Talking Texas 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 corners of the world.The Alamo's Website: https://www.thealamo.org/

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 myths that they served racial bias and instead, spotlighting their role in fostering a society of decorum. 

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, 2023) https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/the-texas-experiment/book276276

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 1967.Alan Burton & Chuck Lanehart, Fatal Exam: Solving Lubbock's Greatest Murder Mystery (Lubbock, TX: Texas Tech University Press, 2023).  TTU Press site: https://www.ttupress.org/9781682831885/fatal-exam/Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fatal-Exam-Solving-Lubbocks-Greatest/dp/1682831876

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 discusses on this episode at Amazon:More Than Running Cattle: The Mallet Ranch of the South Plains https://a.co/d/1GA0bgnHenry C. "Hank" Smith and the Cross B Ranch: The First Stock Operation on the South Plains https://a.co/d/hRwdqr0

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 talk about his latest work, My Darling Boys: A Family at War, 1941-1947 (UNT Press, 2023), where he explores his family's wartime experiences during World War II. Get a copy of Fred's book, My Darling Boys at Amazon https://a.co/d/67Bw4JY

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 be disappointed!

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://www.buzzsprout.com/2030352/episodes/13882637

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 a story that truly represents us all.

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. This episode isn't just about revisiting the past, it's about understanding our roots and celebrating our shared history. So, join us, and let's keep the stories of our past alive together.See Ken's books on Amazon:John E. Hines: Granite on Fire https://a.co/d/2zghZcCAlvin Wirtz: The Senator, LBJ, and LCRA https://a.co/d/8UjhJ6u

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 more information, see: C60, Inc. https://council60clubhouse.com/The National Trust for Historic Preservation's website on the LULAC Clubhouse https://savingplaces.org/places/lulac

We're kicking off a new season of Talking Texas History with a bang! Our first guest is the impressive Rachel Gunter.  In this digital age, the use of social media platforms is almost inevitable, and Rachel has made a significant contribution to history and teaching using social media to explore history and debunk myths. Her work is a testament to the potential of these platforms as educational tools. We think you'll enjoy hearing about Rachel’s insights and experiences as much as we did. Tune in and join us for the journey!Find Rachel on social media:@phdrachelFacebook: RachelMichelle Website: https://rmgunter.com/

Join us as we journey to Stephen F. Austin's colonial headquarters with Texas Historical Commission site manager for the San Felipe de Austin Historic Site, Bryan MCauley. Bryan takes us on a personal journey through his experiences and shares insights from his unique and informative perspective on the rich history of Texas and the importance of preserving our past. So, tune in to our latest episode to uncover Texas’s rich history, the role of public history in preserving it with Bryan McAuley.Learn more about San Felipe de Austin Historic Site at https://www.thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/san-felipe-de-austin

Imagine growing up with the rich history of West Texas as your playground. Stories of pioneers, cowboys, and oilmen shaping not only the land but also your own destiny. That’s exactly what happened with our guest for today, Mary Nicholson-Pruice, a medical historian and sixth-generation Texan. We laugh as she shares a hilarious anecdote about a student getting lost in the trees during her teaching days in Bass Drop. Mary’s childhood stories and West Texas tales are not just entertaining, but also shed light on the unique history of the region and its influence on her career choice. Transitioning from medical history to Texas history may seem like a leap, but Mary handles it with aplomb. She gives us a peek into the Handbook of Texas Medicine project of the Texas State Historical Association, where she is actively involved. Disasters are her current research fascination, specifically trauma medicine, emergency responses, and the history of safety and memory. She poses an interesting question during our conversation: what qualifies a situation as a disaster? It's a thought-provoking topic that will make you view disasters in a new light.Our conversation doesn't stop at just identifying disasters. We delve into the odd phenomenon of people gathering to witness disasters. Mary captivates us with stories from the Texas City disaster of 1947 to the Brownfield explosion of 1958. We also discuss the silver lining that disasters can bring about, like the 1937 New London explosion leading to laws requiring gas to be odorized. We wrap up with the importance of understanding the impact of a disaster on a community, the lessons we can learn, and how technology can help prevent similar disasters in the future. So, join us and let's explore the captivating stories of Texas history together.

Hey there, movie buffs! Stick with us as we dissect what we think might be the worst movies about the Lone Star State! See if you agree with our take on Texas cinema offenders.  Prepare for some good, old critique of Hollywood's botched attempt to capture the essence of Texas. So, grab your popcorn and join our quest for better portrayal of the Lone Star State in cinema.

What do A Trip to Bountiful, No Country for Old Men, and The Last Picture Show all have in common? They're just a few of the iconic Texas films we're discussing in this episode. Join us as we explore our favorite movies that capture the essence of Texas life and the unforgettable characters and landscapes that make these films so memorable.From the captivating West Texas depictions in the works of the Coen Brothers and Tommy Lee Jones to the emotional journey of Geraldine Page's character in A Trip to Bountiful, we delve into the various themes and experiences that these Texas movies encompass. We also discuss the violence and grittiness found in Cormac McCarthy's books and their film adaptations, as well as the controversial yet iconic The Searchers, which showcases both the beauty and the brutality of Texas life.Grab some popcorn and check out these classic films, as they offer a fascinating glimpse into the heart and soul of Texas. So sit back, relax, and let's talk Texas movies!

Can films truly capture the essence of history and spark meaningful conversations? Join us as we talk with Gordon Williams, a talented filmmaker who recently received a congressional commendation for his work in telling Black history in Beaumont, Texas. We discuss how documentaries can artfully blend education and entertainment, while also fostering deep, emotional connections with audiences.Watch the trailer of Gordon's film, They Will Talk About Us: The Charlton-Pollard Story on YouTube https://youtu.be/xLt1EKnuL34?si=1oIh1BFm-9Jjh4uXA short film, The Example, is available on Amazon Prime https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B076H9FDK4/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r