Second Saturday in July at the Institute of Texan Cultures is an educational day honoring the heritage of Texas’ African American towns, settlements, and the planners and preservationists that made them possible. Educator Clifton Fifer, an African American Apache, will lead a variety of interactive opportunities, with music and games in the style of Emancipation-era pastimes. Displays and hands-on projects will feature crafts inspired by African American pioneers and inventors. Dr. Andrea Roberts will present a lecture and slideshow on Texas Freedom Colonies. Roberts has been assisting the institute with exhibit research to update the permanent African American Texans exhibit. The Free Second Sunday event will offer an opportunity to preview conceptual drawings and content for the new exhibit.
A nearly 6,000-square-foot Monte Vista mansion that blends historic details with modern elegance underwent a steep, $200,000 price cut late last month.…