Community Events Abound this Spring at the Sam Houston Museum

Community Events Abound this Spring at the Sam Houston Museum

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library is announcing its 2026 spring community events — Sam Houston’s Birthday, Spring Break Week Activities, Sundown at Sam’s Music Series and General Sam Houston Day.    

“Our events allow the museum team to focus on what we do best — engage with our community and interpret the life of Sam Houston, one of the most interesting and enigmatic figures in Texas and U.S. history,” said Derrick Birdsall, museum director. “In its fourth year, the Sundown at Sam’s music series allows us to reach new audiences who might not otherwise visit a history museum, as well as revisit with those patrons who participated with us over the last three seasons.”

Sam Houston’s Birthday & Texas Independence Day is on Monday, March 2. The museum will kick off the celebration on Sunday, March 1, hosting An Evening with Sam from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Bear Bend Cabin, located on the museum grounds. The event is an immersive historical experience with refreshments. This year is the 190^th anniversary of Texas Independence and the 90^th birthday of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, which was established in 1936.

Typically closed on Mondays, the museum will have special hours to honor Houston's birthday and offer free admission from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Then, the evening of March 2, the exhibit “Remembering You, David Adickes” will open in the exhibit gallery at the Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. The exhibition will showcase small sculptures and paintings by Adickes. The public is invited to attend and light refreshments will be served. “Remembering You, David Adickes” will be on display until May 31, 2026.

Spring Break Activities will take place March 10 - 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the museum grounds.  These free events are geared toward learning about life in the 19^th century. Iron Horse Guest Ranch will be back with free wagon rides one day. Additional activities will include corn processing, game of faro, dueling, cooking, blacksmithing, dyeing and black powder. Visit the museum’s website or Facebook page for the schedule of events occurring each day during spring break. The activities are subject to change.  While the events on the grounds are free, there is an admission fee to visit the museum.

Sundown at Sam’s is a free live music series featuring local artists that will occur on March 19, April 9 and April 30, on the quaint stage located on the museum grounds, next to the museum store. SHSU economics professor Darren Grant helped get the series started with Birdsall and serves as musical director. 

“I just love unearthing great musicians from throughout our area,” said Grant. “This year’s performers are from Huntsville, Onalaska, Crockett, Coldspring, Conroe and Cleveland, Texas — six different cities all within an hour of town. It’s an amazing depth of talent and I’m thrilled to introduce these fantastic musicians to the Huntsville community."

Sundown at Sam’s artist line-up will include The Front Porch Pickers, followed by The Willing Workers on March 19 (gospel/bluegrass night); Cat Fyfe, followed by Zach Aaron on April 9 (Americana/country night) and Donny Taylor, followed by Tony Henry on April 30 (blues/ R&B night).

Food and drink will be available for purchase beginning at 6 p.m., with the music kicking off at 6:15 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets. Delmy’s Food Stand will be selling pupusas, quesadillas and sodas, while Sam’s Table will be selling beer and wine. In case of inclement weather or the grounds being too wet, the live music will be moved indoors for a more intimate listening room experience at the museum’s Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center. 

General Sam Houston Day may sound familiar, as this one-day event is a revamped version of the museum’s previous Folk Festival. With a more enhanced emphasis on 19^th century history, the community event is dedicated to honoring the life and times of Sam Houston (1793-1863). Set for April 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the museum grounds, the festivities will include historical demonstrations, hands-on activities, period music and more. 

“This year marks the 190th anniversary of the Texian victory at San Jacinto and we have partnered with individuals and historic sites from across Texas to bring Texas history up close and make it an interactive experience for our visitors for free,” said Birdsall. 

The museum, museum store and Walker Education Center will also be open during the event.

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library hosts a variety of events throughout the year that are open to the public. To learn more, visit samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com or follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and X.