Opal Lee was born in Marshall, Texas, on October 7, 1926. She earned her bachelor's degree from Wiley College in 1953 before continuing her education at North Texas State University, where she obtained a master’s in Counseling and Guidance. Returning to Fort Worth, she dedicated her career to education, serving in the Fort Worth Independent School District until her retirement in 1977.

Her greatest passion has been helping to ensure her city remembers Juneteenth by hosting a Community Celebration for more than 40 years. In 2016, at 90 years of age, she launched Opal's Walk 2 D.C. to bring awareness of the need for Juneteenth to be a National Day of Observance. Finally, on June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Senate Bill, making Juneteenth the eleventh federal holiday. In 2024, Biden awarded Lee the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civilian honor.

Juneteenth: A Children's Story
ESC Region 11 - Connect2Texas
Grades K-3
March 3 - 10:00 a.m. CST

Ms. Opal, better known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," will read her book, highlighting the celebration of Juneteenth and the importance of commemorating this milestone all across America. This story will Introduce students to the history of slavery and freedom in words they can understand. This lesson should help to facilitate conversation and deeper learning about this vital part of United States history, now marked as a national holiday.

Fractured Fairytales
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Grades K-5
March 3 - 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., or 10:30 a.m. CST
March 4 - 11:30 a.m, 12:30 p.m., or 1:30 p.m. CST

Bubba is bossed around the family ranch by his wicked step-daddy and nasty stepbrothers. Bubba never complains, though. He is a real cowboy. What makes a story a fairytale? What are the characteristics of that genre? A Museum Educator will lead students in a discussion about the literary elements of a fairy tale. The book Bubba The Cowboy Prince, by Helen Ketteman, will be read aloud with an opportunity for discussion afterward. During the discussion, students will evaluate the fairy tale genre and find out why this story is a fractured fairy tale.

The Leaf Thief
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Grades Pre-K-2
March 3 - 9:00 a.m. CST

Explore the fall season with Ranger John at Huntsville State Park in this engaging Reading Ranger program. Uncover the mystery of The Leaf Thief, a delightful story by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicholas Slater. Perfect for nature lovers, this educational adventure dives into autumn's wonders while offering a fun and interactive reading experience. Learn about the park’s wildlife, including the squirrels, and enjoy a day of exploration, learning, and storytelling at one of Texas' most beautiful parks!

Fearless Mary
Briscoe Western Art Museum
Grades 2-5
March 3 or 4 - 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m, 1:30 p.m., or 2:30 p.m. CST

It's 1895, and the town of Cascade, Montana, needs a stagecoach driver. Most people think it is a job only a man can do. But that doesn't stop Mary Fields. Join a museum educator for a read-aloud of this true story of the first African American woman to drive a stagecoach, who became a legendary figure of the Wild West and a trailblazer in her own right.

Dinostaury Time
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
Grades Pre-K-1
March 3 or 4 - 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m, 1:30 p.m., or 2:30 p.m. CST

Let's jump back in time and talk with the dinosaurs. Students will have the opportunity to view dinosaur artifacts as well as have the opportunity to listen to our book, The Very Real and True Story of What Definitely Happened to the Dinosaurs, by Andrew Mikolajewski and Jessie Gallagher. Then, they can write to our very own Ace the Allosaurus here at Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.

Wally the Wandering Wallaby
Petroleum Museum
Grades Pre-K-2
March 3 & 4 - 10:30 a.m. CST

This program features Wally the Wandering Wallaby story and a special guest, Flynn the Bennett Wallaby. A museum educator will read the story and provide quick facts about our resident wallaby. Students will have a short time to ask questions as well.

Larry Gets Lost in Texas
Amon Carter Museum of American Art
Grades Pre-K-2
March 3 - 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. CST

Celebrate our great state of Texas with this story of adventure and friendship. Larry and his best human friend, Pete, become separated on a family trip. Will they see each other again? Follow the search across the wide-open spaces of the Lone Star state. Students will explore works of art from the Carter's collection.

A Day in the Salt Marsh
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Grades 1-3
March 3 - 11:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. CST

Join TPWD Marine Biologist Holly as she reads A Day in the Salt Marsh by Kevin Kurtz. Students will learn about the changes that can be seen in a salt marsh as the tide goes in and out during the day. Weather permitting, we'll be streaming LIVE from a salt marsh in Corpus Christi, TX, that will allow us to make our own observations in the salt marsh.

Tall Tales in Texas
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Grades K-5
March 3 - 11:30 a.m, 12:30 p.m., or 1:30 p.m. CST
March 4 - 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., or 10:30 a.m. CST

What makes a story a tall tale? What are the characteristics of that genre? A Museum Educator will lead students in a discussion about the literary elements of a tall tale. The book Pecos Bill Invents the Ten-Gallon Hat by Kevin Strauss will be read aloud, and there will be an opportunity for discussion afterward. During the discussion, students will evaluate the Tall Tale genre and determine whether this story fits the criteria.

The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit
Imagination Fort Worth
Grades Pre-K-2
March 3 or 4 - 1:30 p.m. CST

Imagination Fort Worth and the Sid Richardson Museum have teamed up to bring you an in-museum reading of The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit by Susan Lowell. This retelling of a classic tale focuses on the amazing flora and fauna of the desert. This adaptation of the traditional fable is a fun twist on the classic tale. Supporting curriculum and hands-on projects will be sent out with this live reading from the Sid Richardson Museum to enhance learning.

NOTE: Imagination Fort Worth will provide a supporting curriculum, including vocabulary and hands-on projects.

ABCs of Space
McDonald Observatory, University of Texas
Grades K-5
March 4 - 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., or 2:30 p.m. CST

Join us as we read ABCs of Space by Chris Ferrie and Julia Kregenow. This book covers lots of space words and concepts in a little bit of depth or a lot of depth. We'll talk about lots of things, from Asteroids to Zenith, stopping off at some of our favorites like Comet, Moon, Asteroid, Tides, and lots more!