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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260618T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260618T193000
DTSTAMP:20260615T020222
CREATED:20260428T141205Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T193844Z
UID:2517-1781805600-1781811000@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:Juneteenth: A Texas Freedom Story
DESCRIPTION:Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Galveston\, Texas\, marking a long‑delayed promise of freedom. What began on the Texas coast soon gave rise to an enduring tradition of remembrance and celebration. \nJoin us as historians Ed Cotham and Samuel Collins III discuss a moment rooted in Texas history that grew into something much larger. Together\, they explore how the legacy of Juneteenth continues to be recognized and remembered across generations. \nPRESENTERS:\nSamuel Collins III has provided financial consulting services in Galveston County for 26 years as the owner of SLC Investment Services. In 2015\, he was named Galveston County’s Citizen of the Year for his extensive work in preservation at the local\, state\, and national levels. \nA 1994 graduate of Texas A&M University and a lifelong resident of Galveston County\, Sam currently serves as an advisor to the National Trust for Historic Preservation representing Texas. He is actively involved in the national #TellTheFullStory campaign and was instrumental in the effort to recognize the Sugar Land 95. Additionally\, he serves as co-chair of the Levi Jordan Advisory Committee and was past co-chair of the Juneteenth Mural Committee in Galveston \nEd Cotham is active in the preservation of Civil War and Texas historic sites. He is a former President of the Houston Civil War Round Table\, a volunteer Marine Steward for the Texas Historical Commission\, and one of the founders of the Friends of Sabine Pass Battleground. He has published eight books on Civil War history\, focusing primarily on Texas. His published works include Juneteenth: The Story Behind the Celebration\, which was published by State House Press in 2021. For 28 years\, Ed has led Civil War walking tours in Galveston. Many of these tours include a stop at the site of the Osterman Building where the historic Juneteenth Order was issued. \n 
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/juneteenth-a-texas-freedom-story/
LOCATION:Zoom – Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260716T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260716T193000
DTSTAMP:20260615T020222
CREATED:20260529T170554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T174311Z
UID:2558-1784224800-1784230200@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:Stars\, Stripes & States: A Look at the Flags of our Nation
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special discussion on Stars\, Stripes & States: Flags of Our Nation—a striking exhibition from the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville\, Texas. Featuring 77 flags\, including all 50 state flags and 27 historic U.S. flags\, the exhibition traces the evolution of our nation over 250 years. \nThis talk will share the inspiration behind the exhibition\, highlight several flag histories\, and reflect on the enthusiastic response from the Kerrville community. \nProudly featured as part of the Texas America250 programming\, Stars\, Stripes & States: Flags of Our Nation offers a meaningful way to connect with our nation’s history and heritage. \nWe hope you will join us to learn more! \nPRESENTER:\nDr. Darrell Beauchamp is the Executive Director of the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville\, TX. He has spent over 30 years in the fields of American Western Art\, Visual Literacy\, Museum Studies and Photography. He is the editor/author of 17 books and professional manuscripts about the Visual Arts and Visual Literacy. He began his museum career as the Founding Director of the Pearce Museums in Corsicana\, TX\, and has served as the CEO/Executive Director of the Briscoe Museum in San Antonio\, TX\, the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls\, MT and the Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame in Hobbs\, NM. He has also spent time in his career as a College Dean\, professional photographer\, Western Art consultant\, and University Professor. \nIn his spare time\, Dr. Beauchamp is an avid fly fisherman\, camper\, and photography enthusiast. He is a former Indian Motorcycle enthusiast. An Eagle Scout\, he was a Boy Scout leader and Scoutmaster for fifteen years. He and his wife Jan are the parents of three grown children\, Cody\, Casey\, and Emily\, and the proud grandparents of Grayson\, Mia\, and Lucy\, all of whom live in Central Texas.
