Stephen F. Austin State University

News Archive

National Reading Month exhibit at Nacogdoches Railroad Depot

Scanning fish

Dr. Robert Z. Selden (CRHR Research Associate) and Dr. Jennifer Gumm (Biology) used the 3D scanner to explore the feasibility of scanning fish specimens for her class. So far, we've only explored this with a single specimen (a Dusky Darter), and preliminary results point toward a successful collaborative venture.

Temporal Dynamics of East Texas Caddo Sites

The Art of the Railroad exhibit at Nacogdoches Railroad Depot

Sacred Spaces: Connecting with the Land

What landscapes do people identify as sacred? How do people assign meaning to a place? From the backyard vegetable garden to a favorite vista, we establish personal connections with our environment, and connections that are a reflection of our group identity. This exhibit uses descriptions of Texas from diaries dating to the late 1600s, and contemporary journals of the East Texas landscape to explore the many ways we connect with our environment.

In the late seventeenth century, Franciscan priests recorded some of the earliest written descriptions of the East Texas landscape. Traveling into the northern borderlands of the Spanish Empire, the explorers followed Native American trails that we now refer to as El Camino Real north from Mexico City, across Texas, and into northwest Louisiana. Officials and clergy recorded an 'inventory' of the new land. But they also recorded some of their reactions to the unfamiliar plants and animals, and new cultures. The diaries are a window on their point of view as are the place names they scattered across Texas. Place names, such as the Trinity River, remind us of the spiritual heritage of the earliest chroniclers of Texas and remain a part of our Texas heritage.

In 2011, twenty-five volunteers took another look at the landscape of eastern Texas with an exploration of their environment and their spiritual connection to the land. The pilot project, designed by Kelley Snowden and Tom Segady of Stephen F. Austin State University, focused on seven Christian congregations in Nacogdoches, Texas and used a study method known as Photovoice. Snowden and Segady gave each volunteer a 'point and shoot' camera and a journal. Responding to a set of questions relating to their spiritual relationship with the land, volunteers chose places to photograph and to write about in their journals. Taken together, the 329 collected photographs and journal entries illustrate that faith has geography. The project photographs are a mix of natural, public and private landscapes.

The seventeenth century diarists recorded the things that mattered to them and connected with new places, things and people through the lens of their religion. The Photovoice project asked volunteers to train their spiritual lens on a very familiar landscape to identify the things that matter. Presented side-by-side along with objects that speak to our connection with the land, the journals of the past and the journals of the present reveal our ongoing connection to, and interaction with, our environment.

For questions, please contact the Museum at 936.468.2408 or by email at stonefort@sfasu.edu

Grants and Exhibitions Workshop Photos

3rd Annual Loblolly Railroad Display at Nacogdoches Railroad Depot

CRHR Archaeology | Latest Social Media Source for Archaeology News

"We must never forget that human motives are generally far more complicated than we are apt to suppose, and that we can very rarely accurately describe the motives of another." - Dostoyevsky

To read more, visit the CRHR Archaeology Blog.

Research Articles - October 2013

Click on the image to see the full-scale version!

Nacogdoches Researchers prepare to repatriate Caddo artifacts

"A research associate at the Center for Regional Heritage Research at Stephen F. Austin State University is wrapping up 3-D scanning and analysis of dozens of prehistoric Caddo artifacts that will be returned to the Caddo Nation this fall. At least 130 museums have human remains and funerary objects affiliated with the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, according to its cultural preservation office."

* Quote from Red River Radio NPR; written by Kate Archer Kent
** Photo credit to Texas A&M University

To read more from the NPR Red River Radio site, click here.

Dr. Selden and Dr. Beisel make 3D scan of Thomas J. Rusk Trunk at Millards Crossing

On Thursday, September 12, Dr. Robert Z. Selden Jr. and Dr. Perky Beisel successfully created a three-dimensional scan of a trunk that purportedly belonged to Mr. Thomas J. Rusk. The wooden trunk, adorned with cowhide, brass tacks, and all of the intricate craftsmanship expected of the period, is in need of preservation. While the 3D scan will preserve an image of the trunk for future generations of researchers, Millards Crossing is in need of funding to ensure that this tangible artifact of local history remains intact, and available to the general public.

