Texas State Historical Association

Texas State Historical Association. The Texas State Historical Association is a prominent organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Texas, with a strong focus on San Jacinto, Alamo, and Goliad. Founded in 1897 by University of Texas at Austin professors, including George Pierce Garrison and Llerena Friend, the association has been instrumental in shaping the state's historical narrative, often in collaboration with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Sons of the Republic of Texas. The association's efforts have been recognized by esteemed institutions such as the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, and the Smithsonian Institution.

● History

The Texas State Historical Association has a long and storied history, dating back to its founding in 1897, with early support from notable figures like Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, and James Bowie. The association's first president, Oran Milo Roberts, played a crucial role in shaping its early years, often working closely with the Texas State Legislature and the Texas Governor's Office. Over the years, the association has been led by distinguished historians, including Walter Prescott Webb, who served as president from 1939 to 1945, and Llerena Friend, who was a key figure in the development of the association's Texas Historical Quarterly. The association has also worked closely with other prominent organizations, such as the Texas Historical Commission, the National Park Service, and the United States Department of the Interior, to preserve and promote Texas's historical heritage, including sites like Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District and El Paso Mission Trail.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The Texas State Historical Association's mission is to foster the appreciation, understanding, and teaching of the history of Texas, with a particular emphasis on the Texas Revolution, Mexican-American War, and American Civil War. The association's objectives include collecting, preserving, and publishing historical materials related to Texas, such as the Bexar Archives and the Stephen F. Austin Papers, as well as promoting historical research and education, often in partnership with institutions like the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and the Texas State University. The association also seeks to encourage the preservation of historic sites and landmarks, such as the Alamo, San Jacinto Monument, and Washington-on-the-Brazos, and to promote a greater understanding of Texas's rich cultural heritage, including the contributions of notable figures like Cynthia Ann Parker, Quanah Parker, and Charles Goodnight.

● Publications_and_Programs

The Texas State Historical Association publishes a range of materials, including the Texas Historical Quarterly, which features articles on various aspects of Texas history, such as the Oil Boom, Dust Bowl, and Civil Rights Movement. The association also publishes books, such as the New Handbook of Texas, which provides a comprehensive overview of Texas history, and the Texas Almanac, which offers a wealth of information on the state's history, geography, and culture, including the Rio Grande Valley and the Palo Duro Canyon. In addition, the association offers a range of programs and services, including historical marker programs, which recognize significant sites and events, such as the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Resaca de la Palma, and educational initiatives, which promote the teaching of Texas history in schools, often in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency and the National Council for the Social Studies.

● Leadership_and_Governance

The Texas State Historical Association is led by a board of directors, which includes prominent historians, educators, and community leaders, such as Ron Tyler, Jesus F. de la Teja, and Andrés Tijerina. The association's executive director, J. Kent Calder, oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization, working closely with staff members and volunteers to achieve the association's mission and objectives, often in partnership with institutions like the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Witte Museum. The association also has a number of committees, which focus on specific areas, such as publications, education, and historic preservation, and often work with organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Texas Historical Foundation.

● Awards_and_Honors

The Texas State Historical Association presents a range of awards and honors, recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of Texas history, such as the Catherine Munson Foster Award, which honors excellence in historical writing, and the Liz Carpenter Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of Texas history, often presented at the association's annual meeting, which features keynote speakers like David McCullough and Doris Kearns Goodwin. The association also offers fellowships and grants, which support historical research and education, often in collaboration with institutions like the Harry Ransom Center and the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.

● Educational_Initiatives

The Texas State Historical Association offers a range of educational initiatives, designed to promote the teaching of Texas history in schools, including the Texas History Day program, which encourages students to explore and learn about Texas history, often in partnership with the National History Day organization. The association also provides educational resources, such as lesson plans and curriculum guides, which help teachers to incorporate Texas history into their classrooms, often developed in collaboration with the Texas State Board of Education and the National Council for the Social Studies. Additionally, the association offers professional development opportunities for educators, including workshops and conferences, which focus on topics like Tejano history, African American history in Texas, and Native American history in Texas, often featuring speakers like Alberto Gonzales and Henry Cisneros.

Category:Historical societies