The area around Laredo was once a seething hotbed of daring guerilla warfare and valiant acts of courage. A regional population that felt great dissatisfaction with its own central political governance decided to declare its independence. That independent nation became the Republic of the Rio Grande – and Laredo was proclaimed its capital.
And this Saturday, on the anniversary of the declaration that started this remarkable independence movement that became the Republic of the Rio Grande, the Webb County Heritage Foundation proudly opens the exhibit that fully recounts this piece of our history.
The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting for the new exhibit at the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum on Saturday, November 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. The museum is at 1005 Zaragoza St. next to La Posada Hotel.
H2 Design, a women-owned firm in Massachusetts, created the new exhibit for the museum. The firm has international expertise in the fields of education, visitor experience development, museum planning and design, and museum exhibit design and installation.
“We’re also very proud to announce a brand, new virtual exhibit and curriculum created as a companion to the new Republic of the Rio Grande Museum experience,” said Margarita Araiza, WCHF Executive Director.
Curriculum content, including worksheets and activities, are included for the three units designed for elementary, middle, and high school students. Curriculum units on Leadership, Preserving the Past, and Daily Life are presented with accompanying videos from local historians, architectural conservation specialists, and noted political figures.
Republic of the Rio Grande Museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission charge on Tuesdays.
For more information, contact the Webb County Heritage Foundation at (956) 727-0977.
