Of Interest on the Web
Helpful Links for Teachers
Founded as a private, nonprofit educational organization on March 2, 1897-the 61st anniversary of the Texas Declaration of Independence - the Texas State Historical Association has long been regarded as the nation's most dynamic regional history organization. Reinforced by more than one hundred years of scholarship and educational programs, its mission is to further the appreciation, understanding, and teaching of the rich and unique history of Texas through research, writing, and publication of related historical material.
History like that of Texas is rare. In its color, its dramatic movement, and its instructiveness when viewed from the standpoint of political and social science, it has few parallels. These characteristics make it well worth preservation and study. To the genuine Texan … one of the strongest motives to the cultivation of the subject will be found in his patriotism. – George P. Garrison, 1897
Teacher Programs
Student Programs
The Junior Historians of Texas is an extracurricular program for students in grades four through twelve sponsored by the Texas State Historical Association. The oldest of our education programs, Junior Historians was founded in 1939 by Walter Prescott Webb, the respected Texas historian who wanted students to get involved in the actual "doing of history".
Junior Historian chapters usually form through organized clubs functioning within the established school instructional program, however students without a chapter can also participate as a member-at-large. Guided by a school-approved sponsor, students participate in chapter activities that enable them to discover and research history, both in the classroom and in the community. While encouraging the exploration and documentation of state and community history, the program creates opportunities for students to learn skills of research, critical inquiry, analytical reading, writing, critical thinking, and debate.
The official web site of the most exciting competition in the history of Texas History itself. The inaugural Texas Quiz Show was held in the Spring of 2006 with shools from the Austin area. In the Springs of 2007 and 2008, schools from the Austin, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas had the opportunity to participate in the Championship roun in Austin held in May. Find out how a team from your school can become a part of this Lone Star showdown and compete against some of the best middle school brains in the state.
Texas History Day, part of the National History Day program, is a yearlong education program that culminates in an annual state-level history fair for students in grades six through twelve. It provides an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge of history and their critical thinking, analytical reading and writing, presentation, media design, and public performance skills through creative and original papers, performances, documentaries, web sites or exhibits.
The Texas State Historical Association coordinates the Texas competition, which involves over 45,000 young Texans statewide. Over 1,000 students participate in the state level History Day contest with approximately 60 students representing Texas at National History Day each year in Washington, D.C. Over the years, Texas students have garnered many national awards and scholarships and are often recognized as top competitors.
The Walter Prescott Webb Historical Society works through college and university history departments to encourage students to discover, research, write, and publish the history of Texas as they find it where they live. Founded in 1971 and named for the distinguished UT historian who served as Director of the Association from 1939-1946, the program provides the organizational framework for developing comparable learning projects and activities across campuses at the college and university level. Local, community, and regional history comprise the focal point of chapter activities.
Student members of the Webb Society are eligible to apply for publication and to compete for the Caldwell Memorial Award, the annual competition for Webb students researching a topic in Texas history. The professional-quality results of their published projects are reflected in Touchstone, the journal of the Webb Society published each year since 1982.
