Join us on Talking Texas History as we sit down with Whitney Blankenship. Whitney takes us through her career in history education. We delve into the differences between teaching in public schools and universities, tackling important issues like the complexities of teaching civil rights history and the impact of technology on education.See her book, Teaching the Struggle for Civil Rights, 1948–1976, Peter Lang, 2018. https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Struggle-19481976-Critical-American-ebo...
How have hurricanes shaped the history, culture, and political landscape of Texas? Join us as we continue the discussion on the profound effects these powerful storms have had on the Lone Star State.
How have hurricanes shaped the history, culture, and political landscape of Texas? Join us on this episode of Talking Texas History as we unravel the profound effects these powerful storms had on the history of the Lone Star State. This a must-listen episode for anyone interested in starting to understanding the multifaceted impact of weather on Texas.
Discover the untold stories and harsh realities of Texas history in our captivating conversation with John Lundberg, a history professor at Tarrant County College. From a Civil War reenactor to his book on Granbury’s Texas Brigade, John explains what he's learned about plantation life and slavery in Texas in his recent book, The Texas Low Country: Slavery and Freedom on the Gulf Coast 1822 to 1895, and sheds light on this critical yet underexplored aspects of Texas history. Join us for ...
Join us in this episode of Talking Texas History as we sit down with Gary Pinkerton. Discover the historical importance of Trammell's Trace, and get a sneak peek into Gary's upcoming projects. He also talks about the Alliance for Texas History, a new organization focused on preserving and promoting Texas history. Stay tuned for updates on Gary's latest book ventures!Learn more about Gary and his publications at his website: https://garylpinkerton.com/
Can geographic history reveal the secrets of Texas' booming oil industry? This episode of Talking Texas History welcomes Helen Cozart, assistant librarian at Ranger College, who shares her captivating journey from military service to academia. Helen enlightens us on the transformative Ranger oil boom of 1917, illustrating the massive impact it had on the region's landscape and infrastructure. Helen breaks down the process behind the Ranger College Library exhibit, "Black Gold, a History...
Scott and Gene talk with Misty Lanham, a dedicated public historian at Texas's most iconic monument. Misty sheds light on tales often lost in the shadows of the Alamo's grand narrative. She takes us behind the scenes on the painstaking efforts to protect the Alamo and reveals the ambitious projects underway. This episode is a tribute to the unsung heroes of historical conservation, as Misty shares the complexities and triumphs of curating an authentic experience for visitors from all co...
In this episode, we'll talk with Brennan Rivas, PhD, for a deep dive into the complex tapestry of Texas gun regulation. Our conversation navigates the shifting sands of the right to bear arms and delivers a fresh perspective on how Texans—from cowboys to lawmakers—have grappled with the balance of freedom and control when it comes to firearms in public life. She examines the historical context of Texas gun laws against the backdrop of the Civil War and Reconstruction, dismantling the myt...
Gene and Scott talk with Bill Flores, a political science professor who has put together a pioneering Texas government textbook that focuses on student involvement. As we dissect the evolving political landscape of Texas, Bill's insights into the burgeoning Latino vote shine a light on the potential for seismic shifts in state politics as a newly empowered generation gets ready to leave their indelible mark on history.The Texas Experiment: Politics, Power, and Social Transformation (Sage, 202...
Christena Stephens joins Scott and Gene to dissect the enduring mystery of the unsolved 1943 Littlefield murders with her book Bound in Silence: An Unsolved Murder in a Small Texas Town (Texas A&M Press, 2024). Join us as we discuss the dark narrative of Dr. Roy and Mae Hunt's brutal killing, a crime that shattered the peace of their small West Texas town. Bound in Silence: An Unsolved Murder in a Small Texas Town https://www.tamupress.com/book/9798987900208/bound-in-silence/
In this episode, we'll peel back the layers of a decades-old murder mystery with author Alan Burton, as he shares his journey penning Fatal Exam: Solving Lubbock's Greatest Murder Mystery with Lubbock criminal defense attorney Chuck Lanehart. It's a true crime saga that continues to haunt Texas Tech University. His narrative weaves through the tale's eerie connections to a university tradition, as well as the intricate process of chronicling a story that's as chilling today as it was in...
In this episode, co-host Scott Sosebee gives us an intimate look at the Mallet Ranch, a beacon of the South Plains' history. His latest work, More Than Running Cattle: The Mallet Ranch of the South Plains (TTU Press 2023), weaves a narrative that's as vast as the Texas horizon, detailing the DeVitt family's trials and triumphs on their storied ranch. Scott's publication is a tapestry of ranching life, enriched by Wyman Meinzer's striking photographs. Find a copy of Scott's books he disc...
Join us as we sit down with the remarkable Fred Allison, a West Texas native and Marine Corps veteran. From his formative years on a cotton farm to his adventures as a radar intercept officer, Fred's tale intertwines the threads of academia, military service, and personal discovery. This episode is a treasure trove as we explore Fred's unwavering passion for history, his work as a historian for the Marine Corps and his commitment to honoring the valiant stories of those who served. We t...
It's the beginning of a New Year! In this episode, we continue our journey through the rich tapestry of Texas history, guided by our book recommendations. From the Texas Revolution to Modern Texas, we reveal diverse perspectives that shaped this state. Join us as share notable books that cover important figures like Sam Houston and explore the development of West Texas. Hop on this riveting ride as we talk about books that will expand your knowledge about the Lone Star State. You won't ...
It's the holiday season, and nothing makes a better gift for the Texas History lover than a good book! In the spirit of holiday gift-giving, we share our favorite books, including our top picks. There are many great books, but this is a good place to start. This episode is your gateway to a treasure trove of Texas history, so buckle up and join our journey through books on Texas history!
Gene and Scott continue their discussion about planning their university/college level Texas history courses. They break down their unique methodologies for teaching Texas history, comparing and contrasting their approaches. We don't promise all the answers (. . . or any, for that matter!), but we do guarantee a deep dive exploration of what goes into teaching the history of the Lone Star State. Don't miss out!If you missed part 1, here's a link, you can link to it direct at: https://ww...
In this episode, we pull back the curtain on teaching a college-level Texas history course. Texas history is more than what happened between the Red and Rio Grade rivers. So, join us as we unearth overlooked aspects of Texas history and reveal how the state's narrative is part of a broader regional, national, and even global story. We're keen to create a past that resonates with our increasingly diverse student body, including overlooked aspects of the 20th century so we can craft ...
Critical Race Theory has been the topic of debates and political tirades among Texas - and national - politicians and school boards, but what exactly is CRT? Join Gene and Scott as we learn about CRT from Dr. Vida Robertson, Director of the Center for Critical Race Studies at the University of Houston-Downtown, as he helps strip away common misconceptions and provides us with an explanation of CRT. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that promises to challenge your perceptions.
Join us for a captivating journey into the heart of Texas history with none other than Ken Kesselus, local historian, former mayor, and minister. With his wealth of knowledge, he takes us back in time, revealing the intriguing origins of Bastrop. Ken's engaging storytelling keeps us hooked as we traverse the intriguing paths of the past.We'll focus on the 75th anniversary of the Delgado vs. Bastrop case. Ken discusses the importance of recognizing and celebrating this local landmark case. Thi...
Hear the captivating journey of Ray Valdez as he talks with us about the era of Mexican-American activism and the Chicano Movement. Ray discusses efforts to preserve the LULAC Council 60 Clubhouse in Houston. He explains the challenges and highlights of historic preservation, and celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month with an exhibit at Houston's Heritage Society Museum marking the 60th anniversary of JFK's visit to Houston, a significant moment in Mexican-American history. For...