San Antonio Living History

“February 4: “Visits To The Past” – Alamo Plaza, Saturday, 8:30AM to 4:30PM.  (Free)
This month the San Antonio Living History Association (SALHA), in collaboration with the San Antonio Rodeo Cattle Drive Parade, offers free “Visits To The Past” programs in Alamo Plaza to engage visitors about 1800s San Antonio as they "step back" in time.  “Visits To The Past” programs are presented monthly in the middle of the city-owned national landmark of the Alamo mission compound that is today’s Alamo Plaza.  These “Visits” feature the sights, sounds, skills, clothing, and lifestyles of early San Antonio that interpret details of Alamo Plaza history.  SALHA historical demonstration and exhibit tables are setup in Alamo Plaza, a great venue for visitors to relax, stay a while, and discover the most “hallowed ground” in Texas.  All living history presentations are subject to the weather.  Diverse historical themes are offered each month.  SALHA presentations are free.   Donations are accepted to help cover the program expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Longhorns Lead Rodeo Parade                               SALHA in S.A. Rodeo Parade.

 

“Glory At The Alamo", SALHA Event The Beginning of the Alamo Siege - Alamo Plaza, Saturday, February 25, 2012, 10:00 AM - 5:00PM. ( Free). San Antonio Living History Association (SALHA) interpreters portray the events leading up to the famous 1836 Battle of the Alamo.  At the 176th Anniversary reenactment of “The Beginning of the Alamo Siege.”  Visitors witness Santa Anna’s earlier-than-expected arrival at the Alamo, his demand for a Texian surrender, followed by their response with cannon and flintlocks.  Visitors will also enjoy period music and dancing, and engage in interactive living history exhibits and demonstrations.  See how flintlock arms and black powder cannon were loaded and fired at the Alamo.

 Students are invited to participate in a period marching drill and enjoy handmade toys of that period.  Other period skills featured include 1800s clothing, early foods, flint knapping, early fire starting, and other skills.  Hear the Celtaire String Band, Fandango Tejano Dancers, Banda de Guerra, visit the Sutler Store, and meet SALHA living history interpreters.

Visit www.sanantoniolivinghistory.org  for event schedules and details.   This event is hosted annually by the San Antonio Living History Association and supported by the City of San Antonio's Office of Cultural Affairs and the Downtown Operations Dept.

REENACTORS: Click here for your registration package and schedules to participate in these events   

 

Mexican Soldado

“Remembering the Alamo” Weekend. March 3 & 4:  “Remembering the Alamo!” Weekend
Alamo Plaza, Saturday, March 3, 10AM- 5PM and Sunday, March 4, 11 AM to 5 PM.  (Free). Visitors and living historyre-enactors from across Texas and the U.S. annually gather in Alamo Plaza to attend or participate in San Antonio Living History Association historical reenactments that interpret the story of the 13-day siege and attack upon the Alamo by General Santa Anna.      

 "Santa Anna's Council of War" and "For God and Texas! Dios y Libertad!" are the two main living history re­enactments that tell the story of the Alamo conflict the epic story from both sides of the conflict.  "Santa Anna's Council of War" takes the audience into Santa Anna’s headquarters where he discusses and debates with his officers regarding the best strategy for attacking the Alamo walls. "For God and Texas! Dios y Libertad!" is the narrated dramatization of the13-day Alamo siege and battle between General Santa Anna's Army and the defending Alamo garrison.

Living history interpreters demonstrate how flintlock arms were used and show how black powder cannon were loaded and fired at the Alamo.  “Recruited” visitors participate in a period marching drill or become a part of a cannon crew demonstration.  Bagpipers, a Banda de Guerra and the Celtaire String Band provide period music.  SALHA presentations are free, however, audience donations help to cover the actual program expenses.

In 2011, the San Antonio Living History Association hosted the 175th Anniversary event.  Official Alamo Plaza visitor numbers for “Remembering The Alamo!” Weekend© were 20,000 on Saturday, March 5th and 18,000 on the Sunday, March 6th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo. SALHA presentations are free, however, audience donations help to cover the actual program expenses.