The Center for Regional Heritage Research hopes to further its' efforts to collect scans of valuable prehistoric and historic artifacts, continuing a non-invasive and non-destructive approach to the preservation and analysis of some of the most valuable-and fragile-pieces of material culture that Nacogdoches and the surrounding area has to offer.

Grants and Exhibitions Workshop

Advertising to the American West: Railroad Ads in the 20th Century

May 7, 2013 - Opening of the new exhibit at the Nacogdoches Railroad Depot, "Advertising to the American West: Railroad Ads in the 20th Century".

Riding the Rails

Preserve Our History Event

Texas Forest Trail Region 2013 Annual Meeting

Local Voices

We have another early Local Voices article by Mr. Rickey Robertson!

The Peavy-Wilson Corral Site- By Rickey Robertson

'Outlaw' Preservation in Jefferson, Texas

*Photo taken from 'The Daily Yonder' *

Although not written strictly for the Center for Regional Heritage Research, our very own Local Voices writer Mr. Jeff Campbell submitted an article to the Daily Yonder, who works to 'keep it rural'.

To read the article, click here. To read any of Mr. Jeff Campbell's Local Voices submissions, click here.

Happy Holidays from the Nacogodoches Railroad Depot

REMEMBER!

The Nacogdoches Railroad Depot will be closed for the winter holidays, starting Monday, December 18, 2012 and lasting until Thursday, January 10, 2013.

Loblolly Model Train Exhibit



Exhibit Dates:

Friday,
November 30 from 11am - 7pm

Saturday,
December 1 / 8 from 10am - 5pm

Sunday,
December 2 / 9 from 1pm - 5pm

Friday,
December 7 / 14 from 11am - 6pm

Exhibit Photos

The Railroads of Nacogdoches County

The Center for Regional Heritage Research, the Pineywoods Foundation, and the Friends of Historic Nacogdoches, Inc. present an exhibit highlighting the history and impact of the railroads on Nacogdoches County. The railroads featured are the Houston, East and West Texas, the Texas and New Orleans, the Nacogdoches and Southeastern, and the Angelina and Neches River Railroad.

*taken from the flyer

The opening of the event will be taking place on November 16, at 6:30pm at the Historic Nacogdoches Train Depot. The exhibit itself will run November 16, 2012 through January 25, 2013. All are welcome to attend!

To download a copy of the below flyer, click here.

Phil Cross - Caddo Discussion - Video

We deeply apologize for the delay, but here we have the complete video from the Phil Cross discussion at the Historic Nacogdoches Train Depot on October 8, 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8MGG8KJ8V8

George Louis Crocket: Out of the Ordinary

Thursday, November 8, 2012
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Appetizers will be served!

George L. Crocket, 1901
Collection of East Texas Research Center, Steen Library

The Stone Fort Museum will host an opening reception for the exhibit, George Louis Crocket: Out of the Ordinary, on November 8th from 6 p.m. to 8p.m. The newly installed exhibit examines the life and times of Dr. George Crocket. Born in the mid-nineteenth century, Crocket's life spans a period of great changes in East Texas. The exhibit highlights not only the impact of his leadership on the development of Nacogdoches and San Augustine, but also invites the visitor to share in Crocket's experiences through hands-on activities, including two period typewriters.

The evening reception will include a short presentation by Friends of Historic Nacogdoches, Inc (FoHNI) regarding the groups' plans to commission a life-size statue of Dr. Crocket. The proposed bronze statue will become part of the Nacogdoches 'statue walk' that now includes Antonio Gil Y'Barbo, Chief Bowl & Sam Houston, the Country Doctor and Thomas J. Rusk.

As a cleric, historian, mentor and artist, Crocket forged strong ties within both the Nacogdoches and San Augustine communities. The exhibit displays Crocket's drawings, writing, and research that formed his legacy - one that reminds us to find the meaning of daily life out of the ordinary.

For questions, please contact the Museum at 936.468.2408 or by email at stonefort@sfasu.edu.

To view the flyer for the event, click here.

November starts up with three new Local Voices articles!

As they say, the writers for our Local Voices columns were 'quick on the drawl', pumping out three new articles ready to go for November!

