Star of the Republic Museum

06/12/2026

A new addition to our collection!

The Star of the Republic Museum recently had the opportunity to preserve a unique piece of Republic of Texas history. Thanks to the generosity of the Washington on the Brazos Historical Foundation, the Museum was able to purchase a Republic of Texas Contract US Model 1816 Pattern Musket, produced by Tryon Son & Company of Philadelphia.

Swipe through to learn how this flintlock musket worked, what makes it distinctly Texan, and the mysteries it still holds.

This musket is one of only a handful known to survive out of the 860 originally delivered to the Republic and it offers a unique window into events like the Santa Fe Expedition.

Plans are underway to put this rare piece on display — stay tuned for when you can see it in person!

06/11/2026

— June 10, 1832

Four years before the Texas Revolution, the fuse was already burning.

A group of men from Brazoria captured Mexican cavalry at Anahuac in an attempt to negotiate the release of a jailed lawyer named William Barret Travis, who had been arrested by garrison commander Juan Bradburn days earlier.

It was a small act of defiance. But moments like this one were quietly building toward something much larger. Would you have joined them?

Hear the full story on Re-Collections of the Revolution — Episode: "10 Steps to War"https://open.spotify.com/episode/6791g97iOMY9uNMf98odrn?si=xVKxIsYYQBOLyIKtLAlQSQ

06/10/2026

We always enjoy working with other Texas museums, and we can't wait for the Texas Living History Conference in January!

Our historical interpreter Colton spent the past weekend at Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site.

As a board member of the Texas Living History Association, he’s helping plan the 2027 TLHA Conference—set to take place right there at Washington.

Of course, no visit would be complete without a photo op with Sam Houston, one of the statues greeting visitors at the Star of the Republic Museum!

06/09/2026

Nothing is more satisfying on a hot summer day than a pitcher full of something cold.

Just maybe not this pitcher.

This Silver Resist Lusterware Pitcher normally lives behind the scenes, but today we're bringing it out of storage and into the spotlight. (SRM1980-48.13)

Made in Staffordshire, England in the early 19th century, Silver Resist Lusterware was the height of ceramic fashion during the Republic of Texas era. That gorgeous silvery floral pattern wasn't painted. It was created using a "resist" technique, where wax protected the bright metallic areas while darker glaze was applied around them. The result looks almost like a photographic negative pressed into clay.

Beautiful? Absolutely. But our educator has a note about that lemonade you were planning to pour into it. Like most ceramics of the period, lusterware was finished with a lead-based glaze, which can leach into acidic drinks. Water or iced tea only, please.

What do you prefer? Sweet or Unsweet? The comment section is a judgment-free zone.

06/06/2026

What do a cat's pawprints, a Spanish coin, and British ceramics have in common? They were all found during the 2024 archaeological dig at Washington-on-the-Brazos, and they all have a story to tell.

Join us Monday, June 8 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the Navasota Public Library for A Dig to Remember , an evening exploring what archaeology reveals about life at one of Texas's most significant historic sites.

We'll share a short presentation, dig into a hands-on activity, and give you a chance to see actual archaeological finds up close.

Which of those three finds surprises you most: the cat prints, the coin, or the ceramics? Let us know below!

Free and open to the public. See you there!
🔗https://www.navasotatx.gov/departments/public_library/programs.php

06/04/2026

Have you wanted to learn more about how Texas became Texas?

We agree with C. Cox, the Star of the Republic Museum is the perfect place to cool down this summer and learn about the Republic of Texas!

06/02/2026

"Pieces of eight!" *Squawk* "Pieces of eight!" — some very well-trained pirate's parrot

In the early 19th century, that parrot wasn't just talking nonsense. "Pieces of eight" referred to the Spanish Real, one of the most trusted currencies on the planet.
Why? Because Reales were struck from high-purity silver mined in Mexico and Bolivia, giving them a monetary stability almost no other global currency could match.

They were so trusted that a Real could be physically cut into up to eight equal wedge-shaped pieces and each fragment still accepted as valid currency. Your morning coffee before some swashbuckling could be paid with a literal slice of silver coin.

This slightly worn 1820 Spanish Real was unearthed during the 2024 archaeological dig at Washington-on-the-Brazos and is now on display here at the museum. (THC.WOB.78.FI)

Want to learn more about the 2024 the dig in person? Join us Monday, June 8, 5:30–6:30 pm at the Navasota Public Library for a free talk as part of their Summer Reading Program, hands-on activities and actual archaeological finds included!
https://www.navasotatx.gov/departments/public_library/programs.php

What would you and your parrot buy with your ill-gotten piece of eight?

05/30/2026

As things heat up outside, come cool down with us (and our air conditioner) for a June packed with history!

June 8 | A Dig to Remember
Join us at the Navasota Public Library (5:30–6:30 pm) and dig into the archaeology of Washington-on-the-Brazos!
June 12 | Recollections of the Revolution
"The End is Just the Beginning" — our next episode explores the victory at San Jacinto and what came after.
June 27 | Charting New Grounds: Juneteenth 2026
Celebrate freedom's arrival at our annual Juneteenth Heritage Celebration, 10:00 am–4:00 pm.

History is always in season at the Star of the Republic Museum. Which event will you join us for?

05/25/2026

Today, we take a moment to honor those who have died in the service of our country.

05/24/2026

Visit a THC state historic site from Memorial Day through Labor Day, snap a photo, and enter for a chance to win. One photo per entry, with multiple drawings throughout the summer. Visit more sites to increase your chances.

Learn more and enter: https://bit.ly/snapshot2026