The Bastrop County African American Cultural Center (and Freedom Colonies Museum) is one of the few cultural institutions in Texas dedicated to sharing the little-known history of Texas Freedom Colonies. Guided by its mission, we preserve and present these important stories through thoughtfully curated exhibits, engaging cultural programming, and comprehensive educational outreach, ensuring that the voices and legacies of these early colonists are recognized and remembered.

Our Mission and Values

We are committed to telling the often-overlooked stories of the Freedom Colonies through documents, art, genealogy, and oral histories. The center is a space for truth-telling, heritage-sharing, and honoring African American culture.

Our Core Offerings

Museum Exhibitions

 Artifacts, documents, and African
American art

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group of people in parade

Cultural Events

Community festivals, commemorations,
and celebrations

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Educational Programs

Guided tours, youth workshops, oral
history projects

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a group of people sitting on the ground in front of a building

Community Engagement:

Connect through meaningful discussions, storytelling, and honoring unsung local heroes.

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Heritage Preservation

Archiving stories, genealogy, and local records

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Our Core Values

Heritage

We honor the founders of the Freedom Colonies by passing on their legacy to future generations.

Preservation

Each document and testimony is carefully preserved to ensure lasting public access.

Education

We provide meaningful education through community-based and school-supported programs.

MASP

Plan Your Visit or Get Involved

As we expand into a state-of-the-art 24,000-square-foot facility at Kerr Park, there’s never been a better time to engage. Whether you’re local or visiting from across Texas, we invite you to discover, learn, and celebrate with us.

Museum Event Calendar 2026

January 19, 2026 – Bastrop County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission March, host city will be Elgin, Texas. More info forthcoming.

January 24, 2026 – Sylvia Hector Webber, “The Harriet Tubman” of Texas Exhibition & Program, more info forthcoming.

February 15, 2026 – Bastrop Freedom Colony Memory Keepers Feast & Storytelling Event (OPI)
3:00-6:00 pm at the Kerr Center, 1308 Walnut Street, Bastrop, Texas

February 2026 (TBA) – Resource Fair: Genealogy, & Family Reunion Program for Freedom
(OPI)

February 7, 2026, – Bastrop Freedom Colonies Mosaic Tile Workshop (OPI) from 3:00-5:30 pm at
Lost Pins Art Center, 1204 Chestnut St, Bastrop, Texas 78602.

February 2026 (TBA) – Bus Tours of Bastrop Freedom Colonies

March 2026 (TBA) – Rise Filmmaker’s Funmi Ogunro and Stephanie Lang preview documentary
tracing stories of overlooked Austin freedom communities.

April 2026 (TBA) – Bastrop Freedom Colony Memory Keepers Storytelling

May 2026 (TBA) – Ancestral Memory Jug Making Workshop

June 07, 2026 – 2026 Unsung Heroes Banquet, more info forthcoming.

June 19, 2026 – Juneteenth & Emile School Reunion Gala will be at the Bastrop Convention Center, more information forthcoming.

Hours of Operation

Open Sat 11 am to 3 pm
Call (512) 409-3392 to schedule a weekday tour.
General Admission is always free, donations accepted.

 Support Our Expansion

We’re raising funds for a
new facility—please
support BCAACC with
your gift. Thank You

Donate

We Say Their Names

Bastrop County Freedom Colonies:

  • Alum Creek
  • Antioch
  • Cedar Creek
  • Center Union
  • Craft’s Prairie
  • Hill’s Prairie
  • Mount Olive
  • Salem
  • Shiloh
  • St. John’s Colony
  • St. Mary’s
  • Watterson
  • And more……….

Exhibits & Cultural Services

We tell the story through oral history, art, Freedom Colony documents, artifacts, and genealogy. Our programming inspires youth and fosters cultural awareness.