Articles
In January and February, Humanities Texas held six workshops on the history of secession, the Civil War, and Reconstruction for social studies teachers throughout the state. In January, we sponsored workshops in Austin (January 20), Houston (January 21), and San Antonio (January 22) focusing on the sectional crises of the mid-nineteenth century, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Earlier this month, Humanities Texas sponsored additional workshops in Waco (February 15), Fort Worth (February 16), and Dallas (February 17) covering these same topics. Photos from Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Waco follow. Photos from Fort Worth and Dallas workshops—along with a seventh workshop focusing on Texas history from Reconstruction to the present—will appear in next month's newsletter.
Austin
The Austin workshop was the first such program held in the historic Byrne-Reed House.
San Antonio
Our San Antonio workshop brought over fifty area teachers to G. W. Brackenridge High School.
Houston
The Houston workshop was held at The Heritage Society, a museum complex at Sam Houston Park.
Waco
Our February 15 workshop, hosted at Education Service Center Region 12, was the first teacher workshop we have held in Waco.
Faculty
Armando Alonzo
Dr. Armando Alonzo, associate professor of history at Texas A&M University, discussed the role of Tejanos during the Civil War at all six workshops. "This often overlooked piece and perspective of history will be a wonderful addition to the classroom narrative," said one teacher.
John Barr
Dr. John Barr, assistant professor of history at Lone Star College–Kingwood, discussed sectionalism and secession at the Waco workshop. Teachers found Barr, a former high school history teacher, "very easy to listen to and so knowledgeable on every subject."
Michael Les Benedict
Dr. Michael Les Benedict, professor emeritus of history at The Ohio State University, discussed Reconstruction. Teachers "loved his enthusiasm and passion for history" and appreciated the six discussion questions he proposed at the end of his presentation. Benedict participated in all six workshops.
Jacqueline Jones
Jacqueline Jones, Walter Prescott Webb Chair in History and Ideas and Mastin Gentry White Professor of Southern History at The University of Texas at Austin, discussed sectionalism and secession at the Austin workshop. She also signed copies of her book Saving Savannah: The City and the Civil War, 1854–1872, which was distributed to all teachers in attendance.
Patrick J. Kelly
Patrick J. Kelly, associate professor of history at The University of Texas at San Antonio, addressed teachers in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Teachers found his lecture on Lincoln and the Civil War "focused, informative, funny, and knowledgeable."
Eric Walther
Eric Walther, associate professor of history at the University of Houston, discussed sectionalism and secession at the Houston, Fort Worth, and San Antonio workshops. Teachers "particularly enjoyed Dr. Walther’s breadth of knowledge coupled with his style of delivery."
Jennifer L. Weber
Jennifer L. Weber, assistant professor of history at the University of Kansas, discussed Lincoln and the Civil War at the Waco, Dallas, and Fort Worth workshops. Waco teachers called her presentation "very insightful and challenging."
Austin
San Antonio
Houston
Waco
Armando Alonzo
John Barr
Michael Les Benedict
Jacqueline Jones
Patrick J. Kelly
Eric Walther
Jennifer L. Weber