Jefferson's Union Mission Baptist Church - By Jeff Campbell
http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/5814.asp

East Texans are pretty quick on the drawl - By Van Craddock
http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/5825.asp

The Robber John Murrell and his Famous Hideouts - By Rickey Robertson
http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/5818.asp

The Living Legend, no. 844

The UP 150 Express tour, featuring the Living Legend, no. 844 steam locomotive, passed through the Historic Nacogdoches Train Depot on October 25, 2012 at around 2:00pm. Directly from the UP 150 Express Tour website, "The engine has run hundreds of thousands of miles as Union Pacific's ambassador of goodwill. It has made appearances at Expo '74 in Spokane, the 1981 opening of the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans and the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Los Angeles Union Station in 1989. During the 1990s, No. 844 pulled numerous Denver Post Cheyenne Frontier Days special trains and visited several Oklahoma cities during the Oklahoma Centennial in 2007. In 2010, No. 844 traveled to Harlingen, Texas, and Milliken, Colo., to be a part of heritage celebrations in those communities. It also traveled to Arizona and New Mexico for the states' centennial celebrations in 2011."

This is the last steam locomotive built by the Union Pacific Railroad, delivered in 1944.

To watch the video of this historic train passing through the Nacogdoches Train Depot, view the link below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8PO791P4AA

* Information and quote from: http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/releases/up150/2012/1022_houston.shtml

Jeff in Jefferson - New Local Voices Writer!

Today we welcome Mr. Jeff Campbell to our ever growing list of Local Voices writers! Jeff Campbell is the Tourism Director for Jefferson, Texas. Jeff is a graduate from the Northwestern State University Heritage Resources program and a current Graduate student at the University of Alabama. He is an avid Historic Preservationist and Mountain Biker.

To read Mr. Campbell's articles, head over to the Local Voices section of the website!

Blood on the Tracks in The Daily Sentinel

*From Sunday, October 21, 2012 edition of The Daily Sentinel, Nacogdoches, TX.

Looking for new Local Voices columnist

Our current goal is that 75% of the counties and parishes within our service area be represented by a writer in the Local Voices project. To make this goal we need ONE more writer! Would anyone like to volunteer? Writers are needed for Van Zandt, Wood, Marion, Anderson, Trinity, Tyler, and San Jacinto counties. In Louisiana we need writers for Caddo, De Soto, and Red River parishes. The Local Voices project is our most popular web-based project! Come and be a part of this exciting project!

Latest Local Voices Article

Here we have Mr. Marvin Mayer's latest Local Voices article for October!

Clucking Heard 'Round the City - Part 1 - The Gauntlet is Thrown Down

Click here for more!

Presentation by Mr. Phil Cross

Below is a copy of the presentation showed at the Phil Cross Caddo Discussion at the Historic Nacogdoches Train Depot on October 8.

To download the powerpoint, click here.

Caddo Presentation

Blood on the Tracks

At the historic Nacogdoches Depot:

Blood on the Tracks: Train Wrecks, Derailments, and Collisions
From October 16 - November 16

A brief look into the types of accidents that could occur on a railroad, their impact, and the response of the railway companies in reducing the number of deaths.

Caddo History Depot Event a Success

The Caddo History discussion with Mr. Phil Cross on October 8 was a success, with around thirty members of the community in attendance. The discussion highlighted the Caddo Indian life from first contact with European settlers to modern times. Below is a slideshow of the event, and expect a video from the event in the future!
Event Photos

Restoration of the Annie-Hoya Building

The Hoya building at 116 S. Pecan in downtown Nacogdoches is currently being restored. To document the process, CRHR staff will be stopping by 2-3 times a week to take a series of photographs as the restoration proceeds. These photos will be loaded into a slide show showing the progress of the work over time. Full restoration is expected to take one year. Currently the structure is being stabilized and decorative brickwork is being restored. Check back periodically to see what changes have taken place as work continues on this historic structure.

Read more about the Hoya building in the City of Nacogdoches Historic Site Survey at http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/1174.asp

To view the project, click here.

Three new Local Voices articles back-to-back

We have three new Local Voices articles fresh off the presses and ready for all to read!

Mr. Rickey Robertson, conveying the stories told from the Louisiana Manuevers.
To read the full story, click here!

