Texas Independence Day / Sam Houston’s Birthday/Baptized Texan Ceremony

ANNUALLY MARCH 2^nd 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members and volunteers hand out information on the Historical Commission and Walker County History and sell copies of historical documents and books.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.

“Saturday Spotlight: Steamboat House Open,” in memoriam of the anniversary of Sam Houston’s death, Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library grounds, Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Annual Genealogy Summer Lock In, Huntsville Public Library, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1 & 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 2. Check out the HPL website for details regarding meals, etc.

Main Street Music Series, Rather Park, August 9, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.: Texas Tbirds.

“The Many Faces of Sam Houston,” the Exhibit Gallery, Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center, through August 31.

“Elkins Artisans” exhibit at the Wynne Home, through September.

For the full Old Town Theatre summer lineup click: https://www.oldtowntheatre- huntsville.org/events.html.

Monday, September 15, 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

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