TSHA 2013

"Lone Star Historian" is a blog about the travels and activities of the State Historian of Texas. Bill O'Neal was appointed to a two-year term by Gov. Rick Perry on August 22, 2012, at an impressive ceremony in the State Capitol. Bill is headquartered at Panola College (www.panola.edu) in Carthage, where he has taught since 1970. For more than 20 years Bill conducted the state's first Traveling Texas History class, a three-hour credit course which featured a 2,100-mile itinerary. In 2000 he was awarded a Piper Professorship, and in 2012 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wild West Historical Association. Bill has published almost 40 books, half about Texas history subjects, and in 2007 he was named Best Living Non-Fiction Writer by True West Magazine. 

Book Exhibitors' Hall

Fort Worth was the recent site of the 117th Annual Meeting of the state's oldest scholarly organization, the Texas State Historical Association. The Worthington Renaissance Hotel, across from lively Sundance Square and one block south of the historic Tarrant County Courthouse, provided the TSHA with hospitality and spacious facilities. From Thursday through Saturday, February 28 through March 2, more than 670 attendees enjoyed a buffet of historical activities. A large number of exhibitors and benefactors provided $32,000 in sponsorships, helping the TSHA to stage program sessions and events honoring and celebrating the incomparable historical heritage of the Lone Star State. 

Dr. Gregory W. Ball. of the U.S. Air Force History
and Museums Program, is the author of They
Call Them Soldier Boys, which was released by UNT
Press during the Annual Meeting.

Dr. Sanders Marble, of the U.S. Army Office of
Medical History. Dr. Marble and Dr. Ball were
the presenters during the Thursday session,
"New Perspectives on Texas Soldiers in WW 1."

At the Women in Texas History Luncheon
Dr. Mary Scheer was presented a
Book of the Year Award for
Women and the Texas Revolution.

There were 42 sessions, each offering two or three presentations and the latest research from an impressive gathering of scholars and authors. Other activities included a Women in Texas Luncheon, a Book Lovers' and Texana Collectors' Breakfast, an Awards Luncheon, a Graduate Student Mixer, the Presidential Banquet honoring outgoing TSHA President Watson C. Arnold, and field trips to the historical delights of Cowtown. Adding to the historical variety were sessions provided by the Texas Folklore Society, Texas Historical Commission, Texas Archaeological Society, Texas Catholic Historical Society, Texas Oral History Association, Texas Supreme Court Historical Society, and the Society of Southwest Archivists. There were several book signings with the authors of exciting new releases.


The most accomplished history professors in Texas were present, and so were successful businessmen, lawyers, doctors, librarians, dedicated public school teachers - all with a passion for Texas history and a determination to perpetuate the TSHA and other organizations devoted to the study and promotion of elements of the rich tapestry of the history of the Lone Star State. At these annual meetings it is a delight to encounter old friends and kindred spirits, and to meet new individuals who are steeped in Texas history. We left Fort Worth already looking forward to the 118th Annual Meeting in San Antonio.


For more information: www.tshaonline.org

Prolific author Chuck Parsons
presided over a Thursday
afternoon session on
Law and Order.

There were two distinguished presenters during the Law
and Order session: Fort Worth Historian Richard Selcer,
at the podium, and senior archivist of the Texas State
Archives Donaly Brice, seated.

The TSHA Education Committee met on Friday morning.

Rick Miller, author of a new biography
of Major John B. Jones, relates events
of Jones and the Rangers, while
the Major looks over his shoulder.

I was privileged to preside over a session on
Major John B. Jones. I am flanked by the presenters -
Peter B. Rose (left) and Rick Miller.

Less than one block from the convention hotel

 is the Sid Richardson Museum, featuring a superb

collection of Western art by Charles Russell

and Frederic Remington. The museum welcomed

TSHA members with free admission and a new

exhibit of Remington bronzes. Museum historian

Deborah Carl, who hosted my Traveling Texas

History students and who visited the Panola College

campus with an enlightening lecture, graciously

conducted me to the new bronzes with her

customary insightful comments.

A large crowd gathered for the Fellows Luncheon
and Presentation of Awards.

TSHA Executive Director Kent Calder
welcomes the luncheon crowd.

Dr. Randolph "Mike" Campbell,
chief historian for the TSHA.

Dr. Scott Sosebee reads Resolutions in memoriam
of 17 deceased members. Outgoing President
Watson C. Arnold, at right, would deliver a delightful
address at the President's Banquet
Friday evening.

Dr. Ty Cashion was named
a Fellow of the TSHA.

During the business meeting
which followed the Fellows
Luncheon, J.P. Bryan -
a descendant of Stephen F.
Austin - enthusiastically
informed TSHA members of
new fundraising tactics.