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June 6, 2024
Photograph of African American band at Emancipation Day celebration
African-American band at Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900, held in "East Woods" on East 24th Street in Austin via The Portal to Texas History
Juneteenth: Freedom Comes to Texas
On June 19, 1865, Union troops in Texas, based out of Galveston, began to enforce the end of slavery following the Civil War. Approximately 250,000 enslaved Black Texans had new legal status, which was further codified when the 13th Amendment was ratified later in the year.
Several state historic sites will host Juneteenth celebrations to commemorate the historic announcement of emancipation and the end of slavery in Texas:
* June 8: Annual Judge Eddie E. Harrison Juneteenth Heritage Celebration [ [link removed] ], Washington-on-the-Brazos
* June 15, 18-22: Juneteenth: History on Parade [ [link removed] ], French Legation
* June 19: Brain Trust Brown Bag Lecture: Juneteenth—A Celebration of Freedom [ [link removed] ], Magoffin Home
* June 22: Juneteenth: Stories of the Enslaved in San Felipe de Austin [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin
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Native American grass house with sun setting behind [ [link removed] ]
Caddo Mounds State Historic Site Officially Reopen
Caddo [ [link removed] ] Mounds State Historic Site [ [link removed] ] has officially reopened after being devastated by a tornado in 2019. The reopening celebration on May 18 featured outdoor activities, Caddo singing and dancing performances, and speeches honoring the site's significance. The restoration includes a new $2.5 million visitor center and reconstructed grass house, reflecting the resiliency of the Caddo Nation. This milestone was made possible through efforts from the Friends of Caddo Mounds, Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, Caddo citizens, site staff, state officials, and donors.
*PLAN YOUR VISIT* [ [link removed] ]
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Texas Historical Commission Announces Executive Director
Joseph Bell [ [link removed] ]
The Texas Historical Commission is excited to announce Joseph Bell's promotion to executive director of the agency and its 350 employees. Bell has been the deputy executive director of historic sites since 2015, providing guidance and oversight to the agency's 39 state historic sites.
During Bell’s tenure, the THC has grown the network of state historic sites under the agency’s stewardship and vastly expanded interpretation, programming, and visitor amenities. [ [link removed] ]
Read more [ [link removed] ] about some key initiatives under Bell’s leadership, including restoration and renovation projects and the addition of state historic sites in 2023.
*READ MORE* [ [link removed] ]
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Graphic of hexagons. One says Youth Summer Camps at State Historic Sites. [ [link removed] ]
Sign Up for Summer Camps [ [link removed] ]
Embark on a historic journey through time with the Texas Historical Commission's Youth Summer Camps at our state historic sites [ [link removed] ]! Immerse your young historians in a unique blend of education and adventure where the past comes to life. Let them become president for the day at the Bush Family Home or get hands-on experience cooking, exploring the cultural importance of food at Levi Jordan Plantation, and much more!
Across Texas, each historic site becomes an interactive classroom, fostering a deep appreciation for our state's unique history through hands-on activities, crafts, and demonstrations. Register your kids for a camp near you by clicking the link below:
*SIGN UP NOW* [ [link removed] ]
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Nominate Someone: Texas Historical Commission Preservation Awards [ [link removed] ]
Nominations Open for 2024 Preservation Awards [ [link removed] ]
Preserving history and heritage takes effort. Recognize someone in your community for their hard work!
The Texas Historical Commission offers annual awards to recognize worthy accomplishments and exemplary leadership in preserving Texas’ heritage. These awards cover achievements in the fields of archeology, historic architecture, museums, community heritage development, and more. Nominations are open through August 15:
*SUBMIT A NOMINATION* [ [link removed] ]
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Upcoming Events
* June 7: Chinese Labor on the Houston Texas Central Railway Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Kosse
* June 8: Historic Photo Identification Workshop [ [link removed] ], Levi Jordan Plantation, Brazoria
* June 13: George H.W. Bush 100th Birthday Celebration [ [link removed] ], Bush Family Home, Midland
* June 14-15: Hands on History Summer Camp [ [link removed] ], Starr Family Home, Marshall
* June 15: Donuts with Dad [ [link removed] ], Sam Bell Maxey House, Paris
* June 15: Emmanuel Stance: A Fort McKavett Hero [ [link removed] ], Fort McKavettState Historic Site, Fort McKavett
* June 15: Cooking in the Quarter [ [link removed] ], Barrington Plantation, Washington
* June 15: Summer Camp Series—Knitting [ [link removed] ], French Legation, Austin
* June 15: Roots of Refreshment Series: Switchel [ [link removed] ], Levi Jordan Plantation, Brazoria
* June 15: On the Plantation Porch [ [link removed] ], Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Colombia
* June 15: Gender and the Runaway Scrape with Linda English [ [link removed] ], San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
* June 16: Cooking in the Kitchen [ [link removed] ], Barrington Plantation, Washington
* June 18-21: Road to Revolution Summer Camp [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
* June 20: Sam’s Summer STEAM Series: Optical Illusion Toys [ [link removed] ], Sam Bell Maxey House, Paris
* June 22: Make Pinch Pots [ [link removed] ], French Legation, Austin
* June 22: Campaign Briefing: The Marianas [ [link removed] ], National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg
* June 24-26: Experience San Jacinto Summer Camp [ [link removed] ], San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
* June 27: St. Louis Cemetery Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Iola
* June 27: Sam’s Summer STEAM Series: Fingerprints [ [link removed] ], Sam Bell Maxey House, Paris
* June 27: Eleven Days on the Colorado—The Pivotal Battle Unfought with author James E. Brasher [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
* June 27-29: Spatulas and Storytelling Summer Camp [ [link removed] ], Levi Jordan Plantation, Brazoria
* June 29: Bison Bingo in June [ [link removed] ], Goodnight Ranch, Goodnight
*MORE EVENTS* [ [link removed] ]
Marker Icon [ [link removed] ]
Markers [ [link removed] ]
State historical markers can be found in all 254 Texas counties. Find the one closest to you in our Texas Historic Sites Atlas.
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Main Street [ [link removed] ]
Nearly 90 cities are part of the Texas Main Street program. This powerful tool revives local economies and brings communities together.
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Friends of the THC [ [link removed] ]
The Friends partners with the THC to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of Texas through private philanthropic resources.
*Get More Updates About Texas History!*
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