Free April 25 event brings 19th-century Texas history to life with demonstrations, music and hands-on activities
HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS–The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library is set to host General Sam Houston Day on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
General Sam Houston Day, a revamped version of the museum’s previous Folk Festival, serves as a community event dedicated to honoring the life and times of Sam Houston (1793-1863).
Now in its fourth year, General Sam Houston Day has a more enhanced emphasis on 19th-century history. The festivities will include historical demonstrations, hands-on activities, period music and more.
“This year marks the 190th anniversary of the Texian victory at San Jacinto and we have partnered with individuals and historic sites from across Texas to bring Texas history to life and make it a free, interactive experience for our visitors,” said Derrick Birdsall, museum director.
The serene museum grounds will come to life with the sounds of historical demonstrations such as blacksmithing, woodworking, kick wheel pottery, spinning and hearth cooking.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Silhouettes & Such,” said Birdsall. “Shanlie joined us the first year we hosted General Sam Houston Day. She is an artist that does custom silhouettes, which are a historic form of portraiture dating to the 18th century, created using only paper and scissors, just as artisans did centuries ago.”
Longtime friends and supporters of the museum, the Cane Island Volunteers, will also be on the grounds, depicting mid-1800s daily life. They will be joined by Iron Horse Guest Ranch, which will be conducting its crowd‑favorite wagon rides, while the Sons of the Republic of Texas will once again make history come alive with their cannon demonstrations.
The museum is also honored to host representatives from the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Alamo, San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site, Washington‑on‑the‑Brazos State Historic Site, Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site, San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, the Texas Navy and many more.
The museum, museum store and Walker Education Center will also be open and welcoming visitors during the event. On display in the exhibit gallery at the Walker Education Center is “Remembering You, David Adickes,” an exhibit highlighting paintings and sculptures by Texas artist and native of Huntsville, David Adickes.