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 on two state historic sites: Confederate Reunion Grounds in Mexia and the Varner-Hogg Plantation in West Columbia. This virtual program will uncover the highs and lows of the oil boom era and its influence on the historical landscape of Texas.
Presenters:
Alexandra Vanderhider Cuthbert – Educator, Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Sites, Texas Historical Commission 
Alexandra Vanderhider Cuthbert holds Master of Letters in Museum & Heritage Studies with First Class Distinction from the University of St Andrews. Alexandra also earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bridging Disciplines Certificate in Digital Arts & Media. Her work experience includes serving as Design & Marketing Coordinator at Women & Their Work in Austin where she led design campaigns and assisted with archive digitization for acquisition by the Smithsonian Archive of American Art. As Photography Collections Intern at the Museums of the University of St Andrews she cataloged the George Washington Wilson Collection and supported exhibition development. Currently, Alexandra is an Educator for the Texas Historical Commission at the Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantations. She develops and leads educational programs, tours, and workshops.
Railey Tassin – Educator, Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites, Texas Historical Commission 
Railey Tassin is an Educator/Interpreter at Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites in La Grange, TX. In thisposition, she develops and leads a variety of interpretive programming from guided tours, youth education programs, and special events. She also supports the development of programs at Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site in Mexia. Railey received an M.A. in Public History from Texas State University where her graduate thesis studied commemoration and historical memory of the Spindletop oil boom in Beaumont, TX. She also holds a B.A. in History from Texas Christian University.