Stock Farm, decked out in Christmas cheer 1830s-style, where the family will be gathered by candlelight to sing carols and tell stories. Visit the George home, where early 20th century holiday traditions will come to life. Finally, join the ranch's cowboys and their friends around the campfire to toast the season and its blessings. The George Ranch will be cozy and our welcome will be warm as you step into this unique holiday celebration. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED, and you are warned that tickets sell out quick. Tickets are available for purchase on line, and reservations are non-refundable.
For more information, please call 281-343-0218 or 281-545-9212 x 220 or visit www.georgeranch.org.
Note: The Campfire Christmas program takes about three hours. Please dress for a casual evening outdoors. Bring a blanket if you wish. In true Texas fashion, Campfire Christmas goes on regardless of the weather.
January 18-20, 2008 - Pilgrim's Camp and Swap Meet.This will be our 7th. This year we will be at the Brazos River County Park. This park is located in Brazoria County, off CR 30 in the Planter's Point Subdivision near Angleton. A map to the location can be found at www.brazoriacountyparks.com, and we have posted directions here and on the .pdf format flyer.This is not the easiest park in Texas to find; print out the directions, and write down this number and bring it with you for help if you get lost: 979-864-1541.
We will be allowed to have camp fires and access to the bathrooms. Weapons may be brought also but no firing will be allowed. This year, we are stating that the public is invited, in the intent of making sure our invitation is not misconstrued as "members only". -- Folks from several different Texas Rev groups have joined together to organize this annual event with the goal of providing a friendly, safe, informative and fun place for "civilians" to explore their interest in living history and for "old hands" to pass on their knowledge and expertise. Camping will be available in two camps; one for modern camping and one for period camping. Camp setup will be on the 18th and we can tear down as late as Sunday afternoon the 20th. There will be an all-day opportunity for one-on-one discussions on the various levels of living history; the philosophy and goals of our avocation; weapons, clothing and tools of the period; historical research, and, above all else: safety issues. In order to provide an environment most conducive to learning, the event will be focused toward living historians, reënactors, those curious about our hobby, and those interested in possibly joining us. If you have been interested in this part of Texas history, or have wondered "how could I", then this is the event for you.
Ever wonder how this event got started? Click here.
In conjunction with the "Pilgrim's" Camp, the "old hands" are encouraged to bring their surplus gear, equipment, clothes and accouterments for an old fashioned trading session and swap meet. Be sure to bring those items you no longer have a need for.
If you're a living historian interested in helping lead one of the presentations or simply someone interested in getting involved in the wonderful world of early Texas, contact Jerry Tubbs (telephone 713-973-1136) or Charlie Yates (telephone 512-264-2355). A $10 camp fee will be charged for wood & we will have real bathrooms (which also means water will be available). Since period dress is not required (though certainly is encouraged), This event is rated 1.
February 9, 2008 Texas Heritage Day at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble Texas 77338- about 1 1/2 miles west of Hwy 59, off of FM 1960 (near North side of Bush Intercontinental Airport of Houston). The event is open to the public from 10-4 and brings on average 2,500-4000 visitors. A big invitation goes out to any and all Texas history re-enactors to help bring this event together! Texas time-line: pre-historic, Spanish, French, Mexican, Texian; Colonization, Revolution, Republic, State, Civil War, Reconstruction; Texas up to 1880. For re-enactors wishing to stay Friday and/or Saturday night, sites for period camping are available. We can accommodate several over-nighters in the park's tents and homestead structures. Families are most welcome to stay as well. Modern restrooms and showers are located near campsites. We have plenty of hay, fire rings and firewood to help make the stay enjoyable. Just please pre-register with us first to make sure there is still room! Contact Anita Howlett at 281.446.8588 or email ahowlett@hcp4.net For more information on the park, it's programs and people please visit: www.hcp4.net/jones or call us at 281.446.8588 --Anita and Mike Howlett Reenactors: Click here for forms and info at http://www.hcp4.net/jones/pdf/ReenactorGuidelinesRegistration.pdf This event is rated 3½.
February 15-17, 2008 ROT Frolic It's time again for the ROT Frolic to be held at Henkel Square in Round Top. The scenario is going to be 1837-38 and will center around a murder, arrest, trial and possibly an execution depending on the way things go. If you are interested please RSVP.
This is a psuedo juried/invitational only event (no walk ins allowed) but if you're interested I encourage you to contact me and we can discuss the event in detail. If you've attended before you're good to go now. I have the registration packet finalized already and can send it out as needed. Hope to hear from you and hopefully we'll see you at Roundtop! We're open to encouraging folks to become more progressive in the hobby and this is a really great progressive/authentic event to experience as there are no others like it out there!