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/stars-stripes-states-a-look-at-the-flags-of-our-nation/
LOCATION:Zoom – Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260825T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260826T153000
DTSTAMP:20260615T020222
CREATED:20260611T163547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T165841Z
UID:2644-1787666400-1787758200@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:Every Place Has a Story: Communications that Inspire Support
DESCRIPTION:Every Place Has a Story:\nCommunications that Inspire Support\n \nStories help people care\, and trust helps people act. In this two-part virtual workshop\, attendees will learn how to uncover compelling stories within their organizations and turn them into compelling communications that build relationships\, inspire support\, and sustain their mission. Through practical exercises and real-world examples\, attendees will leave with tools they can immediately use in newsletters\, fundraising appeals\, social media\, and direct donor communications. \nThis Two-Day workshop will explore and include: \n\nStory Identification and a Framework to use\nTrust-Building Communications Checklist\nIdentifying Common Pitfalls\nTurning Stories into Communications\nMultiple Breakout Sessions putting lessons into practice\n\nDay One (08/25) will focus on finding and building your organization’s story. \nDay Two (08/26) will focus on building trust as a communicator and inspiring action through your content. \nPresenter Lorelei Gonzalez\, MPA\, Development Manager of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission\,  is a nonprofit leader based in Austin\, Texas. She has over 15 years in the sector\, from communications and fundraising to program execution. Lorelei enjoys people-centered advocacy\, public speaking\, and all things tea-related. \nDates and Times\nAugust 25\, 2026 – August 26\, 2026\, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Central time each day. \nPlatform\nZOOM (details will be send closer to the date of the workshop) \nRegistration\n$119 (early bird – until 8/09 at 11:59 PM); $139.00 (regular – registration closes on 8/23 at 11:59 PM).\nFees cover both days of the workshop. \n 
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/every-place-has-a-story-communications-that-inspire-support/
LOCATION:Zoom – Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Workshops & Training
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T193000
DTSTAMP:20260615T020222
CREATED:20260506T133049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T193739Z
UID:2530-1787853600-1787859000@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:All the Bells and Whistles Revisited: How Texas Women Turned Homecoming Mums into a Lone Star Phenomenon
DESCRIPTION:When Texans think of homecoming mums\, two images come to our minds: the style of mums popular during our own high school years\, and the gigantic mums we see today in social media. \nThe forces driving the evolution of homecoming mums are complicated and intertwined with the history of the state itself. The most important influencers by far are Texas women. Women are taste-makers and tradition-keepers\, proud parents and serious entrepreneurs\, and by focusing their superpowers through the lens of school spirit\, they have created a niche industry that well exceeds $500 million annually. When it comes to homecoming mums\, you might say that “Everything’s bigger in Texas” is both a statement of fact and a call to action. \nPRESENTER:\nAmy J. Schultz is the owner of Unplain Jane Studio\, which blends her enthusiasm for photography\, writing\, people\, and\, as she puts it\, “stories that hide in plain sight\,” which perfectly describes the Texas homecoming mum tradition. \nAmy’s interest in mums began as a photography study\, which she turned into a multi-media art exhibit during her time as Artist-in-Residence at the Arlington Museum of Art. She continued her research and photography until MUMENTOUS became her first book\, published by Atmosphere Press (Austin\, TX) in 2023\, and the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission was thrilled to feature her book at the Real Places 2024 conference. Amy’s book has since been adapted into a cultural heritage panel exhibit by the Texas Lakes Trail Region of the Texas Historical Commission. In early 2026\, her original MUMENTOUS photography collection traveled to San Antonio as a part of the grand reopening for the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures in its new location. \nIn her free time\, Amy is writing her second book based on photographing nativity yard art in all fifty states. She also enjoys spending time spoiling her golden retriever Bentley and her husband Brian\, in that order.
