Save Texas History Symposium Marks the Centennial of World War I
Join us for the 8th Annual Save Texas History Symposium brought to you by the Save Texas History program at the Texas General Land Office (GLO).
This year marks the centennial of American involvement in World War I, in which Texas, and Texans, had a major effect on the American war effort at home and abroad.
Learn about the Zimmerman Telegram, the 36th Infantry and the Battleship Texas. Understand wartime propaganda, and how the news affected American perceptions of the war. Discover the Women’s Peace Movement, the Riots at Camp Logan and so much more.
The event begins on Friday, September 15, with a four-hour Texas World War I Resources Workshop at the GLO. The workshop includes a tour of the GLO archives and several lectures about resources for World War I research. Speakers will include Tonia Wood and Richard Gilreath, both archivists with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Ben Wright, Assistant Director for Communication at the Briscoe Center for American History at The University of Texas at Austin, Lisa Sharik, the Deputy Director of the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry, and Dr. Lila Rakoczy of the Texas Historical Commission. This workshop is free only for symposium registrants.
“The Save Texas History Symposium is a great opportunity to learn more about our state’s colorful history. This year, at the 8th Annual symposium, Texas and the Great War, we will look at Texas in World War I, and the role of our state, and its people, in that conflict. The diverse set of speakers and topics is sure to enlighten those with an interest in Texas or military history, whether you are a novice researcher, or a professional historian, and will help those in attendance appreciate the sacrifices of those who came before us as we commemorate the centennial of American involvement in World War I,” said James Harkins, Manager of Public Services for the General Land Office Archives and Records.
“For Texas Veterans who love history, we hope they will take advantage of the special discount offered, and join us for the workshop and symposium. Archives staff would love to provide our Veterans the opportunity to learn more about one of the great programs offered by the Texas General Land Office — Save Texas History — which is dedicated to historic conservation, and educating the public about our colorful past.”
Every year, the General Land Office Archives and Records hosts the Save Texas History Symposium to bring Texas history lovers together to learn more about our state’s fascinating history. In the past, topics have ranged from the Spanish and Mexican eras of Texas, to the unique history of Austin, the Texas Revolution, the Civil War, and of course, the Alamo. For eight years, the symposium has covered many interesting topics that appeal to a wide range of audiences, and this year is no different as we cover Texas and the Great War.
Because no general revenue from the Legislature is appropriated for conservation of historic records, the conservation and promotion of these Texas treasures depends solely on private donations, map purchases and corporate sponsorships.
The sponsors for this year’s symposium include the Texas State Historical Association, Texas Map Society, Texas Military Forces Museum, Texas World War I Centennial Commemoration, Fort Worth Aviation Museum, Texas Society of Professional Surveyors, Texas State Genealogical Society and historian, David A. Furlow.
Veterans and Service Members receive a $10 discount by using the promo code “TXVET” during registration. Click here to register for the symposium.
Additionally, symposium attendees are also encouraged to register for a reception and tour at the Texas Military Forces Museum. Located on Camp Mabry in the Great Hall, which was originally built in 1918, this museum was established to tell the story of the Texas Military Forces. Attendees will see the museum’s archives and hear from our guest speaker, Major General (ret) Ken Wisian. Refreshments will be provided. This is another great opportunity to support the mission of the Save Texas History program, visit with other Texas history lovers and symposium sponsors, and experience a fascinating piece of our history. Tickets for this reception are an additional $75.
Texas World War I Resources Workshop
Friday, September 15, 2017
1:00 — 5:00 p.m.
Texas General Land Office
1700 N. Congress Avenue
Austin TX 78701
FREE with Symposium Registration
Save Texas History Symposium
Saturday, September 16, 2017
8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
UT Austin Pickle Research Campus
Commons Learning Center
10100 Burnet Road, Bldg. 137
Austin TX 78758
Registration fee: $80 per person
Save Texas History Reception
Saturday, September 16, 2017
7:00–9:00 p.m.
Camp Mabry
Texas Military Forces Museum
2200 W. 35th Street
Austin TX 78703
Reception fee: $75 per person
