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*June 13, 2025 *
Photo of Juneteenth statue
Juneteenth: Honoring 160 Years of Freedom
After the Civil War ended in April 1865, most enslaved people in Texas still didn’t know about President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, issued in 1862, which declared all slaves in rebellious states free as of January 1, 1863. This changed on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston. From his headquarters, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3, announcing that all slaves in Texas were free and that there would be “absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves.”
This year marks 160 years since Juneteenth [ [link removed] ]—the day over 250,000 enslaved Black Texans learned of their freedom. Recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has been celebrated for generations.
To honor this milestone, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is hosting special events [ [link removed] ] at historic sites across the state. Check out the complete schedule below:
*EXPLORE JUNETEENTH EVENTS* [ [link removed] ]
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Downtown section advertising a winery, Italian restaurant, and theater
Denison Main Street, recent recipient of the Great American Main Street Award
Your Texas History Road Trip Starts Here
Ready to hit the road this summer? Make your getaway a journey through Texas history! Start by crafting your perfect historic road trip with the THC’s curated itineraries [ [link removed] ]. From the Coastal Bend to the Quanah Parker Trail, there are unforgettable stories waiting to be discovered at every turn.
Looking to add even more stops to your Texas adventure? TexasTimeTravel.com [ [link removed] ] is your ultimate resource for uncovering unique destinations, historic sites, and hidden gems throughout the state. Whether you’re interested in charming historic downtowns—like Denison, recently honored with the Great American Main Street Award—or longtime local eateries, you’ll find exactly what you’re craving.
And for real-time discovery while you travel, download the Texas History Navigator App. [ [link removed] ] Read every historical marker, visit all the landmarks, and listen to fascinating stories right along your route.
This summer, let Texas history lead the way to your next adventure!
*PLAN YOUR HISTORIC ADVENTURE* [ [link removed] ]
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Spark launch graphic
Six Communities Selected to Host Smithsonian’s New “Spark!” Exhibit
The THC’s Heritage Tourism program [ [link removed] ] is proud to announce the six communities selected to host the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition for the second time! This iteration features a brand new theme: “Spark! Places of Innovation.”
These communities are embarking on an exciting journey of training and preparation to welcome one of the world’s largest and most dynamic museum experiences right to their own small towns.
Catch the Spark! exhibit in one of the following communities in 2026-27:
* Atlanta (City of Atlanta Tourism Department) in the Texas Forest Trail Region
* Kerrville (Kerr Arts & Cultural Center) in the Texas Hill Country Trail Region
* Alpine (Museum of the Big Bend) in the Texas Mountain Trail Region
* Taylor (Taylor Main Street) in the Texas Brazos Trail Region
* Snyder (Snyder Chamber of Commerce) in the Texas Plains Trail Region
* Brackettville (Kinney County Post) in the Texas Pecos Trail Region
*LEARN MORE ABOUT MUSEUM ON MAIN STREET* [ [link removed] ]
Your Last Chance to Explore "Crossroads"
As we prepare to launch “Spark!,” our inaugural exhibit, “Crossroads: Changes in Rural America [ [link removed] ]” is approaching its final days. West Texans still have the opportunity to explore this compelling exhibition and local histories in San Elizario until June 15. Afterward, “Crossroads” will make its final journey down I-10 to the Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera. Don’t miss your last chance to experience “Crossroads” from June 21 through July 26!
*SEE CROSSROADS NOW* [ [link removed] ]
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Nominate Someone: Texas Historical Commission Preservation Awards
Nominations Open for 2025 Preservation Awards
Preserving our shared history starts with passionate people who go above and beyond to keep Texas’ heritage alive. Now’s your chance to shine a spotlight on their passion and dedication.
The THC is calling on communities across the state to nominate outstanding individuals and groups for our annual awards. The Preservation Awards [ [link removed] ] recognize accomplishments and exemplary leadership in the fields of archeology, historic architecture, museums, community heritage, and more. Nominations are open through August 15:
*SUBMIT A NOMINATION* [ [link removed] ]
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Download the Texas History Navigator App
Looking for Texas historical markers near you? The new Texas History Navigator app [ [link removed] ] makes it easy to find and explore 18,000+ historical sites and markers right where you are!
Open the app and instantly see nearby landmarks, read or listen to their stories, and get turn-by-turn directions to each spot.
Download Texas History Navigator [ [link removed] ] on iOS or Android now!
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Upcoming Events
* June 14: Stories of the Enslaved [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
* June 14: On the Plantation Porch: Art & Oral History [ [link removed] ], Levi Jordan Plantation, Brazoria
* June 18: Two Black Men Fighting for Texas Independence at Goliad [ [link removed] ], Presidio La Bahía, Goliad
* June 18: Brain Trust Lecture: José Sierra [ [link removed] ], Magoffin Home, El Paso
* June 19: “Sugar Land 95” State Convict Lease Labor Camp Cemetery Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Sugar Land
* June 21: Annual Judge Eddie E. Harrison Juneteenth Heritage Celebration [ [link removed] ], Washington-on-the-Brazos, Washington
* June 28: Arkadelphia Rosenwald School Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], New Boston
* June 28: FamilySearch Genealogy Workshop [ [link removed] ], Levi Jordan Plantation, Brazoria
* July 2: Lighthouse Establishment Cinema [ [link removed] ], Port Isabel Lighthouse, Port Isabel
* July 4: Blast from the American Past [ [link removed] ], Bush Family Home, Midland
* July 5: Ich Bin Ein Amerikaner [ [link removed] ], Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill, La Grange
* July 10: Music at the Mansion [ [link removed] ], Fulton Mansion, Rockport
* July 12: "Amnesty for All Offenses" 160th Anniversary of Fanthorp's Pardon [ [link removed] ], Fanthorp Inn, Anderson
* July 12: Bastille Day Celebration with Antonelli's Cheese [ [link removed] ], French Legation, Austin
*MORE EVENTS* [ [link removed] ]
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Marker Icon [ [link removed] ]
Markers [ [link removed] ]
State historical markers can be found in all 254 Texas counties. Find the one closest to you in our Texas Historic Sites Atlas.
Main Street Icon [ [link removed] ]
Main Street [ [link removed] ]
Nearly 90 cities are part of the Texas Main Street program. This powerful tool revives local economies and brings communities together.
Friends Icon [ [link removed] ]
Friends of the THC [ [link removed] ]
The Friends partners with the THC to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of Texas through private philanthropic resources.
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