Children’s Programs
Join us for Children’s story-telling with Author Deb Evans in the General Store on June 27, July 1, July 11, and join us for Patriot Day on July 1, a free family Day rich with history! Buy three history books and get a plush puppy toy, in the gift shop.
The Heritage Society’s exhibits, tours, events, and programs are funded in part by a grant from the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance. Funding for these grants has been provided by Humanities Texas and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the federal ARP Act.
Deb Evans, the award-winning author of the Bella’s Tales of History children’s book series, will be coordinating children’s activities for the American Revolution Experience on June 27th and July 11th from 10-2 each day. Children can visit the Junior Patriots area while parents tour the exhibit or parents can join their children for kid-friendly stories from the Founding of the United States of America, coloring pages, word puzzles, and a craft. Evans will also be with us on July 1st for our Patriot Day. See the Patriot Day schedule for more details on that day’s events. Evans’ books from the Bella’s Tales of History series are available in our gift shop and Evans will be happy to autograph your books for you.
Honoring 250 Years of the American Story: The Heritage Society Leads Houston’s Semiquincentennial Celebrations
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, The Heritage Society is marking the milestone with a series of programs designed to bring history to life for Houstonians. Through public events, educational exhibits and community partnerships, the organization is positioning itself as a central destination for America 250 commemorations in the city.
The initiative reflects a national effort to recognize the Semiquincentennial in ways that are inclusive, engaging and rooted in local history. In Houston, that vision is unfolding across Sam Houston Park with experiences that highlight both the nation’s origins and the city’s own story.
The Heritage Society will open its grounds Wednesday, July 1, for Patriot Day, a free family event, at 1100 Bagby Street, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Held just before families take off for holiday travel, the celebration serves as the official kickoff to July’s America 250 programming.
Central to the Semiquincentennial programming is The American Revolution Experience, a traveling exhibit that traces the origins of the nation through artifacts, personal narratives and interactive media. Open through July 20, the exhibit provides a deeper look at the people who shaped the Revolution — well‑known figures as well as lesser‑told voices.
Guests can tour Houston’s oldest building, the Kellum-Noble House, enjoy the patriotic The American Revolution Experience exhibit, and take part in old-fashioned toy and trunk show demonstrations that highlight daily life in early Texas. Families may also participate in a scavenger hunt featuring local patriots whose ancestors fought in the American Revolution who lived in our historic houses, connecting modern Houstonians to the nation’s founding generation.
We will have presentations from the Sons of the American Revolution about the Declaration of Independence and Paul Revere.
Saengerbund Houston will offer a lunch and learn sharing how Germany helped patriots win the American Revolution.
Patriot Day will also feature children’s storytelling time with author Deb Evans and American flags for young visitors.
James Coney Island hot dogs and lemonade will be available for purchase, and our gift shop will feature American Revolution coloring books in English and Spanish and plush Texas animals.
PAST EVENTS: FILM SUMMER CAMP 2026
Historical Filmmaking Camp at The Heritage Society (Ages 9-13)
June 8–12, 2026
Join us this summer at the Heritage Society for an unforgettable filmmaking camp, where young creative minds can immerse themselves in the exciting world of cinema! Campers will enjoy hands-on workshops that cover every aspect of filmmaking—from crafting compelling scripts, directing dynamic scenes, mastering camera operation, and ultimately producing their very own film inspired by intriguing stories of Houston in the 1800s.
Guided by experienced educator and children’s media producer, Dan Gordon, campers will have the opportunity to transform their artistic visions into reality. With access to professional-grade film equipment and special guest storytellers from Indigenous tribes, this camp promises to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience that inspires creativity and fosters curiosity and collaboration amongst campers.
Set against the historic backdrop of the Heritage Society in Downtown Houston, campers will have an exclusive all-access pass to the Society's remarkable buildings and artifacts, enriching their films in a genuine historical context.
To cap off this one-week camp experience, families and friends are invited to a red-carpet premiere on the final day, where campers will showcase their film in a celebratory event.
Don’t miss this chance for your child to be part of one of the most unique camps in Houston!
Gordon Education also announced that Heritage Society members will receive an exclusive 15% partner discount on all 2026 Summer Filmmaking Camps. The discount may be combined with Early Bird rates through March 31.
Questions about the camp? Email us and we will reply promptly.
PRESS RELEASE
Heritage Society and Gordon Education Expand Partnership for 2026 Summer Filmmaking Camps
Second Year Brings New Historical Time‑Traveling Program and Exclusive Member Discounts
HOUSTON — The Heritage Society and Gordon Education announced the return of their collaborative summer filmmaking programs for 2026, offering hands‑on creative learning opportunities for youth through writing, acting, costume design and film production. Now in its second year, the partnership continues to provide students with immersive experiences that blend storytelling with Houston history.
Gordon Education will host its Time‑Traveling Historical Filmmaking Camp at The Heritage Society June 8–12 for ages 9–13. The program gives campers exclusive access to the museum’s historic buildings and artifacts as they develop scripts inspired by Houston’s past. Participants work with film professionals to bring their stories to life through acting, directing, cinematography and costume design.
“Programs like this help young people see themselves as creators and changemakers,” said Alison Bell, the Heritage Society’s executive director. “By pairing filmmaking with Houston’s historic sites, students gain a deeper understanding of the city’s past while building confidence in their own storytelling abilities.”
The weeklong camp concludes with a red‑carpet film premiere for families, showcasing the students’ completed productions.
Registration and additional details are available at www.gordoneducation.org/partner-summer-camps.
About The Heritage Society
The Heritage Society is a museum and cultural organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Houston’s diverse history through exhibitions, educational programming and community partnerships.
About Gordon Education
Gordon Education provides youth filmmaking programs designed to help young creatives discover their unique voices, explore history and use storytelling as a tool for meaningful change.
