
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members and volunteers hand out information on the Historical Commission and Walker County History and sell copies of historical documents and books.
Christmas Open House
An open house is held at the Gibbs-Powell Home usually in conjunction with the Commission’s December meeting.
Other Area Events
“The Untold Stories of Huntsville, Texas” Lecture Series by Dr. Caroline Crimm, Huntsville Public Library, second Tuesday of each month, 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.
For the full Old Town Theatre summer lineup click: https://www.oldtowntheatre- huntsville.org/events.html
Texas Archeology Exhibit, Exhibit Gallery at the Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center, September 16, 2025 – January 4, 2026.
Huntsville Farmers Market (McKenzie’s parking lot); Walker County Farmers Market (Kroger parking lot).
19th Street Quilt Stroll, First Christian Church, First Presbyterian Church, & The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Saturday, October 11, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
“Together We Create” quilt exhibit, featuring the talented mother–daughter duo, Molly Campbell and Kathy Cook, the Wynne Home, opening reception on October 14, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.; on exhibit through December.
Archeology Presentation on Kirbee Kiln Site, Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center, Thursday, October 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
“Genealogical Smorgasbord,” Huntsville Public Library, October 17, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Scare on the Square, Rather Park, October 25, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
For the full Old Town Theater fall lineup click: https://www.oldtowntheatre- huntsville.org/events.html
Monday, October 20, 2025
Walker County Historical Commission Monthly Meeting
5:30 pm to 7 pm
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