Exhibitors encouraged to signup for the Henderson Co. Heritage Festival

Groups with interests in Henderson County history are joining forces with the Henderson County Historical Commission in putting together Henderson County Heritage Festival on Saturday, September 15 at the East Texas Arboretum. It will be open to the public free of charge.

"We have a lot of exciting activities planned," Judy Jacobson, chairperson for the event, said.

"We are especially excited that the experts from the Wagon Wheel Antiques Mall in Murchison have agreed to man an Antique Roadshow-type event," Jacobson reported. "Area residents will be able to bring their family treasures and have them evaluated by experts."

"But the day is about information and education," Jacobson explained. "So no sales or purchases of antiques can be made at the festival."

Former Texas Rangers will be on hand to give Festival visitors a taste of early law enforcement. The Athens Genealogical Organization will be on hand to help anyone interested in tracing their family tree. Retired teachers will be at the Arboretum's schoolhouse to give a taste of education in a one-room schoolhouse.

The 19th century skills of soap and candle making, spinning and weaving will be demonstrated. An historically correct Civil War camp will demonstrate the life of a Henderson County soldier during the war. And a Revolutionary War soldier will talk about that earlier war.

Speakers hve been lined up for talks on topics such as extinct Henderson County towns, early area sports, ranch brands, Native Americans and Hispanics in the county and early schools.

Anyone interested in taking part as an exhibitor or a speaker should contact Judy Jacobson at 903-677-9686 by August 15th.