Ms. Elaine Bay, describing the life within the Waskon school.
To read the full story, click here!

Mr. Kevin Ladd, discussing the local newspaper from Anahuac.
To read the full story, click here!

A Safehouse for Freedom Seekers

Anthropologist Rolonda Teal, co-founder of the cultural heritage organization Cultural Lore, successfully nominated Los Adaes State Historic Site to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program (NURNF) in July 2012.

To read more, make sure to read her Local Voices article.

For more, check out the Local Voices section of the website.

October opens with two new Local Voices articles

We have had two Local Voices articles submitted just in time to open the month of October. "Ghost Stories from Panola County" by Vina Lee and "Our Historic Shrines" by Ann Middleton.

Make sure to read our other Local Voices articles!

Heritage Center Surveys

We value your input!

The Center for Regional Heritage Research wants to know what you think about our events and research! Please take a few minutes to fill out the two surveys we have posted (on the right hand side of the website, as well as on our Facebook and Twitter). The results of these surveys will help us better design our public events and make sure our research is relevant to you!

Thank you in advance for your participation!

A Discussion on Caddo Indian Settlement and Conditions from European Contact through Modern Time

Monday, October 8th at 6:30PM at the Historic Nacogdoches Depot: Mr. Phil Cross will speak on "A Discussion on Caddo Indian Settlement and Conditions from European Contact through Modern Time"

Mr. Cross will discuss the Caddo Indian's location at the time of Hernando De Soto's first expedition into the ArkLaTex region in 1542 and the tribe's movement through modern times. Cross will speak to the tribe's subsequent relations with various emerging empires and the chaotic and challenging circumstances of the Caddo tribe as it lost its homelands, was demonized, and forced to move from area to area as it attempted to settle under constant threats from state and local militias and local citizenry. Cross will also present information about the tribe's reservation in west Texas and then its relocation to Oklahoma and its current situation.

Mission Tejas Event

On October 6th, Mission Tejas State Park will host a day full of guest speakers and activities related to the cultural history and heritage of East Texas. Speakers from Stephen F. Austin State University will discuss everything from the Caddo, early Spanish missionaries, Anglo settlement and agriculture and East Texas pioneer folksongs. The Director of the East Texas Research Center will also discuss the basics of preserving your own history. Activities, games, and other programs will also be available for kids and adults of all ages. $2 Entry fee per adult, children under 13 free. Speakers begin at 10am and go throughout the day.

Peek into Panola

The Carthage Music Club celebrates its 75 th Anniversary September 30, 2012. Everyone is invited to join in the celebration at 2:00 PM, Sunday at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame on Panola Street in Carthage.

Charles Reid will perform. He is a great tenor and has performed at the Metropolitan Opera and recently at Theater Hagen in Germany. His mother, Carolyn Reid is a member of the Carthage Music Club which began in 1937 with 24 members. The purpose was to "stimulate individual effort and elevate the musical standard of the community." The club joined the Texas Federation of Music Clubs.

At that time in history, ladies dressed up in all of their finery, hats and furs to attend the music function. The first meeting was in the home of Mrs. Sid Baker Turner. This year's program is dedicated to the music of 1940's.

The club President, Sandra Chamness says that in May they will celebrate National Music Week by performing at the banks, nursing homes and other public places in the community. They also give a scholarship to a music major in Panola County each year and have purchased pianos for the Chamber of Commerce, Panola College and the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Newest Local Voices Writer - Jeri Mills

Jeri Mills, is a retired educator has been an avid reader since early childhood. She did not pursue her dream of writing seriously until she was asked to read and critique a high school psychology textbook; Invitation to Psychology published by Scott Foresman and Company in 1981. As a high school teacher of Advanced Placement Psychology, many of her comments were accepted and used during the final editorial development process of the widely used textbook. This assignment sparked her interest in devoting more time to her dream of writing resulting in her works being published in local schools, state, and national publications. She was the featured columnist in the local Champion Newspaper and occasional guest columnist in several newspapers and local magazines in Georgia. Since retiring in 2003 and returning to her native East Texas, she has been able to devote more time to her passion to write creatively and research African American history. Currently Mills writes a weekly column for the Daily Sentinel in Nacogdoches.

