See the Exhibit in Brackettville/Fort Clark Springs
Brackettville is a South Texas community where history, resilience, and reinvention have shaped life along the Texas-Mexico border. At the heart of its story is historic Fort Clark, established in 1852 as a frontier military post and later home to Buffalo Soldiers, Black Seminole Scouts, and military families. Over time, the fort evolved into Fort Clark Springs, a distinctive community that has found new purpose for its historic buildings and grounds. Today, that spirit of adaptation continues through efforts to preserve the past while embracing new opportunities. With the arrival of the Spark! Places of Innovation exhibition in one of the fort's historic buildings, Brackettville invites visitors to discover how ingenuity and collaboration continue to shape this remarkable place.
See the exhibit in Brackettville from November 21, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
Next Stop: Atlanta, TX
The Smithsonian's national traveling exhibit, Spark! Places of Innovation, will be travelling to six small towns spread across Texas.
To catch the exhibit when it's in your neck of the woods, check out other dates and locations by visiting our main exhibit page.
Community Host
Dickman Hall, Fort Clark Historic District
Located within the Fort Clark Historic District, Dickman Hall is one of the community's distinctive historic gathering places. The exhibition will be presented in the building's upstairs ballroom, which has undergone extensive preservation and restoration work in preparation for the Smithsonian's arrival. Recent improvements include restoration of original windows, updates to climate-control systems and restrooms, and rehabilitation of historic architectural features. The restored ballroom offers a fitting setting for an exhibition celebrating community history, creativity, and innovation.
The Local Story
Each of the six host communities plan to put their own local spin on the national story with additional exhibits, events, tours, and more.
Legends at Las Moras: Where History Inspires Innovation
Set against the backdrop of historic Fort Clark, Legends at Las Moras explores the people, places, cultures, and innovations that have shaped Brackettville, Kinney County, and Southwest Texas. Presented in conjunction with the Smithsonian's Spark! Places of Innovation, the six-week community exhibition brings regional history to life through historic photographs, artifacts, storytelling, art, film, living-history demonstrations, and interactive programming.
From the enduring significance of Las Moras Springs and the region's Indigenous heritage to frontier military history, ranching traditions, cultural expression, and modern innovation, Legends at Las Moras celebrates the connections between the past, present, and future.
Visitors are invited to discover the remarkable stories of this region and the people whose ingenuity, resilience, and creativity continue to shape it.
Visitor Information
Plan Your Trip
Expand the items below to find all the information you need to see the national traveling exhibit in Brackettville/Fort Clark Springs. While you're there, take advantage of all there is to do in town and beyond! Discover places to stay, dine, and things to do.
Exhibit Location
The national exhibit can be viewed in the ballroom in historic Dickman Hall in Fort Clark Springs.
1 McClernand Rd.
Fort Clark Springs
Brackettville, TX 78832
Brackettville's local exhibit is also located in Dickman Hall. See below for more information.
Fee and Hours
The Spark! exhibit will be on display from November 21, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
Regular Hours
Wednesday–Sunday | 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thanksgiving Week — Extended Hours
November 21–29 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
Monday–Tuesday:
Closed, except for special programming or by appointment.
Special programming and schedule updates will be announced on our Facebook page.
Christmas Day (December 25): Closed
Group Visits & Special AppointmentsVisits outside regular exhibition hours may be arranged in advance. For reservations or additional information, email smithsoniankinneycounty@gmail.com.
Fee:
Free of charge
The Smithsonian's Spark! Places of Innovation traveling exhibition and the local companion exhibition, Legends at Las Moras, will be presented at the same venue during regular exhibition hours.
Parking Information
Visitor parking is available in the Fort Clark Springs community near Dickman Hall. Visitors should stop at the guardhouse upon arrival for directions and a friendly welcome.
Accessibility
Legends at Las Moras is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all visitors. Programs and events will take place at various locations throughout the community.
Accessibility features may vary by venue, and visitors are encouraged to contact event organizers for specific information or accommodation requests.
We welcome questions about accessibility and are happy to assist visitors in planning their experience.
Local Exhibit
While in town to see the Smithsonian's "Spark! Places of Innovation" exhibit, please also visit the local exhibit, "Legends at Las Moras".
Legends at Las Moras: Where History Inspires Innovation
Dickman Hall Ballroom
Fort Clark Springs
Brackettville, TX 78832
Hours:
Wednesday–Sunday: 11 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Monday–Tuesday: Closed, unless otherwise announced on Facebook for special programing, or by appointment (email smithsoniankinneycounty@gmail.com for reservations)
Christmas Day (December 25): Closed
Additional Programming
While you're in town to see the exhibit, stay a while longer to enjoy the incredible lineup of additional programming. For more information on other things to see and do while you're in check out the programs below. Visit Brackettville's local website for additional programming updates.
NOVEMBER
November 21–25 | Land, Nature & Wildlife
Explore the natural heritage of Southwest Texas, including Las Moras Springs, regional wildlife, conservation, archaeology, and the landscapes that have shaped local communities.
Opening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting
November 20
November 26–December 2 | Art, Culture & Connection
Celebrate regional artists, cultural traditions, student creativity, and the stories reflected in art and craftsmanship.
Fall Festival
November 28
Dolores Vernor Fashion Show
November 28
DECEMBER
December 3–9 | Military Heritage
Discover Fort Clark's military legacy, Buffalo Soldiers, Seminole Indian Scouts, cavalry history, and the diverse people who shaped the frontier.
Fort Clark Historical Society Christmas Open House
December 4
U.S. Cavalry Association Heritage Day (including a flagpole ceremony, panoramic photography, and historical activities)
December 5
December 10–17 | Social Life & Celebration
Experience community traditions and the spirit of the season, including Brackettville's Frontier Christmas festivities.
Frontier Christmas Festival
December 12
Christmas Night Parade
December 12
Vintage Car Display
December 12
Historic Home Tour & Christmas Carol Sing-along
December 13
December 18–25 | Film, Music & Storytelling
Explore the region's contributions to music, filmmaking, performance, and oral history.
Alamo Village Reunion
December 19
Texas Film Roundup (featuring film history and community storytelling)
December 19
Legends at Las Moras Golf Tournament
December 19
December 26–January 3 | Technology & Innovation
Examine the technologies, ideas, and innovations that have influenced life in Southwest Texas.
Brought To You Through the Collaborative Efforts of:
Kinney County Post
Fort Clark Springs Association
Fort Clark Historical Society
Legends at Las Moras
Texas Pecos Trail Region