Activities & Programs
We consider the programs provided at Barrington Living History Farm to be a unique educational experience. The park and museum's education departments offer several programs for schoolchildren. The hands-on programs provide a unique educational experience for students. The 19th century comes alive through hands-on activities, age-appropriate programs, and instruction by costumed interpreters.
Barrington Farm Educator's Packet
Background knowledge enhances any field trip and helps provide students with a more meaningful experience. The Barrington Farm Educator's Packet contains classroom activities which may be used independently or to enrich a visit to the farm. The activities have been coded with objectives found in the fourth- and seventh-grade TEKS. We welcome your feedback as to its usefulness and your suggestions for improvement.
Texas Independence Website
The Texas Independence website highlights an important part of Texas history, the convention held at Washington-on-the Brazos in 1836 when 59 elected delegates met to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico and create a new nation, the Republic of Texas.
Students can learn more about this story of Texas independence through fun and educational activities on the website, which was created by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Blinn College to complement the fourth- and seventh-grade TEKS criteria. Students can watch an animated overview of the independence story, look through a timeline of notable events and take a closer look at the Texas Declaration of Independence. They can also create their own story with "Convention Comicmaker," search through a collection of primary historical sources, and play "In Washington Town," a 3-D online video game that allows students to interact with citizens in 1836.
For teachers, the site features lesson plans, TEKS correlation, activities and resources to help students learn in the classroom.
Special Events and Tours
Texas Independence Day Festival
Each year an Independence Day festival celebrating the March 2, 1836 adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence brings thousands of revelers to Washington-on-the Brazos for a giant party celebrating Texas' birth. The festivities include historical re-enactments and craft demonstrations. This event normally occurs on the weekend that falls closest to March 2. Call the park for dates and times. Join the Texas-sized birthday celebration!
Come to the park and visit historic Washington for a 19th century Christmas celebration. Gather around the fire and make toys, while listening to stories of Christmas cultural customs and traditions celebrated in Texas' past. For more information, please contact the park staff at (936) 878-2214.
Washington-on-the-Brazos and Star of the Republic Museum offer tour programs for adults. Reservations should be arranged two weeks in advance.