The Sam Houston Memorial Museum & Republic of Texas Presidential Library announces new, free community events on the museum grounds this spring—the Sundown at Sam’s music series and General Sam Houston Day.
“Our new events allow the museum team to focus on what we do best—connect with our community and interpret the life of Sam Houston, one of the most interesting and enigmatic figures in Texas and U.S. history,” said Derrick Birdsall, museum director. “As the pandemic gets further into the rearview mirror, we are eager to return to our traditional programming and community engagement. These events are great opportunities for the museum to engage with new audiences as well as those who’ve been fans for years.”
Sundown at Sam’s is a free live music series featuring local artists that will take place on April 20, May 4 and May 18 on the quaint stage located on the museum grounds, next to the museum store. SHSU economics professor Darren Grant helped get this series started with Birdsall and serves as musical director.
“I’ve listened to a lot of live music in the area, and I can tell you there is a deep, deep vein of talent here. I’m ready to showcase that talent so everyone can enjoy it,” Grant said. “I’m particularly excited about closing night of May 18, when we feature a bluegrass band. East Texas is a hotbed of bluegrass, but it may be the first time we’ve ever had it presented in Huntsville.”
Sundown at Sam’s artist line-up will include Logan McCune followed by Jesse Wortham (Country/Americana and Blues/Gospel) on April 20, Gail Ryder followed by Mary-Charlotte Young (singer-songwriters) on May 4 and Tin Top Road (Bluegrass) on May 18.
Sponsored by Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori Schools and C.A.T. Café, the music series will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Visitors can bring their lawn chairs, blankets and snacks (no glass containers). Refreshments will also be available for purchase courtesy of C.A.T. Café.
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 (1793-1863) of Sam Houston. Set for Sat. April 29 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 people and historic sites from across Texas, including our friends with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, San Jacinto, Washington on the Brazos, Fanthorp Inn, Fort McKavett and more to bring Texas history up close and make it an interactive experience for our visitors,” said Birdsall.
