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June 21, 2026
Frontier Times Museum hosts America’s 250th birthday party
By Rebecca Norton
Frontier Times Museum Executive Director
To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the museum will host Freedom on the Frontier: Celebrating the Story of America. This fun-filled weekend of cultural and historical programs will take place on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, on the museum campus.
Saturday’s Family Activity Day, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature storytelling and music by Lee Haile and historical demonstrations celebrating America’s diverse cultures. Among the featured presenters will be Charles Lara of the Alamo Legacy and Missions Association, who will set up a pioneer trading post while dressed in traditional Delaware Indian tribal garb. Guests will also enjoy demonstrations by Jan and Buddy Wilkinson, who will showcase the craft of shingle making, an important trade in the founding of Bandera.
The birthday celebration will also include free hot dogs, Rocket Popsicles, and hands-on arts and crafts activities. Children will have the opportunity to use antique quills and inkwells to write as the Founding Fathers once did, as well as create pioneer toys and rag dolls. Guests of all ages will be invited to hand-paint a quilt square for a special “250th Happy Birthday” quilt that will become part of the museum’s permanent collection and be preserved for future generations to enjoy during America’s 300th Birthday celebration.
On Sunday, join us from 1 - 4 p.m. for a lively, free musical gathering where local musicians will take center stage in a traditional picker circle. You'll be treated to an amazing mix of instruments, soulful cowboy tunes, captivating storytelling, and poetry that pays homage to our rich frontier heritage and vibrant American culture.
Stroll through the museum, groove to the melodies of our Frontier Times Troubadours, and don’t forget to indulge in some delicious birthday cake as we all come together to sing "Happy Birthday America!" It's a perfect day to celebrate our great nation—so swing by, enjoy the festivities.
Saturday’s Family Activity Day, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature storytelling and music by Lee Haile and historical demonstrations celebrating America’s diverse cultures. Among the featured presenters will be Charles Lara of the Alamo Legacy and Missions Association, who will set up a pioneer trading post while dressed in traditional Delaware Indian tribal garb. Guests will also enjoy demonstrations by Jan and Buddy Wilkinson, who will showcase the craft of shingle making, an important trade in the founding of Bandera.
The birthday celebration will also include free hot dogs, Rocket Popsicles, and hands-on arts and crafts activities. Children will have the opportunity to use antique quills and inkwells to write as the Founding Fathers once did, as well as create pioneer toys and rag dolls. Guests of all ages will be invited to hand-paint a quilt square for a special “250th Happy Birthday” quilt that will become part of the museum’s permanent collection and be preserved for future generations to enjoy during America’s 300th Birthday celebration.
On Sunday, join us from 1 - 4 p.m. for a lively, free musical gathering where local musicians will take center stage in a traditional picker circle. You'll be treated to an amazing mix of instruments, soulful cowboy tunes, captivating storytelling, and poetry that pays homage to our rich frontier heritage and vibrant American culture.
Stroll through the museum, groove to the melodies of our Frontier Times Troubadours, and don’t forget to indulge in some delicious birthday cake as we all come together to sing "Happy Birthday America!" It's a perfect day to celebrate our great nation—so swing by, enjoy the festivities.