This weekend, the Bullock Texas State History Museum is opening its doors for another Free First Sunday, giving families a chance to explore Texas history, culture and community for free.
This month’s event puts a special spotlight on Native American stories in Texas, with hands-on activities, cultural demonstrations and family-friendly fun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The museum’s exhibits will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrating Native American Heritage
“This month’s programing is very, very special,” said Kimberly Crabb from the Bullock Museum.
The event will feature partners including the Chickasaw of Central Texas, the Indigenous Cultures Institute, the Comanche Nation and Central Texas Cherokee Township.
Doug Martin, representing the Cherokee Township, said visitors can look forward to learning about Cherokee language and traditions.
“We’re going to do some Cherokee language,” he said. “We’re going to talk about the syllabary.”
Learning Through Language and Play
Doug said families will be able to write their names in Cherokee syllabary, practice letters and create their own Sequoyah-inspired art.
The experience will also include a look at stickball, a traditional Native American game.
“We’ve got our stickball set here,” Doug said. “You need two sticks.”
He demonstrated how the game is played and explained that participants aim to throw the ball at a pole.
Bullock Museum’s Free First Sunday returns with a Native Texas stories spotlight
More Than a Museum Visit
Kimberly said Free First Sunday is also a great way for families to explore the museum’s exhibits, including its Texas Festivals special exhibition.
“It’s a great way to check out our exhibits,” she said. “So it’s a lot of fun to come out and check out what the museum offers.”
Food, Farming and Community
Doug also shared how the Cherokee Township works throughout the year to preserve and teach about Native foodways.
“Our big program is our corn,” he said. “We grow with Saint Edward’s, we grow with UT Micro Farm.”
Students from Cunningham and Ellison Elementary help plant and harvest the corn, then learn how it becomes food like tamales, masa and tortillas.
Accessible for All Visitors
The Bullock Museum will also offer a special sensory hour from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for registered guests who need a lower-sensory environment.
“We have special sensory bags, sensory maps, fidget toys,” Kimberly said, “just to make it welcoming for all.”
The museum also offers sensory hour for visitors with special needs. Photo Courtesy Bullock Texas State History Museum
Plan Your Visit
Free First Sunday takes place this Sunday at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.
Activities run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free museum admission available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit TheStoryofTexas.com.
Bullock Museum’s Free First Sunday returns with a Native Texas stories spotlight