Today@Sam Article
Community Events Abound this Spring at the Sam Houston Museum
March 5, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library announces its 2025 spring community events—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 — connecting with our community and interpreting the life of Sam Houston, one of the most interesting and enigmatic figures in Texas and U.S. history,” said Derrick Birdsall, museum director. “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 last year.”
Spring Break Activities will take place March 11-14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the museum grounds. These free events are geared toward learning about life in the 19th century. Iron Horse Guest Ranch will be back with free wagon rides. Additional activities will include candle dipping, coffee roasting & tasting, fabric dying, laundry, blacksmithing, woodworking and kick wheel pottery. Visit the museum’s website or Facebook page for the schedule of events happening each day during spring break. The activities are subject to change. There is an admission to visit the memorial museum.
Sundown at Sam's is a free live music series featuring local artists that will occur on March 20, April 10 and May 1, 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.
“Sundown at Sam's always showcases music with deep American roots, such as the blues, country and gospel featured this season,” said Grant. "Our music has local roots, too. All performers live within an hour's drive of Huntsville, and half live right here in town. It's exciting to introduce these great local musicians to the Huntsville community."
Sundown at Sam’s themed performances will include Blues Night on March 20 with Lowery Bridges followed by The Mighty Orq; Americana/Country Night on April 10 featuring Katey Bell with John Toland followed by Joey McGee; and May 1 will be Gospel Night with Dave McMahon followed by Praise on Purpose.
Food and drink will be available for purchase beginning at 6 p.m., with the music beginning 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 are 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. If there is severe weather and the show must be canceled, May 15 has been set aside as a make-up date.
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 19th century history, the community event is dedicated to honoring the life and times of Sam Houston (1793-1863). Set for Sat. April 26, 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.
“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.
In addition to events and programs, the museum hosts temporary exhibits, which this spring will include “Lonesome Dove,” an exhibition produced by the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University’s Alkek Library, presented in partnership with Humanities Texas, the state affiliate for the National Endowment for the Humanities. Capturing the sweeping visual imagery of the original TV miniseries, the exhibit will be on display from March 18 – May 4, 2025, at the Walker Education Center.
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 Twitter.
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