The celebration will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the museum where guests can view a pre-recorded musical trilogy about the Robertson family legacy by renowned Celtic fiddler Colin MacLeod, of Edinburgh, Scotland. At 9:30 guests will follow the bagpiper as he leads us to College Hill to gather around Colonel Robertson’s statue near the ruins of Salado College for a brief memorial ceremony.

The ceremony will include a brief history of Colonel Robertson by Salado Museum Board member Liz Patranella, a memorial, under the direction of Ray Don McIntosh, Family Life Minister at Salado Church of Christ, a formal wreath laying, the playing of Amazing Grace, and a special mayoral declaration by Salado Mayor Jeff Ingrum. 

Returning to the Lucile A. Robertson Event Center at 10:00, guests will join in singing “Happy Birthday” as we cut the cake. Activities will continue with an interactive presentation, history reenactors, and a photo booth. At 11:00, guests will be seated for a live presentation by Mr. Gene Rhea Tucker, Ph.D., Professor of History at Temple College, which will focus on Colonel Robertson’s life and his contributions to Salado and its people.

The Founder’s Day Celebration is free to the public but donations to support our ongoing programs are welcome in person or online. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you at the Museum on August 22^nd.

FFriday, July 10, 2:00 p.m.

Lucile A. Robertson Event Center

423 South Main Street

Suggested donation $10 at the door

This unique program, led by Texas historian Kurt Terry and Scottish fiddler Colin MacLeod, blends frontier storytelling, music, faith traditions and cultural exploration from the Scots settlers in Salado across the Southwest frontier. Weaving words and images with live fiddle performances, the program offers a rich and memorable journey into the sounds, stories, and communities of 19th-century Texas and beyond.

“We will follow the movement of people and ideas along frontier routes linking the historic village of Salado with the wider western frontier to reveal how music and faith traveled together to shape the spirit and cultural fabric of America,” says Colin MacLeod. “This includes spiritual traditions that influenced daily life across the Southwest through hymns, fiddle tunes, communal singing, dances and shared gatherings.”

Kurt Terry is a Professor of History at Temple College. He holds a BA in History from Baylor University, an MA in History from Stephen F. Austin State University, and is a doctoral candidate in History at Oklahoma State University. He has given a number of presentations at educational conferences, including a joint session with the Texas State Historical Association. His research into the history of Texas frontier communities adds a special focus to this singular experience in words and music.

Colin MacLeod, known as the Celtic Fiddle Guru, has been playing Celtic fiddle since the age of seven, growing up in Scotland amid a rich family tradition of ceilidhs and communal music-making. Trained to Grade 8 Violin Distinction and having performed with Celtic bands in Australia, he has taught fiddle by ear to students across Scotland, Australia and the United States since 2007. His research into how music shaped the lives of Scottish emigrant communities makes him a natural voice for this program.

Kids History Camp returns to the Salado Museum and College Park this summer, July 13-16, 2026. For more information please email director@saladomuseum.org.

Come to the museum of Salado, Texas, June 1 thru July 25, to experience the all-new Texas America250 traveling exhibit. The exhibit, on loan from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, celebrates the nation’s Semiquincentennial while
highlighting historically significant Texas treasures from the State Archives.

The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular museum hours.

We are very excited to bring an exhibit to Salado that provides a unique opportunity for Texans to reflect on our state’s role in the American story. Viewing this exhibit is a great way for people of all ages to learn more about Texas’ role in U.S. history and to explore some of the state’s most treasured documents, photographs and artifacts.

 The nation would not be what it has become without Texas
 Texas has a story to tell about its contributions to the legacy of America.
 Texas America250 shows how the state’s people, landscape and innovations helped to develop this country over the past 250 years.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission invite Texans of all ages to join its 2026 statewide Texas America250 Reading Challenge. For more information on this and upcoming America250 programs, go to www.tsl.texas.gov/america250.

Texas Independence Day is the celebration of the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. With this document, signed by 59 delegates, settlers in Mexican Texas officially declared independence from Mexico and created the Republic of Texas.

Larnce Barker is the President of the Sterling C. Robertson Sons of the Republic of Texas Chapter 22 that meets in Salado. He will be at the Museum to greet people and to relate a brief history of Texas Independence Day and the significant role Sterling Robertson played in establishing the Republic of Texas. He will also explain what is required to join the local chapter of the Sons of Republic of Texas.

In 1825, Empresario Sterling C. Robertson acquired lands grants from Mexico and is credited with bringing 600 families to this area, mostly of Scottish ancestry, to form the first large colony in Central Texas.

In 1859 his son Colonel Elijah S. C. Robertson donated land to a corporation formed to build a college and lay out and sell lots for a town to be called Salado. A statue of Col. Elijah Robertson, in which he is depicted in his Republic of Texas uniform, stands on College Hill just south of the Salado Museum.

Experience the magic of the season in Historic Salado, TX!
Stroll along Main Street and enjoy twinkling lights, beautifully decorated storefronts, holiday shopping, and family-friendly fun.

Weekend Festivities
Join us both weekends for special holiday events, including:
• Outdoor Live Nativity at First Baptist Church of Salado
• Christmas markets & unique shopping experiences throughout the Village
• Live music & festive performances

 A full schedule of daily events will be posted soon at salado.com.