Beaumont held a Deep Water Festival in 1924

Check out the latest Local Voices posting from writer Judith Linsley as she tells the story of the Deep Water Festival held in the spring of 1924.

To read the full story click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4776.asp

New Local Voices Columns Posted!!!

Read the latest Local Voices postings from:

Mr. Kevin Ladd as he tells the story of "Dr. George Harley Fahring" (1881-1969), one of the most influential figures in Chambers County during the mid-Twentieth Century who was not only one of the town's leading businessmen but served in the medical profession in Anahuac. To read the full story, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4772.asp

Miss Deborah Burkett's "There's a Fire at the Moon House," as she recalls the interviews conducted with volunteer fireman Jim Carlyle and firewoman Arla Phelps with their loyal service to help protect business and homes in Cherokee county. To read the full story, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4759.asp

Mr. Marvin Mayer as he tells the story of "The Divided Town of Starrville" which was once the second largest city in Smith County, but when the town rejected the building of railroad tracks, the railroad laid tracks to nearby Winona. County Road 369 then became a makeshift "dividing line" between the families choosing to enroll their children in Winona versus Gladewater. To read the full story, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4760.asp

The CRHR Welcomes New Local Voices Writer Mr. Marvin Mayer

From the heart of Smith County and seat of county government, Tyler, Texas, the CRHR welcomes our newest Local Voices writer Mr. Marvin Mayer. In his column titled the "Plain Truths About Smith County," Mr. Mayer will share past and current Smith County stories.

To read his first story welcoming readers to truths about Smith County, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4591.asp

Peek into Panola County

Peek into Panola county with Miss Vina Lee as she tells the story of the second day of July 1776, the most memorable epoch in the history of America and its relation to Panola county.

To read the full story click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4608.asp

Smokey Row, Emory Texas

Check out Local Voices writer Miss Elaine Bay column 'Old News' as she tells the story of Smokey Row; the infamous business section of town that housed most of the saloons in Emory, Texas.

To read the full story click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4612.asp

The "Beach Road" has a long history

The latest article from our Local Voices writer Judy Linsley, "The 'Beach Road' has a long history" tells the story of the 'beach road' used for everything from piracy to cattle drives!

To read the full article, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4619.asp

Reunion Campgrounds, Est. 1888

Summer is the best time to travel or seek new and unexpected adventures, and that's exactly what Local Voices writer Deborah Burkett did recently. Miss Burkett was able to stumble upon a campground while driving home from Waco, Texas where in 1888 Confederate Veterans began to meet and continued to do so until the end of World War I.

To read Miss Burkett's full adventure, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4625.asp

Or take a look at photos taken by Miss Burkett on the CRHR facebook page, click here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.437139476316702.99850.214175848613067&type=3

Remembering Cotton Gins, Sugar Mills and Spinning Wheels

Check out the latest Local Voices story from writer Ann Middleton as she tells the memories of Elizabeth Matlock Wise of picking cotton on her father's farm and of helping with the making of sugar cane.

To read the full story: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4633.asp

The Lufkin News earns the April 1977 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service

Check out the latest story from Local Voices writer Miss Emily Hyatt as she tells the story of the Lufkin newspaper and two of its writers who earned their own Pulitzer Prize in pursuit of truth and excellence within Angelina County, on behalf of a local family.

To read the full story, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4679.asp

What was the name of the Confederate soldier from Newton known as the One Armed Fiddler?

Read the latest Local Voices story from the esteemed Newton County writer, Miss Jonnie Miller as she tells the story of the Confederate soldier from Newton known as the One Armed Fiddler.

To read the full story, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4677.asp

Texas' Oldest County Celebrates 175th Birthday in Grand Style

Houston County, the oldest county in Texas, celebrated its humble beginnings and its 175th birthday with a series of events from May 30 - June 12. Read the latest Local Voices posting from Miss Lynda Jones as she provides us with the detailed description of the celebratory events.

To read the full story, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4681.asp

The Last Buffalo and the Last Buffalo Hunter in Louisiana

The latest story from Local Voices writer Mr. Rickey Robertson tells the story that at one time there were Buffalo in Louisiana and the man who killed the last Buffalo.