Sincerely,
Scott McMahon (aka. Lt. McBarron), ADC to Maj. Abolt 7th USI http://www.cottonbalers.lynchburg.net/
979 218-7752 mobile
New as of 1/21/08: As in previous years we will have a different scenario from last year but still related to the republic era. This year our scenario will closely follow Texian Macabre, Dr. Stephen L. Hardin's new book on early Texas. The details are almost finalized for doing a trial (and possible execution) based on that of David James Jones and John C.C. Quick. Rowdy Loafers and vagabonds of all sorts are welcome as well as fine upstanding citizens of the new Republic. We will also be looking at the early days of Houston and will be working in various descriptions and accounts of the town as it was circa 1837-1838. This years scenario should be fun and unique, one you won't want to miss!
While I know the event is coming up soon I hope those who are interested will contact me regarding their participation. This event is open to ALL who are willing to meet the normal requirements. In order to maintain a high degree of authenticity this event will be open to registered participants only. If you have not contacted me by February 11th then you will not be allowed on site as a participant, there will be no walk-ins allowed. If you have not attended the event in the past please make sure and contact me personally either by phone or email so we can discuss any issues you might have. If you have a friend who might be interested please forward them my email and have them contact me. Again I want to emphasize, if you have not confirmed your attendance with me you will not be allowed to participate. Please seriously consider attending this event and don't be turned off by the "juried" process…
all are welcome; we just want to make sure everyone is on board with what we are trying to do.
Sincerely,
Scott McMahon
This event is rated 4.
February 23, 2008 - Glory at the Alamo at Alamo Plaza in San Antonio, Texas, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free. Living history reënactments portray the beginning of the 13-day Alamo siege including a scene from a Fandango; the earlier-than-expected arrival of Santa Anna's Army of Operations Against Texas; early attempts to parley, an Alamo cannon shot in reply; and the reading of the famous Travis letter from the Alamo asking for aid. "Glory At The Alamo" programs also feature living history interactive demonstrations, period music, dance, food and novelty booths, historical crafts, old-time photographs, a sutler store and family fun for all. Also hosted is "This Hallowed Ground - Alamo Plaza", a historical walking tour of Alamo Plaza that is presented in collaboration with the William Barret Travis Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. This San Antonio Living History Association-sponsored event welcomes and invites participation from other Texas Revolution reenactors and organizations who wish to register for this event. For more information contact SALHA through their web site . This event is rated 3½ .
March 1, 2008 - Texas Independence Day Celebration and Parade in Austin, Texas. Note time change: Scheduled start is 10:30 AM. Sponsored by our friends at Celebrate Texas . More info at their website. TLA Members: Those intending to march with us in the parade or ride the TLA float please RSVP our Director. This will be followed by a Noon celebration in the Capitol Rotunda. This event is rated 3.
March 1-2, 2008 - Texas Independence Day Festivities at Washington-On-The-Brazos, Texas. For an invitation to participate, contact Tom Scaggs. Tom can be reached at 936-878-2214 ext. 224. Mail is Tom Scaggs - Complex Manager, Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site, P.O. Box 305, Washington, TX 77880. Email is at wilburt.scaggs@tpwd.state.tx.us . This event is rated 3.
March 1-2, 2008 - Texas Independence Day Celebrations, statewide. Celebrate Texas encourages everyone to help with celebrations in their hometown. See their website.
March 2, 2008 - Texas Independence Day Memorial Service, Texas State Cemetery, Austin. Time change: 2 PM. From IH 35, go East on 7th street to Navasota. Turn left, cemetery main building will be up the block on your right, at the largest flagpole in East Austin. Memorial service and musket volley to honor the Great State of Texas, and the Men and Women who made her so. Keynote Speaker: Mr. Jerry C. Drake, Deputy Commissioner, Archives and Records of the General Land Office. This event will be held rain or shine. Volley participants: Safety check is at 1 PM. Must be at safety check to participate in volley. Loading will be from cartridges (no horns or flasks). Bring enough cartridges for 2 sets of 3 volleys. RSVP webmaster@texianlegacy.com. This event is rated 3.
March 2, 2008 - Alamo Defenders Memorial Service, Texas State Capitol grounds, Congress Ave. and 11th Street, Austin. Memorial service and musket volley to honor the defenders of the Alamo. 4 PM. Volley participants: Safety check is at 3:30 PM. Must be at safety check to participate in volley. Loading will be from cartridges (no horns or flasks). Bring enough cartridges for 3 shots. RSVP Jim Price. This event is rated 3.