 Christmas Market

 Barrow Brewing Co. (108 Royal Street, Salado)

 Saturdays, December 6 & December 13

 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Additional markets will also pop up throughout the Village during Stroll weekends.

Parking & Shuttle Service
Free parking is available at:
• Salado Civic Center
• Brookshire Brothers
• First Baptist Church of Salado
• Church of Christ

Come celebrate the holidays with us in Salado — where tradition, community, and Christmas magic come alive.

December 5-7, 12-14.

Brought to you by the Salado Chamber of Commerce celebrating 65 years!

***The Salado Chamber of Commerce does not organize vendors for this event. If you are a vendor interested in participating at Stroll, please contact a local business to host you on their property and obtain an itinerant vendor permit from the Village of Salado.***

Hours vary by business. Please visit Salado.com for the events calendar as we get closer to the event. Please direct questions to chamber@salado.com or 254-947-5040.

Bagpipes and Drums! | Highland Dancers! | Scottish Athletics! | Men in Kilts! | Colorful Clan Tents! | Shopping, food and fun!

Tickets to events and the Gathering can be purchased in advance online (Now Available). You may also purchase tickets at the gate. Remember, children 5 and under are free.

The weekend begins on Friday evening with the Calling of the Clans at 6:00 pm on the Salado Creekside just north of the Museum building. This is a solemn torchlit ceremony that recreates the coming together of the ancient Scottish clans to fight with Robert the Bruce for Scotland’s freedom in 1314 at Bannockburn.

Following the Calling, a Welcome Social and Buffet Supper ($20) will be held in the Lucile A. Robertson Center at the Museum.

On Saturday (9am – 6pm) and Sunday (9am – 3pm), join us at the Barrow Brewing Company and Inn on the Creek to enjoy all things Scottish (Weekend Pass: $25 adult/$15 child).

New for 2025: Scottish Sheepdog Herding!

We are proud to recognize the many public service organizations that honor fallen service members by featuring their bands at the 64th Salado Scottish Gathering!

• Clan Village … the largest gathering of Scottish Clan tents in Texas where Clan members share information about Scottish history and genealogy.
• Scottish Heavy Athletics; Highland Dancing; and Bagpipe and Drumming competitions.
• Scottish singers and musicians on the Entertainment Stage.
• Bonniest Knees, Scottish Shortbread, and Bonniest Beard contests.
• Variety of Celtic goods, food and beverages.

OPENING CEREMONIES begin at 12 noon Saturday with a Band and Clan Parade from South Main and Thomas Arnold (Pace Park) into the grounds followed by presentations and piping on the field.

Additional Sunday events include:

• The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan – a traditional devotional service in which family groups carry banners of their family tartans and ask blessings on the families.
• Scottish Dog Parade and Contest 
• Scottish Country Dance
• Children’s Highland Games
• Keg Toss

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN SALADO

FOR THE GATHERING OF THE CLANS

AND A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS SCOTTISH!

We are pleased to announce a special presentation in word, images and song by Scottish singer and folklorist, Ed Miller, Friday, Nov. 7, at 2:00 pm, in the Lucile A. Robertson Center, 423 South Main St. Suggested donation at the door is $10.

You are invited to discover the story of The Great Tapestry of Scotland, one of the world’s largest community arts projects created by more than 1,000 volunteers across Scotland.

“The Great Tapestry of Scotland consists of 160 colorful linen panels made with 300 miles of wool and hand-stitched by people all over Scotland who worked in groups to create the intricate designs,” says Miller. “The tapestry visually narrates Scotland’s history, heritage and culture from its earliest beginnings to the 21st century.” 

Mr. Miller’s presentation will include historical information and slides of many of the tapestry’s remarkable panels. He will also sing songs that relate to particular historical events or themes featured in the tapestry.

Ed Miller is a featured entertainer for the 64^th Salado Scottish Gathering and Highland Games, being held November 7-9 on a beautifully wooded property beginning at 108 Royal Street, the major annual fundraiser for the Salado Museum and College Park.

Ed Miller is a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, who came to Texas as a young man and has made Austin his home. He holds graduate degrees in Folklore and Geography from the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to having recorded numerous CDs of Scottish songs, he has led a series of folksong-based historical tours of Scotland and currently hosts the program, Across the Pond, Sunday afternoons on sunradio.com.

Salado College and Village of Salado by Artist Becky Conley

The Museum of Salado, Texas is thrilled to showcase new work by contemporary, local, folk artist Becky Conley! Constructed from recycled wine corks, these intricate structures are a testament to creativity, patience, and the power of everyday materials in the hands of a visionary.

Folk art, both past and present, plays a vital role in preserving our cultural heritage. It captures the stories, traditions, and spirit of everyday life — not from the perspective of elites or institutions, but from the people themselves. Becky’s work continues this important tradition, bridging the past and the present by showing how folk art can evolve while staying deeply connected to community and environment.

Becky’s extraordinary attention to detail is evident in every carefully placed cork. Her work reminds us that artistry isn’t confined to galleries or grand canvases — it thrives in right here in our community, fueled by passion, patience, and ingenuity (and maybe a bottle of wine or two).

Come see Village of Salado and new addition of Salado College in person and experience how modern folk art continues to tell our collective stories in ways that are both timeless and refreshing. On display now through October 2025. 423 S. Main Street Salado, Texas 76571