Calendar: Museums and History

Dr. Paul Spellman returns to the Brenham Heritage Museum on Thursday, July 30, 2026, to present a guest lecture entitled: The Texas Rangers Ride Into the 20th Century. Touching on his two books on Captains John H. Rogers and J.A. Brooks, Dr. Spellman takes the audience on a tour through the history of the Texas Rangers during the late 1800s-early 1900s. Wild-West antics and varied stories abound! This event is $15 for non-members and free for members. To register, simply visit https://www.bhmtexas.org/programs-and-events/upcoming-programs. Refreshments will be provided before the lecture, beginning at 5:30 pm. Copies of Dr. Paul Spellman’s books will be available for sale before and after the lecture.

In honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, the Brenham Heritage Museum is displaying a temporary exhibit titled “Freedom: A History of US.”

Since 1776, when the United States declared independence from Great Britain, the idea of freedom and our understanding of its implications have changed dramatically. Drawing on materials from the Gilder Lehrman Collection, this exhibition traces the evolving concept of freedom from the founding era to the present day. Among the highlights are photographs of a rare 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence, a printed draft, and the official copy of the US Constitution, Lincoln’s handwritten notes for speeches, and letters by leading figures such as Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King Jr., and more.

This exhibit will be on display at 105 South Market Street, Brenham, TX 77833, from July 1, 2026, through August 1, 2026.

🎉 Celebrate Juneteenth at the Brenham Heritage Museum! 🎉

Join us for a FREE special guest performance by Kijana Wiseman, M.Ed.: The Juneteenth Griot!

📅 Sunday, June 28, 2026
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 Brenham Heritage Museum | 105 South Market Street, Brenham, TX 77833

Experience an unforgettable afternoon of storytelling, music, and living history as Kijana brings the spirit of Juneteenth to life.

What is a Griot?
A griot (GREE-oh) is a West African historian, storyteller, musician, and poet who preserves culture and history through spoken word and song. Kijana Wiseman is an internationally traveled performer and educator who has performed in 23 countries across 3 continents, sharing powerful stories that honor heritage and inspire future generations.

✨ Refreshments provided
🎶 Powerful storytelling & song
🖤 A celebration of freedom & heritage
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun for all generations

Established in March 1865 and commonly known as the Freedmen’s Bureau, the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands played a vital role in rebuilding the South in the aftermath of the Civil War. This Independence season, discover its legacy through a special temporary exhibit at the Brenham Heritage Museum. On view at the Brenham Heritage Museum from June 23 through August 1, 2026, this temporary exhibit offers a closer look at the Bureau’s work and its lasting impact on American history.