Celebrate America's 250th Birthday at The W.H. Stark House

The W.H. Stark House is commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States with a series of special programming including America 250 Open House, Southeast Texas Speaks: Oral History Drive and The W.H. Stark House Classics Book Club: "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." These programs are offered in collaboration with Southeast Texas 250 events hosted throughout the region, offering the community a unique opportunity to connect local history to the broader American story. 

The W.H. Stark House's summer of celebration will begin on Saturday, May 16 with the America 250 Open House. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can enjoy a range of activities across the Carriage House and Grounds, make their mark on a Community Painting, add a wish to the Wish Wall and explore the 1894 Queen Anne-style historic home. This event is free and open to the public.

“We're thrilled to take part in the United States Semiquincentennial. Commemorating 250 years of American history offers a meaningful opportunity for us to connect the past with the present in a place where history is so profoundly preserved," said Allen Lea, director of The W.H. Stark House. "We hope to make history accessible and engaging as we bring the community together to explore, learn and celebrate our shared history."

The America 250 Open House will also feature Southeast Texas Speaks: Oral History Drive, which invites the community to share and preserve their memories of Southeast Texas. This Oral History Drive is presented by The W.H. Stark House in partnership with Lamar University TV and the Tyrrell Historical Library. Advanced registration is recommended to reserve a time slot at whstarkhouse.org/oralhistory.

"Many people don’t realize they’re already preserving history in everyday moments, whether through taking photographs with friends, listening to family stories or passing down cherished recipes. Our goal with the Oral History Drive is to help community members preserve and share the stories that make Southeast Texas special to them," said Katherine Leister, tour operations coordinator of The W.H. Stark House. "To ensure that these memories are preserved for generations to come, participants will receive a digital copy of their interview after the event and will have the option to donate their interview to the Tyrrell Historical Library in Beaumont."

Boy Scout holding a Flag at a Picnic at Stark Park, photograph, Date Unknown; University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History; crediting Heritage House Museum