To read the full story of the last Buffalo, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4599.asp

New Local Voices Column!!!

Check out the latest Local Voices feature story from the esteemed Mr. Van Craddock as he tells the story of the Gregg County Election where no one showed up to vote and opted for a day of fishing at the Sabine River.

To read the full story, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4589.asp

Humble Camp at Monroe City was Unique to the Time

Check out the latest Local Voices column from writer Mr. Kevin Ladd as he tells the story of the people's excitement surrounding the construction of the Humble Camp at Monroe City during the summer of 1935.

To read the full story, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4604.asp

July 1911: What was the weather like 100 years ago?

The current drought and triple-digit temperatures present here and elsewhere in the United States prompted Local Voices writer Ann Middleton to take a look at what the weather was like one hundred years ago. Read her latest story to get reports of the deaths caused as a result of the super-induced heat during that time period.

To read the full story, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4597.asp

Waco Museum, New Home for Old Alto Herald!

The 'Alto Herald' moves to the Waco Museum! Local Voices writer Deborah Burkett attended the dedication ceremony for the newspaper at the Waco Museum. Curator Ann Roznovsky emceed the event and shared her initial vision and what it took to make it happen. As one of the last Texas newspapers to use Linotype machines the Alto Herald exhibit recreates the experience of walking through the print shop in Alto.

To follow the exciting story of the Alto Herald's move read the esteemed Local Voices writer Miss Deborah Burkett's column, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4567.asp or view the photos taken at the event below.

Waco Museum, New Home for Old Alto Herald

The Civil War soldier, the unlicensed medic from Newton County

Check out the latest column from Local Voices writer Miss Jonnie Miller and read the story of Robison Bean, a soldier from Newton County that served as an unlicensed medic in the Civil War.

To read the full story click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4565.asp

New Local Voices Columns posted for the month of June!!!

Check out two of our esteemed Local Voices writers; Miss Judith Linsley as she tells the story of the all important Umbrella China tree in a Texas time period referred to as B.A.C. (before air conditioning) and Miss Vina Lee Hathaway as she tells the story of Mr. E. J. Adams, selected RIP Guardian by the Historical Commission of Texas to restore, investigate, and protect local history and his current work in the restoration of cemetery history with the use of dowsing rods.

To read full article, click here:

For Vina L. Hathaway "Restoring Cemetery History:"http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4560.asp

For Judith Linsley "Umbrella China Trees had a Special Place in Yard:" http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4561.asp

First To Secede, Last To Surrender!

In her latest Local Voices article "First to Secede, Last to Surrender" the esteemed Mrs. Ann Middleton share her story on the Civil War in Northwest Louisiana when Bossier citizens decided to declare war on the United States on November 26, 1860.

To read the story of the civil war in Northwest Louisiana, click here:
http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4557.asp

All Aboard for Earpville, St. Clair and Fredonia!

Why is it that some towns survived while other Gregg County communities only became historical footnotes?

The esteemed Local Voices writer Mr. Van Craddock answers this question in his latest column.

To read click here:http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4553.asp

The Historic Bell of Pine Grove Baptist Church

In his latest Local Voices column our venerated writer Mr. Rickey Robertson explores the past history of the Historic Bell of the Pine Grove Baptist Church, as the bell was once again hung on church grounds in a dedication service that was held on May 26th, 2012.

To explore the significance of the church bell in the Peason Community of Sabine Parish, Louisiana; Click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4502.asp

The Wallis Family of Chambers County, Texas

Explore the history of the Wallis family and their travel to Chambers County, Texas from Mr. Kevin Ladd's newest literary contribution to the Local Voices column.

To read, click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4500.asp

Election Night 1916 at the Rusk County Courthouse

Read the story of Lettie I. Baker, first woman elected to county-wide office for the position of County Treasurer in 1916, two years before she could vote.

Story from the revered Local Voices column writer Miss Deborah L. Burkett.

To read click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4494.asp

Proposal for a New Cabinet-Level Position to be called the 'Secretary of Humor'

New Local Voices column posted in the Gregg County Tales by our esteemed writer Mr. Van Craddock titled "Laughs, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."

