As Smithsonian in the Gap comes to a close, join us for a solemn and heartfelt ceremony honoring the legacy of those who came before us. The evening will feature a color guard presentation, followed by the stirring sound of a bugle playing Taps, a timeless tribute to history, service, and remembrance.

This final gathering is a moment to reflect on the stories shared, the history preserved, and the connections made throughout the past six weeks. Stand with us as we honor the spirit of Buffalo Gap and the enduring heritage of rural America.

Step back in time and experience Trap Ball, one of the earliest forms of baseball, dating back to 14th-century England. This classic bat-and-ball game was played by various communities, including the Buffalo Soldiers, as part of their recreational activities.

Trap Ball is a simple yet engaging game suitable for all ages. It requires a bat, a ball, and a “trap”—a wooden box with a seesaw mechanism. The batter places the ball over the seesaw and steps on it; as the ball rises, they hit it, aiming for distance.

Join us at Abilene State Park to learn and play Trap Ball. Whether you want to join a team or bring your own, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with history and enjoy a fun-filled game. It’s a fantastic way for families and friends to engage in a pastime that has entertained generations.​

Don’t miss out on this chance to swing the bat, run the bases, and experience the joy of Trap Ball in the beautiful setting of Abilene State Park!​

Step back in time and experience a taste of history with A Meal with the CCC, hosted by the Big Country Dutch Oven Group at Abilene State Park. Using authentic recipes from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this event brings to life the meals once prepared and enjoyed by the hardworking men who helped shape the park during the Great Depression.

Set against the backdrop of the very land they worked on, this unique outdoor cooking experience will showcase the hearty and resourceful dishes of the CCC, all cooked over an open fire using traditional Dutch oven techniques. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or just looking for a one-of-a-kind meal, this is an opportunity to savor the flavors of the past in the very place where history was made.

Gather around, share a meal, and take a step into the past with this delicious tribute to the legacy of the CCC!

Take a little drive for the day and step into history at the National WASP WWII Museum in Sweetwater, Texas, for the 2025 Homecoming Celebration & Fly-In on April 25–26. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the museum’s mission to honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and their groundbreaking role in World War II.

Spend the day exploring rare aircraft displays, engaging museum exhibits, live re-enactments, and special guest speakers who bring the inspiring stories of these trailblazing women to life. Families can enjoy the Cadet Zone, featuring hands-on aviation activities for kids, while history buffs will love touring the very airfield where the WASP trained.

Stay for a Celebration Brunch on Friday featuring a guest speaker, or make a weekend of it with The Rendezvous, an exclusive evening dinner and entertainment event. Wrap up the experience with Sunset on the Square, a lively evening of food trucks and live music in downtown Sweetwater.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind aviation event celebrating the fearless women who helped shape military history. Plan your visit today!

Take a little drive for the day and step into history at the National WASP WWII Museum in Sweetwater, Texas, for the 2025 Homecoming Celebration & Fly-In on April 25–26. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the museum’s mission to honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and their groundbreaking role in World War II.

Spend the day exploring rare aircraft displays, engaging museum exhibits, live re-enactments, and special guest speakers who bring the inspiring stories of these trailblazing women to life. Families can enjoy the Cadet Zone, featuring hands-on aviation activities for kids, while history buffs will love touring the very airfield where the WASP trained.

Stay for a Celebration Brunch on Friday featuring a guest speaker, or make a weekend of it with The Rendezvous, an exclusive evening dinner and entertainment event. Wrap up the experience with Sunset on the Square, a lively evening of food trucks and live music in downtown Sweetwater.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind aviation event celebrating the fearless women who helped shape military history. Plan your visit today!

Step back in time and experience the thrilling drama of the 1896 Buffalo Gap Bank Robbery Shootout! Join us for an exciting live reenactment of this legendary event, where outlaws, lawmen, and the spirit of the Old West collide. *FAMILY FRIENDLY*

Join us for a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the Ellinger family, one of Buffalo Gap’s founding families. Established in 1881, the Ellinger Ranch has remained in the family for generations, with the existing rock homeplace completed in 1893. Currently undergoing renovations, the home retains much of its original character, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the past and the preservation of a true Buffalo Gap landmark.

In addition to the homestead, the property features a Camp Barkeley barrack, purchased and relocated to the Ellinger land following the camp’s decommissioning after World War II. Camp Barkeley, once one of the largest military training installations in Texas, housed various military divisions, including armored and medical units. This repurposed barrack stands as a testament to the family’s connection to the region’s military history and will be showcased during Military Week.

Adding to the experience, a special display honoring Dr. Ted Ellinger’s service in World War II will be on-site. Captured when his plane was shot down over Germany, Dr. Ellinger endured time as a prisoner of war, and his story will be presented through historical materials and personal artifacts. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see a fully restored Army Jeep, originally purchased from Camp Barkeley, offering another glimpse into the military history tied to the Ellinger family and the region.

This event provides a rare opportunity to explore Buffalo Gap’s deep-rooted history, honoring the contributions of the Ellinger family and their enduring legacy. Don’t miss this chance to step back in time and experience the living history preserved within the walls of the Ellinger homestead and its unique military artifacts.

When Texas became the 28th state in 1845, the responsibility for securing the vast and often dangerous frontier fell to the U.S. Army. But how did the military decide where to build these forts, and what challenges did they face in protecting settlers and trade routes?

Join Bob Bluthardt as he explores the fascinating history of Texas’s frontier forts—why they were established, how they operated, and why most were abandoned by the 1890s. Learn about the soldiers, settlers, and shifting political landscapes that shaped these military outposts and discover which forts still stand today, offering a glimpse into this pivotal chapter of Texas history.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about Texas’s military past, this presentation offers an engaging and informative look at the forts that once defined the Texas frontier.

Come on and join us for a fun filled Easter celebration at the Buffalo Gap Community Easter Egg Hunt! Gather your family and friends for a morning of excitement as children hunt for colorful eggs hidden throughout the field. Enjoy the fellowship with sweet treats while connecting with neighbors and celebrating the season.

Take a short drive down the road to Dyess Air Force Base this Easter weekend, April 19-20, 2025, for an unforgettable experience at the “Wings Over West Texas” airshow. This year’s event celebrates aviation excellence alongside the rich cultural history of the American West. The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the show with their breathtaking aerobatic displays and precision flying. In addition to the Thunderbirds, attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of military and civilian aircraft performances. The event is free and open to the public. For more details and preferred seating options, visit the Dyess Force Support Squadron’s website below.