FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin, TX – Join the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) on Saturday, June 13, for a celebration of Flag Day! A full day of special events focused on Texas history is scheduled at the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, next door to the Capitol in downtown Austin. On display from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. will be one of the rarest—and largest!—flags in the States Archives’ collection, a 28-star U.S. flag that served as the national flag from July 4, 1846, until July 4, 1847.

Curious about how Texas became the 28th state? Texas State Historian Dr. Richard B. “Rick” McCaslin will present on the subject at 11 a.m.!

At 2 p.m., TSLAC’s Texas Center for the Book will lead a conversation focused on life in Texas before statehood. We will hear from special guests Dr. Carolina Castillo Crimm and GeorgiAnne Brochstein. Crimm is an author, historian and retired educator, and an expert on the Spanish Colonial era. She taught for 40 years in various fields and recently retired from Sam Houston State University as a Professor Emeritus. Brochstein is a co-editor of the book Texas: Before the Lone Star, recently published by the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution (TXDAR).

The 1876 Texas State Constitution will also be on view. Texas still operates under this constitution today. Don’t miss your chance to see the foundation of our state government in person!

Flag Day at TSLAC Program
10:00 a.m.    Special viewing of rare 28-star U.S. flag from 1846
11:00 a.m.    “Texas Joins the United States” presentation by Texas State Historian Dr. Richard B. “Rick” McCaslin 
2:00 p.m.      “Texas: Before the Lone Star” #TXBookChat with Dr. Carolina Castillo Crimm and author GeorgiAnne Brochstein, interviewed by Michele Chan Santos, Texas Center for the Book
3:30 p.m.      Event concludes

TSLAC is delighted to offer to the public this special opportunity to view a national flag representing annexation to the U.S., along with casual conversations and presentations from experts on Texas topics, as well as a chance to view the current lobby exhibit, Texas America250.

Flag Day, officially observed on June 14, commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

The Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building is located in the Capitol Complex at 1201 Brazos St. Parking is available at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage across the street. Additional parking options, including handicapped parking, along with directions and maps, are available on TSLAC’s website at www.tsl.texas.gov/visit. Please note that Saturday research services will be closed June 13 for this event. 

This event is part of statewide Texas America250 celebrations happening throughout 2026. To learn more about TSLAC and Texas Center for the Book programs for Texas America250, visit the website at www.tsl.texas.gov/america250.

One of 50 state centers affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Texas Center for the Book is under the direction of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov/centerforthebook.

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The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides Texans access to the information needed to be informed, productive citizens by preserving the archival record of Texas; enhancing the service capacity of public, academic and school libraries; assisting public agencies in the maintenance of their records; and meeting the reading needs of Texans with disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.texas.gov.