For ten years, from 1836 to 1846, the Republic of Texas proudly but precariously existed as a separate and unique nation.
Mission
The Star of the Republic Museum was created by the Texas Legislature and is administered by the Texas Historical Commission as a cultural and educational institution. Its purpose is to collect and preserve the material culture of the Texas Republic (1836-1846) and to interpret the history, cultures, diversity, and values of early Texans. The Museum strives to inspire interest, understanding and appreciation of Texas heritage for students, teachers, scholars, and the general public through exhibits, tours, programs, web activities, and outreach.
Accreditation
Since 1972, the Star of the Republic Museum at Washington-on-the-Brazos has held the highest honor a museum can receive: accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), being one of the first museums in the state and nation to be so designated. Accreditation certifies that a museum operates according to standards set forth by the museum profession, manages its collections responsibly and provides quality service to the public. Of the nearly 8,500 museums nationwide, approximately 800 are accredited. AAM is based in Washington, D.C. and has served the museum profession since 1906. The Museum was re-accredited in 2010.
Museum History
In 1965, when Gus Mutscher was a State Representative from Washington County, he introduced a bill appropriating $800,000 for construction of a “Worthy Museum, at the Birthplace of Texas that would be a Star upon a Star.” In 1969, Speaker of the House Mutscher, sponsored HB 634 of the Sixty-first Texas Legislature transferring ownership of the museum to Blinn College and appropriating an annual operating budget. The museum was dedicated and formally opened on March 1, 1970. It is the only museum in the state created by the Legislature for the exclusive purpose of interpreting the republic period of Texas history and its material culture.
Upcoming Events
April 1
Girl Scout: Outdoor Art Meets Texas History
Step back in time and imagine what beautiful scenes of nature could be found during the 19th century settlement of Texas. Interpreters will help girl scouts begin the requirements of their Outdoor Art badges while they learn about the Naturalists...
April 8
Runaway Scrape Escape
After his victory at the Alamo, Santa Anna and his army are on their way, you must quickly decide what to take on your journey and make your way to safety with the help of your friends and family. This is the Runaway Scrape Escape, the newest...
April 15
Hands-on-History
Join us at the museum to try your hand at activities and skills needed by kids during the Republic era. This month, we’ll be making Texas Wildflower inspired crafts from 11-4 or until supplies run out. Contact Jordan Lucier for more information...
From the Blog
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor, The Medallion
To this day, the Republic of Texas captures the imagination of people across the globe. On March 2, 1836, the founders set in motion a series of events which created an identity that transcended politics and still lasts with us.
Some of the Republic’s most legendary locations—San Jacinto Battleground, Washington-on-the-...
Step back in time and experience the period of the Texas Republic in person or virtually at one of these Texas Historical Commission state historic sites.
San Felipe de AustinCommemorating the location where, in 1823, Stephen F. Austin established a headquarters for his colony in Mexican Texas, San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site and its museum share the stories of early...
By Andy Rhodes, Managing Editor The Medallion, Photos by Patrick Hughey
Texas’ Republic-era past takes center stage with the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) recent acquisition of nine state historic sites. The sites’ legislative transfer from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department became official on September 1, 2019, increasing the...
