Exhibitions

A Time Before Texas

In the last decade, archeologists have made a number of fascinating new discoveries about the way Paleoindians lived and even how they arrived in the land we now call Texas. These first peoples passed on knowledge and traditions through the generations, eventually giving rise to many culturally distinct Tribes and Indigenous American communities.

Some Indigenous American traditional stories say that their ancestors were always here. Archeologists, who study objects and evidence left behind from early cultures, believe people have lived here for at least 16,000 years. Both ways of understanding the past are important to the study of Paleoindian history. A Time Before Texas considers both current science and cultural tradition to explore what life was like for the first people to call early Texas home.

Exhibition

A Time Before Texas is created by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and circulated in partnership with Humanities Texas.

This eight-panel exhibition is available in both freestanding and wall-hanging versions and is accompanied by copies of a companion card game—"A Year of Survival"—and an online version of the exhibition that includes additional interactive activities and an educator guide.

Exhibition Format

Wall-hanging

Freestanding

*Rental fees are based primarily on the cost of shipping. Prices may vary based on current fuel surcharges or venue location within the state of Texas. Out-of-state rentals are priced on an individual basis. Please call for a rental fee quote specific to your venue.

Publicity Materials

Press release

A press release is available for promoting this exhibition at your venue. Please contact the exhibitions coordinator to request a copy.

Publicity image

A publicity image is available for promoting this exhibition at your venue. Please contact the exhibitions coordinator to request an electronic file of this image. Please allow 2-3 business days for the exhibitions coordinator to process your request.

Humanities Texas logos

Logo files are also available for download on the logo page.