REENACTORS: Click here for your registration package and schedules to participate in these events.

 

     Alamo Battle Scene 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dawn at the Alamo” - Presented on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, from 6-7AM, in Alamo Plaza.  
Each March 6th The San Antonio Living History Association annually presents “Dawn At The Alamo”©.  This 176th anniversary pre-dawn commemorative ceremony honors the fallen, on both sides of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, during the same hour which began in darkness and ended in early morning light.  It has a very solemn tone, as thirteen candles are lit in remembrance of the 13-day siege and battle.  A reconciliation peace prayer, read in English and  Spanish, remembers 189 defenders and 600 attackers killed or wounded during the assault upon the Alamo. Eyewitness accounts are read of the battle as flintlock musket volleys echo the sounds of gunfire against the Alamo walls.  You'll experience a historical moment-in-time in recognition of what both sides went through during the pre-dawn attack and as the end came to the Alamo defenders.

 

The SALHA 176th Anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo program continues as follows:

9:45 AM - GRAND MARCH INTO ALAMO PLAZA

10:00 – 11:30AM – “This Hallowed Ground: Alamo Plaza” Historical Walking Tour (Begins in Alamo Plaza at Crockett, passes through Alamo gateway, proceeds along West side of Alamo Plaza to Houston St., crosses over North of Cenotaph Area and continues down Alamo Plaza East to tour finish at the palisades line)

  Photo Courtesy of S.A. Express-News 

 

11:30 AM – 3:30PM – EDUCATIONAL DEMONSTRATION STATIONS feature period items and skills of 1830s Texas, including: Early Clothing, Flint-knapping for Muskets, Black Powder Cartridge-making, Period Spinning, Sewing and Fabrics, Flintlock Arms, Accoutrements, Demonstrations and Firings, Period Toys, Leather Work, Flint & Steel Fire-Starting, early Music and other crafts. 

11:45 AM - NEW “RECRUITS” MARCHING DRILL will invite audience members to ‘fall in’ and participate in a period Texian drill session. 

12:00 PM - FLINTLOCK ARMS & TACTICS will demonstrate and describe the use of Texian militia and Mexican Army weapons typical of the time period. 

12:30 PM – “The Cut of Their Clothes” Historical Fashion Show describing the diverse types of clothing worn at the Alamo and during the Texas Revolutionary period.  

1:00 PM – 2:15PM - “This Hallowed Ground: Alamo Plaza” Historical Walking Tour
(Begins in Alamo Plaza at Crockett, passes through Alamo gateway, proceeds along West side of Alamo Plaza to Houston St., crosses over North of Cenotaph area and continues down Alamo Plaza East to tour finish at the palisades line)
                                                                                                 
2:30 – 3:30PM – Alamo Plaza Goes Silent during solemn DRT ceremony in the Alamo Shrine

            2:30 PM – LIVING HISTORIANS MEET WITH VISITING PUBLIC IN ALAMO PLAZA

            3:30 PM – BATTLE OF THE ALAMO 176th ANNIVERSARY SALUTE VOLLEY

REENACTORS: Click here for your registration package and schedules to participate in these events.

 

April 21:  “Visits To The Past” – Alamo Plaza, Saturday, 8:00AM - 4:00PM.  (Free)
The San Antonio Living History Association (SALHA) hosts free “Visits To The Past” programs in Alamo Plaza to engage visitors in conversations about 1800s San Antonio as they "step back" in time.“Visits To The Past” programs are presented monthly in the middle of the city-owned landmark of the Alamo mission compound that is today’s Alamo Plaza.  These “Visits” feature the sights, sounds, skills, clothing, and lifestyles of early San Antonio that interpret details of Alamo Plaza history.                                                                                                  

 SALHA historical demonstrations and exhibit tables are setup in Alamo Plaza, a great venue for visitors to relax, stay a while, and discover the most “hallowed ground” in Texas.  All SALHA presentations are free.  Donations are accepted to help cover the program expenses.  Living history presentations are subject to the weather.  Diverse historical themes are offered monthly.

