Calendar: Museums and History

Thomas Jefferson Living History Program

 Sunday, July 5th, 2026 :: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
 Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre
 Event Details

The Washington County Historical Commission is proud to partner with The Barnhill Center to present a special presentation of a Thomas Jefferson living-history presentation on Sunday, July 5th at 3pm at The Barnhill Center in Brenham.

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence with a remarkable living-history presentation featuring an actor portraying Thomas Jefferson. In this engaging and inspiring program, “Jefferson” will take audiences back to the summer of 1776 and describe, in his own words, how he drafted the Declaration of Independence — the ideas that shaped it, the debates that surrounded it, and the enduring principles of liberty that continue to define America today. Perfect for history lovers, students, and patriotic Americans of all ages, this special America 250 event offers a rare opportunity to experience the birth of the nation through the eyes of one of its Founding Fathers.

The Juneteenth Griot at the Brenham Heritage Museum

 Sunday, June 28th, 2026 :: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
 Brenham Heritage Museum
 Event Details

🎉 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

The Story of Spindletop: 1901-2026 – Presented by Dr. Paul Spellman, PhD

 Thursday, June 11th, 2026 :: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
 Brenham Heritage Museum
 Event Details

Don’t forget to RSVP for June’s lecture: “The Story of Spindletop: 1901-2026” presented by Dr. Paul Spellman, PhD, based on Dr. Spellman’s book: Spindletop Boom Days.

Spindletop Boom Days captures the dramatic 1901 Texas oil discovery that transformed the U.S. petroleum industry. Through first-person accounts, Paul Spellman tells the story of the people who lived through the boom—roughnecks, oil barons, and everyday workers whose grit and independence defined the era. He explores innovations in drilling, the dangers of oilfield life, and the chaos and excitement of boomtowns like Big Hill, Sour Lake, and Batson, while sharing stories of legendary figures such as Jim Hogg and Joseph Cullinan. More than a history of oil, it is a vivid portrait of life during Southeast Texas’s wild boom days.

This program will be held from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Members-Only Reception: 5:30 p.m. on the museum’s main floor
Food and refreshments will be provided.

This program is supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in these programs, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Humanities Texas.