Join the Texas General Land Office as we explore history up close.  Travel back in time to see how the roots of Texas were first planted by discovering the GLO archives, which contains more than 35.5 million documents and 45,000 maps! Home school students in 4th-5th grade are invited to participate as Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush teaches a lesson on cotton, cattle and railroads using restored maps (primary sources) from the GLO Archives. Following the lesson, students will have the opportunity to tour the Archives which, focuses on several of the most interesting documents and that shaped the boundaries of our great state and made Texas what it is today. Sign up to reserve your spot today! (30 Students MAX).
Students become a member of the General Land Office Archives Staff for a day and put on archival gloves to prepare for their exploration of the GLO maps. Students learn that the gloves are used by the GLO Archives Staff to protect historical material from dirt and oily fingers and get to see before and after pictures of some of the GLO maps!
Though you are probably familiar with the story of the battle of the Alamo, many people are unaware of the world of history and interesting details that left out of most history books. Students gather around copies of a restored map from the General Land Office Archives that depicts the rail lines across the state of Texas. Students discuss the map with Commissioner Bush and discover some of the maps most prominent features.Â
Please note, there is construction surrounding the Stephen F. Austin building. Parking can be found at the Bob Bullock Texas State History museum, at the Capitol complex (1 mile walk) or on the surrounding streets. Please allocate additional time for parking. Entrance to the building is located on Congress Street (east side of building). Parents/teachers are invited to attend the lesson and Archives tour, however, space is limited. A cafe with additional seating is located inside the Stephen F. Austin building.
