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On Saturday, August 26th, beginning at 2 p.m., the Columbia Historical Museum will present a program on early Texas flags. Come and see some of the flags that flew over Texas before and during the Texas War for Independence. Visit with Texas Navy Admiral Michael Bailey as he tells stories about who made them, where they flew and what they represent to Texans today.

To date local historians have documented over 50 flags that flew in Texas. Bailey, who currently serves as curator of the Columbia Historical Museum in West Columbia, will present histories on a selection of these flags that were flown in Texas during its colonial period. For over 20 years Michael Bailey has made his home in Brazoria County and has worked with many historical groups to tell the story of the county’s vibrant history.

Contributed Photo

Columbia Historical Museum Curator Michael Bailey, right, is pictured presenting histories of Texas flags at the Stephen F. Austin-Munson County Park outside Angleton during a Texas Independence Day program.

A thank you note from the Brazoria Study Club to the museum in West Columbia denoted appreciation for a similar Texas flags presentation Bailey gave to them recently. Bailey shared the note with WC museum board members at the August 14th meeting:

Michael,

Thank you so much for presenting such an interesting program for us at Brazoria Study Club. Your knowledge of Texas History is vast and very thorough. We had no idea there were so many Texas flags. The anecdotal stories were informative and entertaining.

Sincerely Yours,

The Rev. Debbie Measells

Saturday’s Texas flags program will be at the Columbia Historical Museum, located at 247 East Brazos Avenue in West Columbia, Texas. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. The Columbia Historical Museum is in the former First Capital Bank building and opened its doors to the public in 1992. Since then, the museum has been dedicated to collecting, preserving and telling the stories of the rich local history.

The museum also maintains the Rosenwald Columbia School, which is one of the few schools of its type preserved and open for touring. For further information contact the Columbia Historical Museum at (979) 345-6125.