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.

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

Kenneth McIntosh is an author, educator, and spiritual companion. He has written more than a dozen
books published by Anamchara, including Water from an Ancient Well, has led workshops in Ireland,
the UK, and throughout the US, and has shared his insights on podcasts and webinars. In the past, he
taught comparative religion at the college level and has led churches in five different denominations.
He lives in the Western Finger Lakes of New York with his wife Marsha and their cat, Bunty, where he
also enjoys time with his granddaughter, hiking, fountain pens, fantasy fiction, and historic-themed
craft projects. With his wife Marsha, and other companions-on-the-way, Kenneth has been shaped by
blister-making, soul-renewing pilgrimages in Spain and Scotland. He is available for in-person or online events at kennethmcintosh.com.

Join us at the Salado Museum and College Park for a 4-Day Kids History Camp in Salado, Texas!

Exploring History Through the Lens of Texas

July 14 – Day 1: Introduction to History and Early
Texas
Theme: Discovering Texas’ Roots
 Why Texas history matters. Discuss the Gault Site and its importance to the area.
 Exploration of early Texas history, including Indigenous
peoples and Spanish colonization. Hands-on activity: Create a clay pinch pot.
 Break with Local Texas-themed snacks.
 Archelogy dig.
 Storytime featuring Indigenous legends and tales from
Texas history.

July 15 – Day 2: Beyond the Notes – Celtic Fiddle Playing by Colin MacLeod
Theme: Texas Revolution and Impact of Scottish-Americans
 A brief storytelling session introducing the Texas Revolution.
 Learn about key Texas Revolution events, including the Alamo.
 Introduction of the Scottish Fiddle’s impact on Texas. The fiddle and bagpipes played at the Alamo
 Texas-themed snacks, such as pecans or beef jerky.
 Continuation of Celtic Fiddle.
 Closing activity.

July 16 – Day 3: Pioneers in Texas
Theme: Life and Times of the early settlers.
 First settler: Archibald Willingham
 Chris Coffey Focus on Pioneers and their way of life in Early
Texas. Food, Shelter and Survival. Hunting and Gathering.
 Snacks inspired by early history. Churning butter.
 Uses of tools and natural resources.
 Leather braiding.

July 17 – Day 4: Early Salado and The Robertson Family.
Theme: The Empresario, Colonel and Salado College
 A brief storytelling session introducing the Robertson Family.
 Robertson game
 Texas-themed snacks, such as pecans or beef jerky.
 Fun activity.
 Wrap up of the week.

Applications for kids to attend the camp can be downloaded below or acquired by emailing director@saladomuseum.org. The Salado Museum & College Park is a 501(c)3. Donations for the camp will be accepted as $50.00 per child for the 4-day camp and $25.00 for each additional child in the family.

This free event is brought to you by the Waco Public Library, Central Texas Genealogical Society, Texas State Genealogical Society, and the Salado Public Library.