 “This Hallowed Ground: Alamo Plaza” is a free historical walking tour that features several
living history men, women and children in period clothing and persona, as a 1:00-2:30PM event. 
The walking tour is held during Fiesta, which itself began as a commemorative tribute to the heroes
of the Alamo.  Maps and a booklet will help you envision the Alamo fortress's original boundaries,
from the Alamo’s main gateway entrance to the key strategic points where the cannon were placed.
This an official Fiesta event sponsored by the Alamo Chapter, Sons of the Republic of Texas.

 

 

April 21st is the 176th anniversary of the Texian victory at the Battle of San Jacinto! This monthly “Visit To The Past” has an Added Fiesta Program!

 

 

Flint knapping for Muskets

 

 

May 19: “Visits To The Past” – Alamo Plaza, Saturday, 8:00AM - 4:00PM.  (Free)
The San Antonio Living History Association (SALHA) hosts free “Visits To The Past” programs in
Alamo Plaza to engage visitors in conversations about 1800s San Antonio as they "step back" in time. 

 

“Visits To The Past” programs are presented monthly in the middle of the city-owned national landmark of the Alamo mission compound that is today’s Alamo Plaza These “Visits” feature sights, sounds, skills, clothing, lifestyles of early San Antonio and interpret details of Alamo Plaza history.  SALHA historical demonstrations and exhibit tables are setup under the trees in Alamo Plaza, a great venue for visitors to relax, stay a while, and find out about the most “hallowed ground” in Texas.  SALHA presentations are free.Donations are accepted to help cover the program expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alamo Plaza Visitors to the Past 

 

 

June 10: “Visits To The Past” – Alamo Plaza, Sunday, 8:00AM - 4:00PM.  (Free)

The San Antonio Living History Association (SALHA) hosts free “Visits To The Past” programs in
Alamo Plaza to engage visitors in conversations about 1800s San Antonio as they "step back" in time.  

“Visits To The Past” programs are presented monthly in the middle of the city-owned national landmark
of the Alamo mission compound that is today’s Alamo Plaza.   These “Visits” feature the sights, sounds, skills, clothing, and lifestyles of early San Antonio and interpret details of Alamo Plaza history.  SALHA historical demonstrations and exhibit tables are setup under the Alamo Plaza trees, a great venue for visitors to relax, stay a while, and find out about the most “hallowed ground” in Texas. All living history presentations are subject to the weather.  Diverse historical themes are offered each month.  SALHA presentations are free. Donations are accepted to help cover the program expenses.
        

 

 

 

 

 

 

Candle Making      

 

 

 

July 14: “Visits To The Past” – Alamo Plaza, Saturday, 8:00AM - 4:00PM (Free). 

The San Antonio Living History Association (SALHA) hosts free “Visits To The Past” programs in Alamo Plaza to engage visitors in conversations about 1800s San Antonio as they "step back" in time.  “Visits To The Past” programs are presented monthly in the middle of the city-owned national landmark of the Alamo mission compound that is today’s Alamo Plaza. These “Visits” feature the sights, sounds, skills, clothing, and lifestyles of early San Antonio and interpret details of Alamo Plaza history.  SALHA historical demonstrations and exhibit tables are setup under the trees in Alamo Plaza, a great venue for visitors to relax, stay a while, and find out about the most “hallowed ground” in Texas.  Diverse historical themes are offered monthly.   All living history presentations are subject to the weather.  SALHA presentations are free.  Donations are accepted to help cover the actual program expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cornhusk Doll Making Class

 

 

August 11: “Visits To The Past” – Alamo Plaza, Saturday, 8:00AM - 4:00PM.  (Free)

The San Antonio Living History Association (SALHA) hosts free “Visits To The Past” programs in Alamo Plaza to engage visitors in conversations about 1800s San Antonio as they "step back" in time. 

