Popular Texas history field trip returning to Midland ISD

Popular Texas history field trip returning to Midland ISD

Seventh graders heading to Austin museum in May

March 5, 2025 — Midland ISD is excited to announce the return of a long-standing tradition: the 7th-grade field trip to the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. For nearly two decades, this trip was a staple for MISD students, but it was put on hold in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, after a five-year hiatus, students will once again have a hands-on opportunity to explore and connect with Texas history in an immersive way.

The trip will take place in May with approximately 80 students. Seventh graders from Goddard, San Jacinto, Abell, and Alamo junior highs will be selected to attend through an application process.

The Bullock Texas State History Museum, located in the heart of Austin, offers the unique opportunity to experience history beyond the classroom. The museum is home to interactive exhibits and two theaters, including an IMAX, that bring Texas history to life. Among the museum’s many artifacts is the hull of the La Belle, a French ship that belonged to explorer Robert de La Salle and was shipwrecked along the Texas coast in 1686.

"This is an incredible opportunity for students to see, touch, and engage with the history they’ve been learning all year," said MISD Social Studies Coordinator John Wilks. "Seeing real artifacts and reproductions makes history come alive in a way that textbooks simply cannot."

For some students, this will also be their first chance to visit the state capital and experience the rich cultural and historical landscape of Austin.

Students will depart early in the morning Thursday, May 8, spend the day at the museum, and return home late that evening.

The trip is made possible through the generous support of the Abell-Hanger Foundation and the Midland Education Foundation, whose contributions ensure that students have access to this educational experience.

Embedded photo from MISD trip to Austin in 2019.

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Media Contact:
Sam Eaton
Communications Specialist
432-240-1043 | samuel.eaton@midlandisd.net

All students will graduate college, career, or military ready.