To find out where the laughter has gone click here: http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4492.asp

Local Voices Writer Ann Middleton Submit New Article for May 2012!!!

New Local voices column is now available for the month of May from our esteemed writer Miss Ann Middleton!

To read her newest literary contribution for her Bossier in Slices column, click here:
http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4490.asp

Corrigan Community History Day

Presented by Corrigan Community Service League for the Corrigan area, including: Asia, Barnes, Barnum, Camden, Carmona, Corrigan, Damascus/Skinnertown, Moscow, Stryker, Wakefield

See flier for event schedule and details.

Local Voices Writers Submit New Articles for April 2012!

New Local voices columns are now available for the month of April! Check out our local writers Emily E. Hyatt and Rickey Robertson to read their latest literary creations.

To view articles click here:
Emily Hyatt 'Caro Crawford Brown': http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4097.asp
Rickey Robertson 'The Whiteland of Peason Ridge': http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4101.asp

Going Over There: LTC Reichert's Speech

For those who were unable to attend the opening of the exhibit 'Going off to War: An Exhibit at the Nacogdoches Historic Depot', below we have a transcribed copy of LTC Reichert's speech.

If you missed the opening event, have no fear! The exhibit runs through April, 2012 and is free and open to the public. The Nacogdoches Railroad Depot, located at 101 Old Tyler Road, in Nacogdoches, Tx, is open Tuesday-Thursday, 11am to 3pm, and Fridays, 10am to 4pm.


Click here to download LTC Reichert's speech

Photographs from Event

Zion Hill Cemetery Fundraiser

The Zion Hill Cemetery Fundraiser has been postponed to May 19, 2012. The times and location are still the same.

Current News

The Center for Regional Heritage Research at Stephen F. Austin State University has announced it will sponsor the "Best of East Texas Award," which has honored East Texas historians and their works for more than 10 years. Dr. Mark Barringer, director of the center and associate dean of SFA's College of Liberal and Applied Arts, said the group will join Bob Bowman and Associates, Inc., of Lufkin and its publishing company, "Best of East Texas Publishing," in the effort. The award was formerly sponsored by the East Texas Historical Association of Nacogdoches. Historians and community leaders who have received the award in the past include James Smallwood of Gainesville, Eliza Bishop of Crockett, Mattie Dellinger of Center, Max Lale of Marshall, Willie Earl Tindall of San Augustine, Bill O'Neal of Carthage, Wanda Bobinger of Livingston, Dan Utley of Pflugerville, John and Betty Oglesbee of San Augustine, Ralph Wooster of Beaumont, and Jean Ables Flatt of Terrell.

Dr. Roth's presentation of his research on African Americans in early Nacogdoches June 24th was a great success! Also a success was the Stone Fort Museum's exhibit opening on African Americans in East Texas on June 25th.You can read more about it in the Daily sentinel here.

The Heritage Center is in the news! A Preserve America grant has allowed for several projects, including those focusing on east Texas cemeteries, to take place with the help of SFASU employees and the City of Nacogdoches. The three year grant is up in the fall, but the Center for Regional Heritage Research plans to take over the projects. You can read more about it in the Daily Sentinel here.

Current Projects

Heritage Development Summit 2012 - A Huge Success

The new format for the Heritage Development Summit, as well as the summit itself, was a huge success! Through the surveys we found that a majority of the approximately fifty attendees felt that the topics discussed were very relevant to issues the East Texas counties and Western Louisiana parishes are facing today. The panelist's discussions were well received and thought provoking.

Photos courtesy of Julie Ardery/The Daily Yonder

New Local Voices Articles for April and May 2012

Here are the latest Local Voices articles submitted for April and May 2012:

Bonnie and Clyde Killed H.D. Murphy
By Deborah Burkett
http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4110.asp


The Earthquake of 1811 in Bossier
By Ann Middleton
http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/4115.asp


Old News

September 22-24th, 2011

The East Texas Historical Association's 2011 Fall Meeting was held in Nacogdoches, TX at the Fredonia Hotel.

September 22, 2011

The 2011 Lale Lecture featured Paul Burka, Executive Editor of Texas Monthly at 8:00 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Baker Pattillo Student Center on the Stephen F. Austin State University Campus.

