 Asian Americans have settled in the greater Houston area since the early 20th century. They came from different parts of Asia at different times—and for different reasons. By using the interviews collected in the Houston Asian American Archives, Anne Chao will reveal a story of courage, resilience, and hope.
Presented by: Anne S. Chao is a modern Chinese historian and a community volunteer. She graduated from Wellesley College and obtained her doctorate in modern Chinese history at Rice University. Her current titles are Adjunct Lecturer in the Humanities and Manager of the Houston Asian American Archive at Rice.
Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025, 6 p.m. Central
Platform: Zoom (Registrants will receive the link in their registration confirmation email and in another email closer to event date)
Cost: Free (Donations in support of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission are welcome and appreciated!)
 In the early 20th century, oil took Texans by storm—turning unlikely entrepreneurs into millionaires, creating thousands of jobs, and transforming rural towns into economic hubs. Along with these positive developments came a rise in crime and chaos for these oil boom communities, including gunfights, gambling, and destruction of property.
Join Historic Sites Educators Railey Tassin and Allie Vanderhider Cuthbert for a discussion of the lasting impact of major oil discoveries at two state historic sites: Confederate Reunion Grounds in Mexia and the Varner-Hogg Plantation in West Columbia.
Presented by: Alexandra Vanderhider Cuthbert holds a Master of Letters in Museum & Heritage Studies with a First Class Distinction from the University of St. Andrews, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. She is an Educator at the Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantations, where she develops and leads educational programs, tours, and workshops.
Railey Tassin is an Educator/Interpreter with the Texas Historical Commission, developing and leading interpretive programming such as guided tours, youth education, and special events at Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill in La Grange, and supporting programming at Confederate Reunion Grounds in Mexia. Railey holds an M.A. in Public History from Texas State University and a B.A. in History from Texas Christian University.
Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025, 6 p.m. Central
Platform: Zoom (Registrants will receive the link in their registration confirmation email and in another email closer to event date)
Cost: Free (Donations in support of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission are welcome and appreciated!)
Cartography has played a key role in the various historical struggles that have shaped Texas’ boundaries, identity, and destiny. Join the authors of Texas Takes Shape to learn about the maps that have changed the course of history through the lens of the General Land Office (GLO) archives. Composed of over 45,000 items, the GLO’s map collection encompasses maps at every scale, from individual land grant surveys to continent-spanning imperial claims.
Presented by: James Harkins is a Texas State University-San Marcos graduate, holding a Master's in Public Administration, and is the Deputy Director of Archives and Records for the GLO.
Brian A. Stauffer is the Director of Public Services for Archives and Records at the GLO, and holds a doctorate in Latin American History from the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of Victory on Earth or in Heaven: Mexico's Religionero Rebellion.
Patrick Walsh is Research and Outreach Specialist with the GLO. He graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Political Science.
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025, 6 p.m. Central
Platform: Zoom (Registrants will receive the link in their registration confirmation email and in another email closer to event date)
Cost: Free (Donations in support of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission are welcome and appreciated!)
Additional Events at State Historic Sites
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