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/all-the-bells-and-whistles-revisited-how-texas-women-turned-homecoming-mums-into-a-lone-star-phenomenon/
LOCATION:Zoom – Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260917T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260917T193000
DTSTAMP:20260615T020222
CREATED:20260506T135127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T155039Z
UID:2533-1789668000-1789673400@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:Music That Moved Armies: How Sound Shaped the Battlefield
DESCRIPTION:What if the most powerful force on a battlefield wasn’t a weapon\, but a sound? Across Texas\, historic sites like Fort Lancaster and San Jacinto preserve stories of soldiers who marched\, maneuvered\, and made life‑or‑death decisions guided by music. Instruments didn’t just accompany battle\, they directed it. \nIn our September virtual program\, discover how the rhythms\, signals\, and songs of military musicians influenced the course of history. Experts from Fort Lancaster and San Jacinto State Historic Sites will reveal how music moved troops into formation\, motivated weary soldiers\, and maintained control amid the chaos of combat. \nJoin us to gain a new appreciation for the sounds that shaped history. \nPRESENTERS: \nPamela Kouame is a native Texan\, born and raised in North Texas. She pursued her undergraduate degree at Southern Virginia University\, where she majored in history. She went on to earn her Masters degree in Art History from Syracuse University\, living abroad in Florence for a year and completing her program in December 2019. Upon returning to the States\, inspired by unique educational opportunities provided by the historic sites abroad\, she turned her sights to the field of public history. She soon found her vocational calling in historic interpretation and became a Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation in August 2020. Her first museum job was with the Jackson House Museum in Lexington\, VA – first as a part-time museum assistant\, then ultimately as the full-time Assistant Site Director and head of historic interpretation. She joined THC in November 2023 as the Lead Educator for the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. She and her team at the battleground have implemented several new educational programs at the battleground since then\, including Battle Beats\, a program that explores the martial music of the Texian army at the Battle of San Jacinto. \nDavid Eli Martinez serves as Site Interpreter at Fort Lancaster and Battlefield State Historic Site\, where he develops public programming and conducts research to advance interpretation of the fort and its role on the Texas frontier. His work bridges public history and military history\, with a particular focus on the Battle of Fort Lancaster. \nHe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs\, and is currently pursuing a second Master’s Degree in History at the University of Texas Permian Basin. At Fort Lancaster\, he leads a range of educational initiatives\, including Reveille to Taps\, a music-centered interpretive program that explores the role of military tradition and sound in shaping the soldier’s experience. \nIn recognition of his contributions to public history\, David was nominated for a Rising Star award within the Texas Historical Commission. Beyond his work in the field of history\, he maintains an active interest in music as a pianist and percussionist.
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/music-that-moved-armies-how-sound-shaped-the-battlefield/
LOCATION:Zoom – Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261015T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261015T193000
DTSTAMP:20260615T020222
CREATED:20260604T153738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T194104Z
UID:2571-1792087200-1792092600@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:Cemeteries & Community Building: Preservation Stories Across Texas
DESCRIPTION:Per the Texas Historical Commission’s most current count\, there are at least 16\,000 cemeteries that dot the Texas landscape. These are unique cultural spaces that reflect the ethnic diversity and unique population of an area\, and they tell stories about historic events\, religions\, lifestyles\, genealogy\, and more\, that cannot be found elsewhere. Cultural influence in gravemarker design\, cemetery decoration\, and landscaping all contribute to telling the full story of Texas history. And yet\, even though they are among our most sacred places\, cemeteries are under constant threat—by development and expanding urban areas; by natural forces such as severe weather and uncontrolled vegetation; and through neglect or outright abandonment. \nAll is not lost\, however\, and there is good news to share! Working collaboratively and building communities of cultural caretakers\, Texans across the state are stepping up to reclaim historic cemeteries\, restoring dignity to these spaces and to the memories of people buried in them. Join the Texas Historical Commission’s Cemetery Preservation Program staff to hear these stories and find inspiration to set your own cemetery preservation story in motion. \nPRESENTERS:\nJenny McWilliams is coordinator of the Texas Historical Commission’s Cemetery Preservation Program\, a position she’s held since 2013. Prior to her work at the THC\, Jenny was an archeologist for cultural resource management firms in Texas. As part of her 20-year archeological career\, Jenny traveled extensively throughout Texas\, often excavating graves for relocation for clients such as TxDOT\, lignite mining companies\, and a reservoir project. Jenny earned a master’s degree in Archeology from Texas Tech University. \nCarlyn Copeland Hammons joined the staff of the Texas Historical Commission in 2005. She’s held several positions within the agency\, including as a field services technician for the Museum Services Program\, as a historian with the National Register of Historic Places\, and as a program specialist for the Cemetery Preservation Program. A native of Victoria\, TX\, she earned a master’s degree in public history from Texas State University-San Marcos. \nAlan Garcia is a program specialist with the THC’s Cemetery Preservation Program\, with a focus on community outreach in support of underrepresented cemeteries. He is a community archivist with a professional career in museums and cultural programming in historic East Austin\, having previously worked for the French Legation State Historic Site\, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center\, and Oakwood Cemetery.
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/cemeteries-community-building-preservation-stories-across-texas/
LOCATION:Zoom – Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events
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