Click Here for More Information Stone Fort Museum - June 25, 2011

The Stone Fort Museum opened an exhibit on African Americans in East Texas.

Dr. Jeff Roth's Presentation of Research - June 24, 2011

Dr. Jeff Roth presented research on African Americans in early Nacogdoches at 7 P.M. at the Cole Art Center in downtown Nacogdoches.

NCPH Meeting - Pensacola, FL - April 2011
 On Wednesday the 6th of April four History MA students (Kaitlin Wieseman, Carolyn Whitsitt, Carolyn White, and Misty Hurley) and one History BA student (Cassandra Bennett who will be entering the Public History MA program at Middle Tennessee State University in the Fall) joined Drs. Perky Beisel, Paul Sandul, and Scott Sosebee along with Mr. Herman Wright (LongBlackLine.org) on a twelve-hour road trip from Nacogdoches, TX to Pensacola, FL. Thanks to the generous support of the East Texas Historical Association, the History Department, and Student Affairs, we were able to make this an affordable and extremely educational trip. We all had fun at the conference, met great people, listened to stimulating sessions, toured the posters and the town (including a dip in the Gulf of Mexico), and presented our papers.


Heritage Center in the News!
 Following our Heritage Development Summit on March 31, the Daily Sentinel ran a story detailing the event. You can read the Daily Sentinel's report here.


March 31, 2011
 On March 31, 2011 the CRHR hosted the Heritage Development Summit.


February, 2011
 February kicked off the Stephen F. Austin State University Charlie Wilson Oral History Project. The Project seeks to both honor and bolster the legacy of the longtime representative from East Texas as well as to enhance the representative's archival holdings in the East Texas Research Center (ETRC) at the R. W. Steen Library, the official repository of Wilson's congressional papers.
June 24th- Dr. Roth's Research Presentation

El Camino Real de los Tejas Education Workshops

In June 2012, the Stone Fort Museum is taking history on the road with two workshops that explore the natural and cultural history of El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail.

Teachers, museum educators, interpretive planners, ...natural resource managers, volunteers, and members of the public interested in better understanding trail history are invited to join us for one and one-half days of intensive learning that will give you the knowledge and know-how to interpret and teach the trail.

Two locations - Natchitoches, Louisiana and Victoria, Texas - will provide a rich setting in which you will learn from trail historians, walk a portion of the trace and share ideas with fellow educators.

The cost for each workshop is $60 and includes all sessions, a field trip and four meals. Choose to attend one, or both, workshops. Space at each location is limited, so register now.

For more information, a list of speakers and instructions on how to register, visit us at http://www.sfasu.edu/stonefort
Photographs from Event

Heritage Development Summit 2012

The Heritage Development Summit will be taking place on March 8, 2012 starting with registration at 8:00am. The Heritage Development Summit will discuss the economic transitioning of the growing East Texas counties and Western Louisiana parishes.

For more information, please click here for details.

For a complete Stephen F. Austin Map, please click here for the map.

For the Heritage Development Summit Parking Map, please click here for the map.

Seating is very limited so we ask that you RSVP by calling 936-468-3953 or email crhr@sfasu.edu .


This program was made possible in part with a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Co-sponsored by the Stephen F. Austin State University Department of History, the Department of Social and Cultural Analysis, the School of Social Work, and the East Texas Historical Association.

The National Rosenwald Schools Conference (The Long Black Line)

The Long Black Line was featured in on Channel 12 KBMT News.

The National Rosenwald Schools Conference will be taking place starting on June 14, 2012 in Tuskegee, Alabama. For more information, click here for the program of the event.

Grand Opening of the Depot

The opening of the Nacogdoches Train Depot went off with complete success, ushering nearly 60 visitors! According to the City of Nacogdoches website, "the present-day brick depot was built by Southern Pacific and opened April 3, 1911; less than a year after the original wooden building, built in May 1910, burned to the ground after being struck by lightning. In August of 1954 Southern Pacific terminated passenger services through Nacogdoches. The railroad depot is the only surviving passenger depot on the old HE&WT line. The depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Future plans for the depot include a museum depicting the importance of all transportation in the early development of Nacogdoches."

Source: http://www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us/departments/rrdepot.php
Corrigan Project Photos