Texas Independence Day / Sam Houston’s Birthday/Baptized Texan Ceremony
ANNUALLY MARCH 2nd CELEBRATIONS IN HUNTSVILLE
Every March 2 the Historical Commission celebrates Texas Independence Day and Sam Houston’s birthday with a ceremony at the Sam Houston gravesite in Oakwood Cemetery.
One of the highlights of the March 2 event is the “baptized Texan” ceremony in which those born in another state can be baptized as a Texan with holy water from the Sam Houston Spring in the name of Austin, Crockett, Bowie, Zavala and other Texas heroes.
Open Houses
The Historical Commission holds open houses throughout the year at the Gibbs-Powell House Walker County Museum. At some of these events, especially those that coincide with events on the Huntsville Square, the Commission serves a luncheon.
Fair on the Square
The Historical Commission participates in Fair on the Square the first weekend of every October with a table in the gazebo on the Courthouse Square. Commission members and volunteers hand out information on the Historical Commission and Walker County History and sell copies of historical documents and books.
Other Area Events
Huntsville Farmers Market (McKenzie’s parking lot); Walker County Farmers Market (Kroger parking lot).
“History with Dr. Crimm,” Lecture Series, Huntsville Public Library, every Tuesday, 4:30 –5:30 p.m.
Stories to Tell My Grandchildren Writing Workshop, Huntsville Public Library Genealogy Room, third Wednesday of each month, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Texas America 250 exhibit, Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of
Texas Presidential Library (atrium), Thursday, July 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. through August 16.
“Step Into Sam Houston’s Last Days” event, Steamboat House & Museum Grounds of Sam Houston Memorial Museum & Republic of Texas Presidential Library, Saturday, July 25, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Main Street Music Series, Rather Park: Tyler Trantham, Saturday, August 8, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Return of the Backroom Curiosities exhibit, Exhibit Gallery of the Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center, June 16 – August 30.
For the full Old Town Theatre summer lineup click: https://www.oldtowntheatre- huntsville.org/events.html.
Walker County Historical Commission Monthly Meeting
Monday, July 20, 2026,
5:30 pm to 7 pm
Note: There is no meeting in August, the next meeting will be Monday, September 21, 2026,
Gibbs-Powell Home Museum
1228 11th Street
Huntsville, TX 77340
Museum Phone: (936) 295-2914
Office Phone: (936) 435-2497
Email: mailto:history@co.walker.tx.us
