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In March of 1836, a new nation called "Texas" was born at Washington-on-the-Brazos. This put Washington County on the map as the Birthplace of Texas. Brenham and Washington County clearly have a long history with many fascinating stories to tell, some of which are being told for the very first time...
See the exhibit in Brenham from December 7, 2024 through January 19, 2025.
The Smithsonian's national traveling exhibit, "Crossroads: Change in Rural America," will be travelling to seven 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.
From the historic Washington on the Brazos, where Texas declared independence, to Brenham's vibrant downtown, there's something captivating for every visitor in Washington County. Discover the Texas Cotton Gin Museum in Burton, the storied past of Chappell Hill, or the deep ties to early Texas history in Independence. Experience history, charm, and natural beauty in the birthplace of Texas!
Each of the seven host communities plan to put their own local spin on the national story with additional exhibits, events, tours, and more.
A Century of Simon Exhibit takes visitors on an interactive journey through the long colorful history of the Simon Theatre. The experience starts in 1881 when the Simon family entered the entertainment business in Brenham, which led them to build and operate the Simon. Visitors see and hear fun and informative content, including samples of early vaudeville shows and movies that were shown here. The history takes visitor through the Simon’s early vaudeville days, Hollywood’s Golden Era, movie trends and censorship, the Great Depression, WWII, and its eventual decline, as with most other American downtown districts. Finally, the Simon’s Great Revival story is told, which restored the magnificent building and began its current robust operation. Personal stories are shared from those who attended during all eras. Visitors are invited to take photos in front of an authentic vaudeville stage backdrop, and possibly leave their own memories and stories.
Expand the items below to find all the information you need to see the national traveling exhibit in Brenham. While you're there, take advantage of all there is to do in Brenham and Washington County! Explore places to lodge, dine, and shop.
The national exhibit can be viewed at the Barnhill Center at the Historic Simon Theatre.
111 West Main Street
Brenham, Texas 77833
The local exhibit, A Century of Simon, is located in Morris Hall inside the Barnhill Center.
The exhibit will be on display seven days a week from December 7, 2024 to January 19, 2025.
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 10am-4pm
Saturday: 10am-3pm
Sunday: 11am-2pm
Fee:
Free of charge
Free parking is available in several locations immediately surrounding the exhibit location.
All parking in Downtown Brenham is free and unmetered! Visitors can park all along Main Street, Alamo Street, and Douglas Street.
The Barnhill Center is ADA compliant.
While you're in town to see the exhibit, stay a while longer to enjoy the additional programming. For more information on things to see and do while you're in Washington County, Visit Brenham has created a detailed guide for the Smithsonian exhibit's related programming.
Brenham Heritage Museum's Crossroads Speaker Series with Marty Merritt
November 19, 2024
Brenham Heritage Museum's Crossroads Speaker Series with Michelle Johnson
December 3, 2024
Brenham Heritage Museum's Crossroads Speaker Series with James Kearney, PhD
December 17, 2024
Brenham Heritage Museum's Crossroads Speaker Series with Walter Kamphoefner, PhD
January 7, 2025
Brenham Heritage Museum's Crossroads Speaker Series with Walter Buenger
January 21, 2025
Camptown Freedom Colony Soundwalk Experience
Washington-on-the-Brazos Soundwalk
Washington County Historical Markers Guide
A Century of Simon Exhibit
December 7, 2024 - January 26, 2025
All Trails Lead to Houston Exhibit
November 14, 2024 - January 31, 2025
Texas Film Round-Up
January 17-18, 2-25
"Starring Brenham" Film Screening
January 17, 2025
Do you have films or videotapes at your home or business? Were they filmed in Texas or made by a Texan? Have you ever thought about digitizing them?
The Texas Historical Commission and Visit Brenham are teaming up with the Texas Archive of the Moving Image (TAMI) for the 2025 Texas Film Round-Up program, and we'll be in Brenham January 17-18 to help you digitize all your old home movies...for free!
| John & Lori Hasskarl | Kolkhorst Family Foundation |
| Jerry and Ann Morgan | Jimmy & Emily Lawhorn |
| Joan Hasskarl Smith |
