Press Release: Twilight Firelight and Christmas on the Brazos

Twilight Firelight and Christmas on the Brazos

For those who want to “unplug” from the modern-day holiday madness and experience Texian festivities from the mid-1800s, Washington on the Brazos is the place. In addition to its rich interactive experiences and its steady schedule of living history events held year-round, two holiday events are especially magical: Twilight Firelight and Christmas on the Brazos. Twilight Firelight occurs the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend at Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site; Christmas on the Brazos occurs the second Saturday of December at Washington on the Brazos—and both include frontier festivities, period music, visits with interpreters and candlelit venues (more details below).

In addition, Washington on the Brazos and Fanthorp Inn are open most of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday weekends.  NOTE:  Fanthorp Inn is only open year-round on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Thanksgiving Weekend:  Washington on the Brazos (including Star of Republic Museum, Independence Hall and Barrington Living History Farm) is closed on Thursday, November 23, 2017 for Thanksgiving Day; all reopen on Friday morning for the weekend.   Christmas and New Year’s Day:   Washington on the Brazos site is only closed Monday, December 25.  The Star of Republic Museum will close Sunday, December 24 and will reopen January 2, 2018.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS:

November 25, 2017 – Twilight Firelight: 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Fanthorp Inn):  Board a replica stagecoach in downtown Anderson and travel back to 1850. Enjoy candlelit tours of historic Fanthorp Inn while visiting with interpreters dressed in period clothing. Tap your feet to the sweet sound of old time music or join in the barn dance. Mule-drawn coach and wagon leave from downtown Anderson, near the courthouse beginning at 4:30 p.m. with last ticket being sold at 7 p.m. Rides run continuously during the event. Last ride departs Fanthorp for downtown Anderson at 8 p.m. Dress appropriately for the season as parts of the event are held outdoors, and the wagons/stagecoaches are open air.  The barn and first floor of Fanthorp Inn are accessible. Event tickets are available beginning at 4:30 p.m. the night of the event in downtown Anderson for a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Contact Jon Failor at 936-878-2214, ext. 224 or jon.failor@tpwd.texas.gov.

December 9, 2017 – Christmas on the Brazos: Begin the holiday season by spending special time at Washington on the Brazos. Activities commence in the early afternoon at Independence Hall and the Star of the Republic Museum and extend into the evening, bringing an 1850s Christmas alive for all.

The highlight of the celebration is Candlelight Christmas, from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Barrington Living History Farm.  Meet St. Nick; fall in with some noisy, rowdy revelers; experience the Jones family lighting the Christmas tree; attend an evening service with a traveling minister; and discover how the enslaved people celebrated Christmas. Allow at least one hour to complete the full experience, reservations are highly recommended and will be accepted starting November 15 by phone at 936-878-2214, ext. 246. Regular admission fees apply. Contact Barb King at (936) 878-2214, ext. 246 or barb.king@tpwd.texas.gov.

Early afternoon festivities that take place at Independence Hall include:

• An Afternoon with Dickens: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (Independence Hall) - Staff dressed in period clothing will be regaling visitors with tales of Olde Time Christmas, as told by the great author, Charles Dickens.

• The Star of the Republic Museum will host “make-and-take” period crafts (regular admission fees; no charge for the crafts); museum open for extended hours from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Contact Donna Barker at (936) 878-2461 ext. 245 or donna.barker@blinn.edu.
  
  
  
  
  

SCHEDULE OF OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS – NOV THROUGH DEC 2017:

November 18, 2017 - Hands-On-History – Corn Husk Dolls: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Star of the Republic Museum):  Join museum staff on the third Saturday of each month to make crafts and toys that pioneer kids made during the Republic time.  Visitors can also discover what life was like for kids living in the 1830s in the newly renovated Pioneer Playroom.  Contact Donna Barker at (936) 878-2461, ext. 245 or Donna.barker@blinn.edu.

December 16, 2017 - Living History Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Independence Hall and Old Washington Townsite):  Travel back in time to where a nation was born in 1836.  On the third Saturday of each month staff and volunteers dressed in period clothing bring to life the people and events of Old Washington providing a unique opportunity for the entire family to discover various aspects of life surrounding the birth of the Republic of Texas. Visitors can write with a quill pen and sign a copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence; meet militia soldiers travelling through town or play early Texas games. This program will feature Quill pen writing and 19th century medicine.  Activities may vary and some are weather dependent. Traditional tours of Independence Hall will not be offered these days. Contact Jon Failor at (936) 878-2214, ext. 224 or jon.failor@tpwd.texas.gov.

Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site

It was March 2, 1836 when 59 delegates bravely met at Washington, Texas to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico. From 1836 until 1846, the Republic of Texas proudly existed as a separate nation. Washington on the Brazos is, indeed, “Where Texas Became Texas.”

Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site has many onsite amenities and is open daily, as well as an incredible schedule of events and programs. On the grounds of this 293-acre, TPWD-run state park is Independence Hall (the site in 1836 where the representatives met to sign the declaration of independence); the Star of the Republic Museum (collections honoring the history, cultures, diversity and values of early Texans; administered by Blinn College); and Barrington Living History Farm (where interpreters dress, work and farm as the earliest residents of the original farmstead did). The site’s Visitor Center features interactive exhibits which present a timeline of the Texas Revolution and highlight the historic attractions located within the park; it also houses the spacious Washington Emporium Gift Shop, which offers snacks and a wide range of Texas-themed items and keepsakes. The entrance to the park grounds, Visitor Center and parking is always free; fees apply for access to Barrington Farm and the Star of the Republic Museum, and guided tours of Independence Hall. The expansive park grounds provide a beautiful setting for picnicking, sightseeing and bird watching, as well as four geocaching sites. It also features a Conference and Education Center, outdoor amphitheater and two pavilions available to rent for meetings, weddings and reunions. The Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site is a wonderfully preserved example of a 19th century stagecoach inn, located nearby in Anderson, TX open on weekends.

