curing hides in factory

Boots and Saddles: Leatherworking

Saturday 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

In the time before plastic, leather was used to create the items that were used on the frontier. Leather was a critical element for everyday life, and generally a renewable resource given the abundance of wildlife around the region. From the boots the soldiers wore to the saddles they sat on; leather was a necessity. Come learn about the many different uses of leather and see the process that goes into creating and preserving those items

shearing sheep in warehouse

Shearing Showdown: Mohair and Wool

Saturday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

This program will show the audience the differences in fibers of mohair and wool, the history of the industry, the historical techniques used to shear and how the fibers are graded for market. We will have historians from the industry and ranchers that raise these animals talking everything mohair and wool.

Victorian Era women watching a game

Women In the West: Army Wives, Laundresses

Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Women performed many different roles on the Texas frontier including those of wives, mothers, and laundresses. Join us this April for our program, "Women in the West: Army Wives, Laundresses, and Dependents on the Texas Frontier" to learn more about these roles and the challenges they faced in Texas.

A color image of a ruined two-story stone building at night with light painting inside and a view of the Milky Way Galaxy and many stars

Milky Way Photography Class

Saturday 10 p.m. - 7 a.m.

Join photographer Kirk Brandau to learn how to capture the Milky Way Galaxy at one of the most naturally dark places in Texas!

Men sitting and playing music and shooting guns

All Work, No Play?

Saturday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Join us as we spend the day unraveling from all the hard duties soldiers performed during their service on the Texas frontier. Sing and hum along with musicians as they sing historic songs and play period instruments.