March 6, 2007 - Dawn at the Alamo Memorial 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM at Alamo Plaza in San Antonio,Texas. SALHA members, joined by re-enactors from across the U.S., represent both armies and pay homage in recognition of the great sacrifices made on both sides of the Alamo conflict. Thirteen candles are lit to symbolize the 13-day Alamo siege. The fall of the Alamo is remembered with a historical narrative, readings of eyewitness accounts, a reconciliation peace prayer, in both English and Spanish, flintlock musket volley salutes, and the placement of commemorative wreathes complete the solemn event. This free hour-long event begins during the Alamo battle hour that begins in darkness and ends in early morning light. Participation with wreaths is welcomed from Alamo descendants, historical organizations, students and other visitors. This San Antonio Living History Association-sponsored event welcomes and invites participation from other Texas Revolution reenactors and organizations who wish to register for this event. For more information contact SALHA through their web site. Dutch treat breakfast at the Menger Hotel follows. This event is rated 3½.
March 8-9, 2008 - "Remembering the Alamo" Weekend at Alamo Plaza in San Antonio, Texas, from 10 AM to 5 PM Saturday, and Noon to 5 PM Sunday. Admission is free. For God and Texas; Dios y Libertad - FREE in Alamo Plaza. This event is a dramatization of the events concening the final two days(March 5 and 6, 1836) of the 13 day Alamo siege by General Santa Anna's Army of Operations, played out in Alamo Plaza. And, a special added vignette, the arrival of the Gonzales Thirty-two. This San Antonio Living History Association-sponsored event welcomes and invites participation from other Texas Revolution reenactors and organizations who wish to register for this event. For more information contact SALHA through their web site. This event is rated 3.
March 29-30, 2008 - "The Goliad Massacre" at Presidio La Bahía, Goliad, Texas. Annual Goliad Massacre - Fort Defiance Living History Program. A recreation of the occupation of the fort by Col. Fannin and the Goliad Massacre. The only event of its kind in the State of Texas. Saturday, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Candlelight Tours 7 P.M. to 9 P. M. Sunday, following the Massacre Reenactment at 10:00 A.M., there will be a memorial service and a pilgrimage to the Fannin Memorial. This event is sponsored by the Presidio La Bahía and the Crossroads of Texas Living History Association. For guidelines for clothing, attendance information, timetable of events, Reënactor/Living Historian information and the most recent info, check out the COTLHA web site www.cotlha.com. If you are not sure about clothing and such, check the end of the COTLHA bylaws which has an appendix with guidelines. . More questions? CONTACTS: Steve Trowbridge , 307 Taos, Victoria, TX 77904 or Dave Vickers , P. O. Box 942, Sinton, TX 78387. Presidio Calendar: http://www.presidiolabahia.org/calendar.htm This event is rated 3½.
April 4-6, 2008 - Ladies' 19th Century Conference at Ft. Martin Scott, Fredericksburg. Time is here for the 19th Century Ladies' Conference. >Here is a link to the information page, it is definitely worth perusing. Reservations are required and sign-up deadline is March 15th. For details email Deborah Russell at russhill@ktc.com. This event is rated 3½.
April 5, 2008 - History Faire and Culture Fest sponsored by Tejeda Middle School, San Antonio, Texas. 10am - 4pm. Free admission, and the event will go rain or shine. This event covers from Vikings to WWII, and is a community, family style event that draws quite a crowd. This is a great event to introduce people to "living history". The timeline history reenactment groups and demonstrations will be on History Hill, behind the school. Groups and periods include the Buffalo Soldiers, SCA, Muskets of the Crown, WWII, Texas Rev and many more. A stage will be set up for dance and cultural performance groups. Musical groups include Scots, Mexican, and various ethnic groups. ( MS students learn Social Studies as opposed to History ). Student groups will sell handmade items, food and drinks, and run some games. Picnics are welcomed. If anyone knows of any one or group who would be interested in participating please put them get in touch with one of these fine people: Debora Marzec or Randy Guzman for registration. Directions available on the school site. This event is rated 3½.
