Tours

tours

Self Guided Walking Tour

Explore downtown and learn about the history of the buildings there with our downtown walking tour map.

Download the map (pdf)

Guided Tours

Guided Tours - Add fascinating stories and fun to your sightseeing.

Enjoy a knowledgeable guide to host your group. For highly entertaining tours, arrange for a Reenactor-Guide or Reenactors at each attraction.

Call to for details and to arrange a tour: 979-451-1459.

Tour Location Options

  • The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre - Tour the spectacular 1925 vaudeville theatre, learn of its historical importance and see short movies on local history.
  • Toubin Park - Learn about the Burning of Brenham, a wild-west boom town, and our unique Texas Antiquities Landmark. See a historic cistern.
  • Brenham Fire Museum - Hear the rest of the Burning of Brenham story from Honorable Clint Giddings, first foreman of the 1867 Hook & Ladder Company. See rare antique fire engines.
  • Glissmann Drug Store Museum - Experience an authentic 1924 drug store and watch pharmacist Carl Glissmann make medicines by hand.
  • 1844 Giddings Wilkin House Museum - See the oldest house in Brenham and learn how aristocrats lived on the extreme frontier.
  • 1870 Giddings Stone Mansion - Enjoy the opulence of this elegant plantation house that hosted many dignitaries.
  • Washington On The Brazos State Park - Explore Independence Hall, Star of the Republic Museum, Barrington Farm, the gift shop and the old ferry landing where settlers first arrived from the States.
  • Independence - Tour two of Texas’ oldest houses, a 19th Century schoolhouse, the first Baylor University site, Texas Historical Baptist Museum where Sam Houston was baptized, and Antique Rose Emporium.
  • Burton - See the Texas Cotton Gin Museum, the old Burton Railroad Depot, and the graveside monument of famous Texas Ranger Leander McNelly.
  • Chappell Hill - Delight in the charm of historic Downtown, and tour the Chappell Hill Historical Museum with artifacts and exhibits on the town’s past.
Short Movies

Short Movies - Entertaining stories of local history

Call for schedules and arrange special showings: 979-451-1459.

Short Movie Options

  • The Dawn of Washington County - Fun stories from early Texas settlers and historians, including how Brenham was named. 25 minutes. Shown at The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre.
  • Brenham’s German Heritage - The entertaining story of early German immigrants who brought customs that are still observed today. 6 minutes. Shown at The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre.
  • Reese Lockett - An upbeat story of Brenham’s rodeo-star mayor who founded the annual Houston Rodeo and Salt Grass Trail Ride. 7.5 minutes. Shown at The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre.
  • Glissmann’s Pharmacy - Meet Carl Glissmann in his 1924 drug store and watch him mix medicines by hand. 8 minutes. Shown on demand at Glissmann Drug Store Museum.
  • Giddings Wilkin House Museum - Meet some of the 19th-century residents of the house and hear their stories. 8 minutes. Shown on demand at Giddings Wilkin House Museum.
Reenactors

Reenactors - Meet local forefathers and hear their stories.

Entertain your groups with amusing performers and emcees, at historical attractions or a location/event of your choice.

Call for details and to schedule entertainers: 979-451-1459.

Gunfights

The Brenham Bandits - Historical, humorous excitement!

Entertainment for groups and events.
Witness local lawmen collide with notorious outlaws.

Call for details and to schedule shows: 979-451-1459.

History Events

HISTORY EVENTS - Arrange an event to entertain your groups or draw a crowd.

Planning, management, staffing and performances with either a turnkey service or collaboration with your team.

Examples of Recent Events

The annual Local History Day for up to 350 Brenham ISD students per day; an all-day field trip to eight locations with thirteen simultaneous sessions, ending with a live vaudeville show for all.

The 2018 Eve of Texas Independence evening, an authentic 1836 celebration hosted by dignitaries who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Included promotion, dinner, libations, live music, continuous reenactments.

Big Al’s Historical, Almost Authentic, Electrified Vaudeville Show on the 1925 Simon Theatre vaudeville stage, emulating traditional shows of the era with 28 performers. Two almost-sold-out shows in late 2016.