CENTRAL TEXAS HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION SYMPOSIUM TO ADDRESS TEXAS IDENTITY

  

Conference to discuss state’s character, regional distinctiveness through various topics

The Central Texas Historical Association (CTHA) invites the community to its 2016 Spring Symposium exploring the Texas identity.

The CTHA will sponsor “Texas Identity: The Search for an Elusive Spirit,” on Saturday, April 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Bryan campus Student Center. Admission is $20 for students with valid student ID and $50 for the general public. Prices increase to $25 for students and $60 for the general public after March 18. Lunch is included in the registration fee. Visit www.centexhistassn.org to register or learn more about the event.

Fifteen distinguished scholars from across Texas will discuss the state’s identity and regional distinctiveness through various topics ranging from race relations to baseball. Attendees will hear scholarly presentations from five scholars—Walter Buenger of Texas A&M University, Ty Cashion of Sam Houston State University, Don Graham of the University of Texas, Mitchel Roth of Sam Houston State University and Rebecca Sharpless of Texas Christian University—during morning and afternoon plenary, or group sessions. Attendees will also have the opportunity to choose one of four lectures to attend during two afternoon breakout sessions. During lunch, Dr. David Shi, speaker, consultant and former president of Furman University, will discuss the dynamics of race in American history.

“We are excited to offer this symposium, not only for the Bryan-College Station community, but for anyone interested in learning more about Texas,” said Ken Howell, CTHA executive director and Blinn history professor. “The symposium will include discussions about the current state of Texas history and how scholarly interpretations of the Texas identity have changed in the modern era. In essence, it’s an incredible opportunity for Texans to learn more about the history and culture of their state.”

The CTHA was launched in 2015 by faculty in Blinn’s Division of Social Sciences to preserve and promote the history and culture of the greater Central Texas region. Blinn serves as host institution of the CTHA, affording it the unique distinction of being the first community college in Texas to support a major regional historical association.

(Story courtesy, Rich Bray, Blinn Information)