Those who join the Washington on the Brazos State Park Association will not only enjoy the irreplaceable satisfaction of helping to uphold Texas history through the Association’s support of celebration and programing. Association memberships are available for individuals, families and businesses and include free admission to the site’s attractions for a year, and—for some levels—private parties during the park’s special celebrations.

Leashed pets are allowed in the park, but NOT allowed onto Barrington Living History Farm or in the buildings. Attractions are accessible. For lodging information, please contact the Brenham Visitor Center at www.visitbrenhamtexas.com/ or 1-888-BRENHAM, or the city of Navasota at www.navasotagrimeschamber.com.

Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site is located at 23400 Park Road 12, Washington, TX, 77880—approximately halfway between Brenham and Navasota, off of State Hwy. 105. From Hwy. 105, follow either FM 912 or FM 1155 to Park Road 12. For additional information, call (936) 878-2214 or visit the Park Association’s website at www.wheretexasbecametexas.org or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Washington-on-the-Brazos-State-Historic-Site-1562674683997696/.

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Press Release: Christmas in LutherCountry

Christmas in LutherCountry

From Martin Luther's influence on Christmas traditions to atmospheric Christmas Markets

A Christmas tree, special carols and presents on December 24th: these much-loved traditions are all linked to Martin Luther. Start with the tree. While walking through snowy woods under a bright starlit sky, the beauty of the scene so moved Luther that he wanted to recreate it at home. So, he cut down a fresh tree, brought it inside and decorated it with real candles. Or so the story goes. What is known is that The Great Reformer composed the Christmas carol still sung today: “From Heaven above to earth I come, To bear good news to every home.” He also moved the date gifts were given from Saint Nicholas' Day, December 6th, to Christmas Eve, December 24th.

Those are not the only Christmas customs for which Germany is known. Around the world, the country is famous for its Christmas markets. And nowhere are they more atmospheric than in LutherCountry, the German federal states of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, an hour or so south of Berlin.

Take Wartburg Castle, where Luther translated the Bible. This hilltop fortress west of Erfurt provides a dramatic backdrop for the annual Historic Christmas Market. One-of-a-kind presents include handmade candles and lanterns. Demonstrations of age-old skills range from barrel making to rope making. And the medieval setting is perfect for selfies!

Southwest of Magdeburg is the town of Quedlinburg. With its picturesque half-timbered houses, the main square looks like a jolly Christmas card. Children ride the carousel; the air is scented with mulled wine, hot chocolate and roasted apples. Extra special is Advent in the Courtyards, when the doors to 20 private, inner courtyards, are open, so that the public can admire the Yuletide decorations.

In LutherCountry, the love of Christmas runs deep. When the Christmas Market opens in Weimar at the beginning of Advent, choirs sing carols around a 65-foot silver fir. This is nothing unusual: nowadays, communities around the world have a Christmas tree. But the idea of a public tree originated right here in this handsome city. It was back in 1815 that a bookseller erected a Christmas tree outside his shop, so that poor children could share the pleasure of Yuletide.

As for decorations for the tree, the world’s first were made by skillful glassblowers in the village of Lauscha, south of Erfurt. In 1880, F. W. Woolworth, the five-and-dime store pioneer, bought a batch of these delicate ornaments, put them on sale in his stores and launched a new American tradition. Today, Lauscha’s glassblowers still create beautiful decorations.

Then, there is Stollen. This sweet yeast bread, dense with dried fruits and with a layer of marzipan in the middle, is a favorite holiday treat. But there are variations. At Erfurt’s vast Christmas market, those in the know head for the stand selling Schittchen, a similarly delicious fruit bread, which is only made during the holiday season. All are part of Christmas in this part of Germany, which is celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation that began right here back in 1517.
 
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Whether you are looking for a route through LutherCountry, seeking information on LutherCities, or need the perfect pictures, we’ll be happy to assist you! Please visit the “Press area" on our website to get free access to a lot of helpful resources including our latest Press Kit.

For further information
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Visitor information and Where to Stay
Please go to: www.visit-luther.de or www.visit-thuringia.com

  

About LutherCountry: Where you can walk in Luther’s footsteps
Would you like to step inside the very room in which Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German, or admire the pulpits from which he preached and where pastors still preach today? Do you want to taste beer brewed the way Martin Luther liked it? Then come and visit LutherCountry, where you can explore Luther’s old stomping grounds and much more!

LutherCountry is situated in the heart of Germany and has so much to offer, from fascinating churches and museums for the believers and history or culture fans among you, to beautiful landscapes that could be straight out of a children’s picture book.

What do the places in LutherCountry all have in common? Centuries ago, they were the stage for Martin Luther’s tumultuous life and thus played a special role in the Reformation, which changed the way people thought about so many aspects of daily life. Martin Luther’s influence spread through Western Europe and, with European settlers, to the United States.

Although Luther lived five centuries ago, his presence is still tangible today. Grab your suitcase and come experience the unforgettable – LutherCountry is waiting to be discovered!

Notice: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may financially benefit from your transaction, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
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