“Visits To The Past” programs are presented monthly in the middle of the city-owned national landmark of the Alamo mission compound that is today’s Alamo Plaza.  These “Visits” feature the sights, sounds, skills, clothing, and lifestyles of early San Antonio and interpret details of Alamo Plaza history.   SALHA historical demonstrations and exhibit tables are setup under the trees in Alamo Plaza, a great venue for visitors to relax, stay a while, and find out about the most “hallowed ground” in Texas.  All presentations are subject to the weather.  Diverse historical themes are offered monthly.  SALHA presentations are free.  Donations are accepted to help cover the program expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1800s Broom Making

 

 

September 8: “Visits To The Past” – Alamo Plaza, Saturday, 10:00AM to 2:30PM (Free).

The San Antonio Living History Association (SALHA) hosts “Visits To The Past” programs in Alamo Plaza to engage visitors in conversations about 1800s San Antonio & "step back" in time. “Visits To The Past” programs are presented monthly in the middle of the city-owned national landmark of the Alamo mission compound that is today’s Alamo Plaza.  These “Visits” feature the sights, sounds, skills, clothing, and lifestyles of early San Antonio and interpret details of Alamo Plaza history.  SALHA historical demonstrations and exhibit tables are setup under the trees in Alamo Plaza, a great venue for visitors to relax, stay a while, and find out about the most “hallowed ground” in Texas. All living history presentations are subject to the weather.  Diverse historical themes offered each month.  SALHA presentations are free.  Donations are accepted to help cover the program expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

           Period Sewing Techniques                         Flint & Steel Fire Starting  

 

 

October 20: “Visits To The Past, Founders Day” – Alamo Plaza, Saturday, 8:00AM - 4:00PM.  Free. 
The San Antonio Living History Association (SALHA) offer free “Visits To The Past” programs in Alamo Plaza to engage visitors in conversations about 1800s  San Antonio as they "step back" in time.  “Visits To The Past” programs are presented monthly in the middle of the city-owned national landmark of the Alamo mission compound that is today’s Alamo Plaza.  These “Visits” feature the sights, sounds, skills, clothing, and lifestyles of early San Antonio and interpret details of Alamo Plaza history.  This October 20th “Visits To The Past” presentation is in support of, and in collaboration with the San Antonio Founders Day event  in Alamo Plaza.  SALHA historical demonstrations and exhibit tables are setup under the trees in Alamo Plaza, a great venue for visitors to relax, stay a while, and find out about the most “hallowed ground” in Texas.  All living history presentations are subject to the weather. Diverse historical themes offered each month.  SALHA presentations are free.  Donations are accepted to help cover the program expenses.                                                                                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           Talking About Republic of Texas Money                                   Republic of Texas $50 Bill

 

October 27: “Battle of Concepción”, SALHA Event, Saturday, 10:00AM to 4:00PM.  (Free)  
TheSan Antonio Living History Association (SALHA) will present two battle re-enactments and historical demonstrations in Concepcion Park, at 600 E. Theo Ave., at 11 AM and 3 PM. The historical exhibits feature demonstrations of food, crafts, weaponry, clothing, military life & 1800s living skills of both Texian and Mexican forces just south of San Antonio de Béjar on October 28, 1835. 

 

“The Battle of Concepción”

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                           

November 10: “Visits To The Past” – Alamo Plaza, Saturday, 8:00AM to 4:00PM.  (Free)  
The San Antonio Living History Association (SALHA) hosts free “Visits To The Past” programs in Alamo Plaza to engage visitors in conversations about 1800s San Antonio as they "step back" in time.  “Visits To The Past” programs are presented monthly in the middle of the city-owned national landmark of the Alamo mission compound that is today’s Alamo Plaza.  These “Visits” feature the sights, sounds, skills, clothing, and lifestyles of early San Antonio and interpret details of Alamo Plaza history.   SALHA historical demonstration and exhibit tables are setup under the trees in Alamo Plaza, a great venue for visitors to relax, stay a while, and find out about the most “hallowed ground” in Texas. 

