In December, Humanities Texas moved into the Byrne-Reed House at 1410 Rio Grande Street. Located just five blocks from the Texas Capitol at the corner of Rio Grande and 15th Street, our new headquarters will allow us to host public programs and to expand our mission to the state. You may not recognize the building from this photograph. A white stucco facade now conceals the century-old brick mansion, and Humanities Texas has begun a capital campaign to restore this hidden treasure to its former glory. Read more. . .

From the Executive Director
Michael L. Gillette
As many of you know, Humanities Texas is in the midst of exciting changes. We have a new website and new headquarters in a historic building in downtown Austin. I am also pleased to introduce our e-newsletter, which will provide you, our statewide partners, with information about programs and opportunities at Humanities Texas. I look forward to your continued involvement in all of the initiatives at Humanities Texas. And I encourage you to visit Humanities Texas soon: online, and in Austin at the Byrne-Reed House. Read more. . .

The West and the Shaping of America
Seventy-nine teachers from across the state attended this summer’s institutes in Fort Worth and Lubbock, which were among our best ever. Humanities Texas partnered with Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University, and the Amon Carter Museum to present "The West and the Shaping of America," two institutes exploring the history and culture of the American West. Read more. . .

Lubbock institute participants gather at Lubbock Lake Landmark, an archaeological site with evidence of nearly 12,000 years of human habitation on the Southern High Plains. Photograph by Michael L. Gillette.

Teachers Receive Awards
In April, sixteen Texas teachers were named as winners of the 2006–07 Humanities Texas Outstanding Teaching Awards, including two teachers who attended "The West and the Shaping of America." Humanities Texas is now accepting nominations for 2007–08 awards. Read more. . .

Lectures Feature Top Scholars
In March, Humanities Texas cosponsored lectures by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David Oshinsky. Dr. Oshinsky spoke in Houston and San Antonio on the profound impact of polio on mid-twentieth century America. In June, author Hampton Sides spoke to a Fort Worth audience about Kit Carson and the Navajos. Read more. . .

David Oshinsky lecturing in San Antonio. Photograph by Lee Bennack, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.

We the People Grant
Humanities Texas received $252,080 this year from the National Endowment for the Humanities We the People initiative, which aims to encourage and strengthen the teaching, study, and understanding of U.S. history and culture.

Staff Transitions
Humanities Texas recently marked the departure of one staff member and the arrival of another.

Jimmie I. Clubb, known to one and all as Jic, retired at the end of August after fifteen years with the organization. During his long tenure, Jic endeared himself to everyone with his kindness, sense of humor, knack for storytelling, phenomenal artistic and carpentry skills, and general creative brilliance. Read more. . .

Julie Pennington joined the staff in early September as full-time executive assistant to Executive Director Michael L. Gillette. Julie previously worked at the Texas State Historical Association and the Philosophical Society of Texas. Among her duties, Julie will work with the capital campaign and manage the Friends of Humanities Texas.

Humanities Events Around Texas
Each month, dozens of organizations around the state host a Humanities Texas exhibit or sponsor an exciting program with the help of a grant from our council. See our online calendar to locate an event or program in your community.

Humanities Texas · 1410 Rio Grande Street · Austin, Texas 78701 · Tel 512 440 1991