Children’s Programs
FREE FAMILY HERITAGE DAY AT THE MUSEUM FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Saturday, September 19, 2026 • 1100 Bagby Street • Activities until 4 p.m.
The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park invites families to enjoy a Free Family Day immediately following Houston’s annual Fiestas Patrias Parade. Visitors can explore Houston’s history through complimentary tours, cultural programming, and special access to our Hispanic heritage exhibitions.
What to Expect
Families will receive free guided tours of Old Place, Houston’s oldest surviving structure, and enjoy three exhibitions celebrating Hispanic heritage:
UH Latino cARTographies — A multimedia mapping of Latino art, culture, and community history.
Mexican‑American History & Culture Mural — A vibrant visual narrative honoring Houston’s Mexican‑American legacy.
Spanish Texas During the American Revolution — An exhibition highlighting Spain’s critical role in shaping early Texas.
All activities are free and available until 4 p.m.
Why This Day Matters
“Free Family Day gives us the opportunity to welcome families downtown following one of Houston’s most meaningful cultural traditions,” said Alison Bell, executive director of The Heritage Society. “The Fiestas Patrias Parade has been a cornerstone of Houston’s Latino community for generations, and we are proud to open our museum to celebrate that history.”
“We are happy to be collaborating with The Heritage Society to add an educational museum experience as the after‑party to the parade,” said Rita Rodriguez, president of the Fiestas Patrias International Parade. “This partnership allows families to continue celebrating culture, history and community in a meaningful way.”
Event Sponsors
This Free Family Museum Day is sponsored by Houston City Council Member At‑Large, Position 3 Twila Carter and Humanities Texas.
Plan Your Visit
The Heritage Society is located at 1100 Bagby Street in Sam Houston Park. Parking and visitor information can be found at www.heritagesociety.org.
Press Releases
Heritage Society to Host Free Family Day Following Fiestas Patrias Parade
HOUSTON — The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby Street, will host a Free Family Day on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, offering complimentary tours and cultural programming for families attending or following the annual Fiestas Patrias Parade in downtown Houston. Activities will be offered until 4 p.m.
Families will receive free tours of Old Place, Houston’s oldest surviving structure, along with access to the museum’s three Hispanic heritage exhibits: UH Latino cARTographies, the Mexican‑American History & Culture Mural, and Spanish Texas During the American Revolution.
“Free Family Day gives us the opportunity to welcome families downtown following one of Houston’s most meaningful cultural traditions,” said Alison Bell, executive director of The Heritage Society. “The Fiestas Patrias Parade has been a cornerstone of Houston’s Latino community for generations, and we are proud to open our museum to celebrate that history.”
“We are happy to be collaborating with The Heritage Society to add an educational museum experience as the after‑party to the parade,” said Rita Rodriguez, president of the Fiestas Patrias International Parade. “This partnership allows families to continue celebrating culture, history and community in a meaningful way.”
This Free Family Museum Day is sponsored by Houston City Council Member At‑Large, Position 3 Twila Carter and Humanities Texas.
Background: A Legacy of Pride — The History of Houston’s Fiestas Patrias Parade
The Fiestas Patrias International Parade is one of Houston’s longest‑running cultural traditions, reflecting the heritage, resilience and unity of the city’s Latino community.
Founded in 1969 by Judge Armando V. Rodriguez, one of Houston’s earliest Latino elected officials, the parade began as a community‑driven celebration of Mexican Independence Day. Rodriguez envisioned a public event that honored Mexican culture while uplifting Houston’s growing Hispanic population. What started as a neighborhood initiative quickly expanded into a major civic celebration drawing thousands of families, students, cultural organizations and civic leaders.
Held each September in downtown Houston, the parade has historically aligned with Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16. Over time, it has grown to embrace the broader diversity of Latin America. Countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Chile and Belize — all of which celebrate independence in September — are now represented, reinforcing unity and pan‑Latin pride.
The parade has featured folklórico dancers, mariachis, colorful floats, horseback riders, lowrider clubs, school marching bands and prominent Latino leaders. It remains a vibrant expression of cultural identity where generations of Houstonians see their heritage honored and celebrated.
