The Texas Capitol Gift Shop revived a beloved holiday tradition on September 6, unveiling its 31st annual Capitol ornament. Designed as a gleaming gold Lone Star with the Capitol dome at its center, the ornament pays tribute to both Texas history and the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Local Tradition Meets National Milestone
Since the early 1990s, the Capitol Gift Shop has released a limited‑edition ornament each year, creating a collectible series that Texan families have come to expect during the holiday season. This year’s design underscores the deep connection Texans feel to the Lone Star symbol while also recognizing the broader American heritage that the state helped shape.
Each ornament is priced at $25, with all proceeds directed toward the Capitol Preservation Fund and educational initiatives that teach visitors about the building’s historic significance. The funding helps maintain the Capitol’s iconic dome, restore historic interiors, and support school‑age programs that bring Texas history to life.
Where to Purchase
Texans can buy the ornament online through the official Capitol Gift Shop website or in person at the two on‑site locations: the Capitol Extension Gift Shop and the Capitol Visitors Center. The ornament is also available at the Bullock Texas State History Museum Store, giving visitors another convenient venue to acquire the keepsake.
Because the ornament is a limited run, the shop encourages early orders to avoid missing out. The online storefront provides a secure checkout and offers shipping to any address within Texas, making it easy for families across the state to add the piece to their holiday décor.
Supporting Preservation and Education
The Capitol Preservation Fund, bolstered by ornament sales, has recently funded projects such as exterior stone cleaning, dome lighting upgrades, and the restoration of historic courtroom furnishings. Educational grants have enabled school groups to tour the Capitol at reduced rates, fostering a new generation’s appreciation for Texas’s role in the nation’s story.
Local historians note that the ornament’s design—combining the Lone Star with the Capitol dome—symbolizes the unity of state pride and national identity, a theme especially resonant as the United States marks its 250th year of independence.
Community Response
Early reactions from Austin residents have been positive. “It’s a beautiful reminder of our heritage,” said longtime Capitol visitor Maria Gonzales. “I love that buying it helps preserve the building for my grandchildren.” Social media posts featuring the ornament have already begun to appear, with hashtags like #TexasCapitolOrnament and #250YearsOfFreedom trending among local users.
The Capitol Gift Shop plans to continue the tradition for decades to come, ensuring that each holiday season brings a fresh reminder of Texas’s enduring legacy and its place within the broader American story.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
