Historical Marker Honors Senator Matthew Gaines

A new Texas Historical Marker will be dedicated Saturday, May 2nd at 1pm at Long Life Brotherhood Club/Matson Park in Burton to honor Senator Matthew Gaines.

Gaines was one of the first African American lawmakers to serve in the Texas Legislature during Reconstruction. Born enslaved in Louisiana, he became a Baptist preacher in Burton after emancipation and was elected to the Senate in 1867.

His legacy? He was a strong advocate for African American constitutional rights and education. Most notably, he championed legislation that established Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges for Black students, which became Prairie View A&M University.

Special guests include Alicia Costello from the Texas Historical Commission, Dr. Tina B. Henderson from Texas Ten Historical Explorers, and Lori A. Moore-Bartley, Gaines's great-great-great granddaughter.

The Washington County Historical Commission welcomes everyone to witness this important recognition of our shared history.

Weekend Entertainment Guide

Unity Theatre presents The Stranger - Agatha Christie's gripping psychological thriller runs through May 10th. Shows are Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are $30 ($24 for preview night). Do not miss the Talk Back on April 23rd and Director's Chat on May 2nd.

Live Music This Weekend:

• Friday: Jerry Almaraz at Floyd's Lounge (8-11pm)

• Saturday: Sul Ross makes his Floyd's debut (8-11pm)

• Saturday: Rob Moorman Band at Grapevine on Main

• Ongoing: Cody Taylor and Dylan Ryhs at Burton Short Stop

Burton-Southern Clinic Grand Opening

A new healthcare option arrives in Burton! The Burton-Southern Clinic holds its ribbon cutting and open house on Wednesday, April 29th at 12 noon at 235 North Colorado Street (next to EMS Station #3).

The clinic is named in honor of Dr. Charles Everett Southern, who once operated the Burton Hospital on North Brazos Street.

Services include behavioral health through a Texas A&M partnership and physical health through Texas Tech Family Medicine. The Burton Bridge Ministry is providing transportation for patients who need rides to appointments.

Food Scene Update

Danny's Restaurant Coming This Summer

The team behind the popular Country Sunshine food truck is opening a brick-and-mortar location at 112 S. Park Street on the historic downtown square. Expect elevated dinner fare from the same folks who have been serving crowds at The Halles during antiques shows. The food truck will continue operating, so you get the best of both worlds!

Deeply Rooted Ranch Farm Feasts

Enjoy family-style dining with locally sourced ingredients at Deeply Rooted Ranch. Meals include farm-raised protein, two sides, salad, house-made breads, and seasonal dessert. BYOB and all ages welcome.

Blue Bell News

Brenham's favorite creamery launched Brookie A La Mode in March - that is brownie plus cookie plus ice cream in one delicious flavor. They also introduced Blue Bell PRO, a high-protein dairy dessert line for the fitness-minded ice cream lovers.

Sports Roundup

Blinn Softball Dominates

The #19 ranked Blinn Buccaneers softball team swept Coastal Bend College with back-to-back shutouts at Hohlt Park. They won 8-0 in five innings in game one, then added a 5-0 victory in the finale.

Sophomore pitchers Brynn Gallamore and Madisyn Bracknell delivered the shutout performances. Blinn currently leads the Region 14 South standings.

Brenham High School Cubs

Cubs baseball defeated Iowa Colony 6-2 on April 18th. The softball team stands at 10-13 overall, 4-7 in district play as they continue through their season.

Community News

Brenham Heritage Museum Leadership

Ciera Harris has been promoted to Executive Director of the Brenham Heritage Museum following a board vote in April. Harris joined in 2023 as Administrative Assistant, was promoted to Deputy Director in 2025, and has served as Interim Executive Director for the past year.

She is a UT Austin graduate with nonprofit leadership certificates from Rice University. Expect new exhibits and community events under her leadership.

Brenham PD Celebrates 100 Years

The Brenham Police Department celebrated its 100-year anniversary with a luncheon on April 24th in conjunction with Washington County Cares. A century of service to our community!

Hidden Gem: Barrington Plantation

Visit Barrington Plantation for Cooking in the Kitchen and Quarter - a powerful living history experience. Learn about Mary, Jerry, Willis, Amy, and Charity, enslaved people who worked the plantation, and discover what foods they prepared in the plantation kitchen versus what they cooked for themselves in the Quarter.

It is history that matters, told where it happened. Contact Barrington-Plantation@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.

Things To Do This Week

1. Saturday, May 2: Matthew Gaines Historical Marker Dedication (1pm, Burton)

2. Through May 10: The Stranger at Unity Theatre

3. Wednesday, April 29: Burton-Southern Clinic Ribbon Cutting (12 noon)

4. Weekends: Live music at Floyd's Lounge and Burton Short Stop

5. Ongoing: Farm feasts at Deeply Rooted Ranch

6. Anytime: Visit Blue Bell Creameries for a scoop

That is your week, Brenham! Stay connected, stay local, stay informed.