For more information about the parade, visit https://houston-fiestas-patrias-parade.square.site/.
About The Heritage Society
The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park is Houston’s history museum, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the city’s diverse cultural and architectural history. Through historic structures, exhibitions and public programming, the museum serves as a resource for education, community engagement and heritage preservation. Learn more at www.heritagesociety.org or contact us at info@heritagesociety.org.
PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA 19 de septiembre de 2026
The Heritage Society ofrecerá un Día Familiar Gratuito después del Desfile de Fiestas Patrias
HOUSTON — The Heritage Society en Sam Houston Park, 1100 Bagby Street, llevará a cabo un Día Familiar Gratuito el sábado 19 de septiembre de 2026, ofreciendo recorridos y programación cultural sin costo para las familias que asistan o sigan el Desfile de Fiestas Patrias en el centro de Houston. Las actividades se ofrecerán hasta las 4 p.m.
Las familias recibirán recorridos gratuitos por Old Place, la estructura más antigua que se conserva en Houston, además de acceso a tres exhibiciones dedicadas al patrimonio hispano: UH Latino cARTographies, el Mural de Historia y Cultura México‑Americana, y Texas Española durante la Revolución Americana.
“El Día Familiar Gratuito nos brinda la oportunidad de recibir a las familias en el centro después de una de las tradiciones culturales más significativas de Houston,” dijo Alison Bell, directora ejecutiva de The Heritage Society. “El Desfile de Fiestas Patrias ha sido un pilar de la comunidad latina de Houston por generaciones, y nos enorgullece abrir nuestro museo para celebrar esa historia.”
Este Día Familiar Gratuito es patrocinado por la Miembro del Concejo Municipal de Houston, Posición General 3, Twila Carter y Humanities Texas.
“Estamos felices de colaborar con The Heritage Society para añadir una experiencia educativa en el museo como la celebración posterior al desfile,” dijo Rita Rodriguez, presidenta del Desfile Internacional de Fiestas Patrias. “Esta alianza permite que las familias continúen celebrando la cultura, la historia y la comunidad de una manera significativa.”
Antecedentes: Un legado de orgullo — La historia del Desfile de Fiestas Patrias de Houston
El Desfile Internacional de Fiestas Patrias es una de las tradiciones culturales más antiguas de Houston, reflejando la herencia, la resiliencia y la unidad de la comunidad latina de la ciudad.
Fundado en 1969 por el juez Armando V. Rodriguez, uno de los primeros funcionarios latinos electos en Houston, el desfile comenzó como una celebración comunitaria del Día de la Independencia de México. Rodriguez imaginó un evento público que honrara la cultura mexicana y elevara a la creciente población hispana de Houston. Lo que inició como una iniciativa vecinal rápidamente se convirtió en una celebración cívica de gran escala que atrae a miles de familias, estudiantes, organizaciones culturales y líderes comunitarios.
Realizado cada septiembre en el centro de Houston, el desfile históricamente se ha alineado con el Día de la Independencia de México, el 16 de septiembre. Con el tiempo, se ha expandido para incluir la diversidad más amplia de América Latina. Países como Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Chile y Belice — que también celebran su independencia en septiembre — ahora forman parte del evento, reforzando la unidad y el orgullo panlatino.
El desfile ha presentado bailarines folclóricos, mariachis, carrozas coloridas, jinetes a caballo, clubes de lowriders, bandas escolares y líderes latinos destacados. Sigue siendo una expresión vibrante de identidad cultural donde generaciones de houstonianos ven su herencia honrada y celebrada.
Para más información sobre el desfile, visite https://houston-fiestas-patrias-parade.square.site/.
Acerca de The Heritage Society
The Heritage Society en Sam Houston Park es el museo de historia de Houston, dedicado a preservar e interpretar la diversa historia cultural y arquitectónica de la ciudad. A través de estructuras históricas, exhibiciones y programas públicos, el museo sirve como un recurso para la educación, la participación comunitaria y la preservación del patrimonio. Más información en www.heritagesociety.org.
PAST EVENT: PATRIOT DAY, A FREE FAMILY HERITAGE DAY
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 EVENT: 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.