November “Visits To The Past” programs are Honor and support San Antonio’s rich military heritage and the annual Veterans’ Day Parade in Alamo Plaza. All living history presentations are subject to the weather.  Diverse historical themes are offered each month.  SALHA presentations are free, however, audience donations help to cover the actual program expenses.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                  Air Force Visitors After Veterans Day Parade                                         Early Foods

 

December 2: “Visits To The Past” – Alamo Plaza, Sunday, 8:00AM to 4:00PM. (Free) .

The San Antonio Living History Association (SALHA) hosts free “Visits To The Past” programs in Alamo Plaza to engage visitors in conversations about 1800s San Antonio as they "step back" in time.  

“Visits To The Past” programs are presented monthly in the middle of the city-owned national landmark of the Alamo mission compound that is today’s Alamo Plaza.  These “Visits” feature the sights, sounds, skills, clothing, and lifestyles of early San Antonio and interpret details of Alamo Plaza history.  All living history presentations are subject to the weather.  Diverse historical themes are offered monthly.  SALHA presentations are free, however, audience donations help to cover the actual program expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

              Talking with Visitors About Alamo Plaza History

 

December 8: “Battle of Béjar” and “The Capitulation of General Cos” SALHA Event Saturday, 10:00AM to 4:00PM in Maverick Plaza and at the Cos House in historic La Villita. The San Antonio Living History Association reenacts the storming of San Antonio de Béjar (now City of San Antonio, Texas) by Texian and native Tejano volunteers that laid siege and drove out the Mexican garrison from the town of Béjar and the Alamo fortress in December 1835.

La Villita Historical Walking Tours - There are two historical walking tours throughout La Villita preceding the two battle reenactments in Maury Maverick Plaza at the annual San Antonio Living History Association December event.

 

Mexican Troops March into La Villita’s Maverick Plaza and Prepare for the Storming

 

“The Capitulation of General Cos” treaty signing reenactment at the historic Cos House on La Villita St.

 

Maverick Plaza during the annual San Antonio Living History Association December event. On Saturday, December 8th, 2012 the 3:00PM “Battle of Béjar” Reenactment will be followed by “The Capitulation of General Cos”

“The Capitulation of General Cos” treaty signing reenactment at the historic Cos House on La Villita St. The original capitulation articles are read as Mexican and Texian leaders are called to sign the document.

Texian and Tejano Forces at the Cos House The Mexican Army Contingent Arrives

 

                
REENACTORS: Click here for your registration package and schedules to participate in these events

SALHA membership includes participants and program supporters from across Texas, the U.S., and Europe. The organization is open to anyone regardless of age, race, creed, gender, ethnicity, or national origin. Members of the San Antonio Living History Association volunteer, work hard, have fun, and are dedicated towards accurately interpreting the diverse cultures of San Antonio and Texas. Seeking growth to achieve our goals, SALHA is always searching for more members. We need and welcome all kinds of help for the presentation of our free public educational programs.

You are cordially invited to help support and promote living history interpretation by joining the San Antonio Living History Association at several membership levels: Student ($10); Associate ($15); Regular ($25); Family ($35); Supporting ($50); Benefactor ($100); Program Sponsor ($500+); or Event Sponsor ($1,000+).

You will receive the Béjar Dispatch newsletter, notice of meetings, event dates of living history events in Texas, plus other offers and historical information about this interesting and educational activity. While SALHA events are presented free to the public, the program costs are expensive. As a IRS tax exempt non-profit organization, your supporting dues and sponsorships are tax deductible.

NOTE: Support members are not required to wear historical clothing! Event and program support talents and abilities are needed from new members experienced in clerical and computer skills, web site design, fundraising, marketing, media & communications, benefit events, newsletters, drama/theater, tailoring, graphics, …you-name-it!

Are you interested in supporting living history in San Antonio? Do you love Texas history? Would you care to join us?

Contact SALHA at (210) 273-1730, email SALHA at: Chairman of the Board or write to the:

San Antonio Living History Association Attn: Robert Benavides, Chairman of the Board 5310 San Pedro San Antonio, Texas 78212