April 5, 2008 - Texas Heritage Museum Symposium, Hill College, Hillsboro. The Texas Heritage Museum’s mission is "to explore Texas and Texans during wartime and how those experiences affect us today", expanding from its previous scope as the Confederate Research Center. This year, the focus of the symposium is Texas and Texans at War: The Fragile Frontier: Texans at war 1835-1870. The symposium is scheduled to run from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM including intermissions and a break for lunch. The event is held in the main auditorium of Hill College and seats about 450, and tickets are $25.00 in advance or at the door. (Note: among the events, our own Charlie Yates will be presenting an informative essay on Alamo Artillery; A Matter of Perspective. It will include a review of the Mexican Artillery emplacements at the Alamo and new information concerning documentation about their location.) The museum is also looking for artifacts (with provenance) to bolster their Texas Revolution/Texas Republic collections. Hillsboro is north of Waco, just west of I-35 and just south of the 35W-35E split. For more information, and to get tickets, contact museum director John Versluis (pronounced "verse-lewis") at jversluis@hillcollege.edu or call the museum at (254) 582-2555. ext. 295. The Texas Heritage Museum web site is http://www.hillcollege.edu/museum/ Attire is modern business or business casual. This event is rated 1.
April 12, 2008 - Runaway Scrape,at the George Ranch . The first event will be in the morning at 10 am which will be an event in which the guests will be immersed in the life in the Mexican and Texian armies. Guests will be separated into the two armies, issued wooden muskets and sent to their respective camps. Once there, they will be drilled in the manual of arms and allowed to visit stations depicting camp life of the army. At the end, they will be allowed to participate in a “reenactment” of the Runaway Scrape under extremely controlled conditions. Stations: 1. Army Medicine; 2. Food of the Army; 3. Equipment of the Soldier. At 12:00, lunch will be served by our ranch chef, Nick Castleberg. The next event will start at 2:00, which will be a reenactor only event. There are plans in the works for some mock buildings to burn down. Powder will be provided for both sides. Any and all are invited for both civilian and military participation. All are invited to stay Saturday night as the park is closed on Sunday. There is no signup sheet as it stands right now, so please email J.R. Thomas if you are able to attend.This event is rated 3½.
April 26, 2008 - San Jacinto Battle Reënactment The events will be at the reflecting pool site with the large berm so the spectators have "stadium seating". In addition to the Battle Re-enactment at 3:30 there will be an all day Festival with crafts, demonstrations, entertainment and food. Living history demonstrations will be at the Texian Army camp, Mexican Army camp and the Run-a-way (Civilian) camp as well as at the Festival. Come and spend the day at San Jacinto, where Texas Won its Independence. Contact Jerry Tubbs for the battle re-enactment, this is an invitation-only event. Safety meetings (especially the 9 AM) and weapons inspections are mandatory for participation - ABSOLUTELY NO "WALK-ONS". This reenactment includes Hollywood-grade pyrotechnics.... when the cannons go boom, so does the target. Teachers and Public: contact Dianne Powell for the Festival or visit the web site at http://EarlyTexasHistory.com/SanJacinto. Sutlers, food vendors, and lots to see & do for the public. This event is rated 3½.
April 16 - May 4, 200? - Sterling Bank San Jacinto Exhibit Artifacts from 1836 to 1845 to be on display for the first time in Houston at Sterling Bank's 6th Annual Republic of Texas Exhibition -
A project of Sterling Bank's Lex Johnston Republic of Texas Collection
On an April afternoon in 1836, Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna was startled by gunshots from the charging Texas Army near Harrisburg at the place where the San Jacinto River merges with Buffalo Bayou . In minutes the battle was over, and in its wake Texas became an independent republic. Santa Anna and his personal items, including his swallowtail headquarters flag, his ornate silver riding spurs, and his writing desk appointments came under the control of his captors.
Beginning April 16, many of these captured artifacts, including the flag, spurs, and desk appointments, will be among the historical treasures on display April 16 - May 4, 2007, at Sterling Bank's Memorial Banking Center, 840 Gessner, in Houston.
Rarely seen by the public and never before exhibited in Houston, the swallowtail flag's restoration was partially funded through a grant from Sterling Bank. The exhibition will be FREE and open to the public during banking hours: Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm, and Friday, 9am-5pm.
Set amid MetroNational's Three-Memorial City Texas-themed plaza and its Yellow Rose Garden, the Sterling Bank exhibit of over two dozen items is drawn from the Lex Johnston Republic of Texas Collection, the Dallas Historical Society, and Texas Numismatic Association members.
Highlights of the exhibition include:
If you would like to have your pre-1840 Texas History event listed here, send me all the pertinent information and I'll post it. Be sure to include a TLA Rating and an event contact for further information.
Other calendars online
Washington-on-the-Brazos site calendar
Brazoria County Historical Museum calendar
Presidio La Bahia calendar
San Antonio Living History Assn calendar
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