Learning Texas History / Saluting Volunteers

Top 12 in the Texas History Poster Contest

On this Independence Day, we salute volunteers and students of our history...you help us understand our past and our future! 

 

We recently attended a meeting of the Pecos Mountain County Historical Commissions in Marfa, and learned about Fort Stockton Middle School's Texas History Poster Contest.  A project of the Pecos County Historical Commission, the 7th grade students learned from Commission members about local history, including a guided tour of Hovey School.  Though the students live in our neighboring Texas Pecos Trail Region, we thought it would be fun to share some of their work with you.

This contest is but one of the many projects undertaken by County Historical Commission volunteers across the state, who work hard to preserve our history and share it with all Texans.  Interested in learning more about County Historical Commissions?  (Click here.)  The Texas Historical Commission has an outreach program for County Historical Commissions...learn more about it here.  

In our own Texas Mountain Trail region we have several very active and award-winning County Historical Commissions.  Once again, in 2012 Brewster County, Jeff Davis County and El Paso County were recognized by the THC with their Distinguished Service Awards "to honor their concerted efforts to manage preservation programs that educate citizens and generate interest in the history and character of Texas."  THANK YOU!

 

Poster on Mirabeau Lamar by
Fort Stockton 7th grader, Emeley Marquez

Historic Hovey School, now on the grounds of
Historic Fort Stockton in our neighboring
Texas Pecos Trail Region

Nancy Hayter and Sixie Davis PCHC members discussed
education received at the Hovey School
and the use of the building as a community
center after the school at Hovey was closed

Sam Houston poster by David Arroyo

Fort Davis' Coolest 4th of July!

This year there will be a Red, White and Blue dessert contest
and bake sale for the Jeff Davis County Food Pantry!

Somebody's dressing up!
Grand Companions is having a Pet
Costume Contest!

The parade is always a highlight!

Fort Davis hosts one of the best small-town Independence Day Celebrations anywhere, the "Coolest July 4th!"  Click here to read all about it!

History Spotlight! 

Yesterday, we introduced the Fort Stockton Middle School history students who worked on Texas History posters this year for a contest run by the Pecos County Historical Commission. Here's a photo of them arriving at the Rollins Sibley House., and below a poster by Isela Rios about Sam Houston's contribution to Texas History!

Sam Houston poster by 7th grader
Isela Rios.  Great job, Isela!
Click on the poster for a closer view!

 

Hiking in the Guadalupe Mountains this Sunday with us!

Cool shade of Smith Spring along the
Smith Spring trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Sunday, June 23, Texas Master Naturalists from three chapters across Far West Texas will be offering guided hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park!  Join in on the fun, and participate in the free hiking program, our Peak Fitness Challenge at the same time!  You might win prizes, sent to your mailbox!

Trails are easy through moderate...and offer some of the best hiking in Guadalupe Mountains National Park:
Pinery Trail
Smith Spring Trail
Devils Hall Trail
McKittrick Canyon Trail

Most of the trails are Texas Mountain Trail Heritage Hikes...read more about that here!

Read more about the hike here, and join us on Sunday!

Direct link to our calendar listing for the hikes with all the information.

History Spotlight!

William Travis poster by Kayla Acosta
Click on the image for a closer view!

When we visited the annual meeting of the Pecos-Mountain County Historical Commissions and heard about the great work the 7th graders at Fort Stockton Middle School, we wanted to share that great work with all of you!

Nancy Hayter welcoming
students to the Rollins-Sibley
House and announcing
Texas History Poster winners!

Starting today, we'll share posters done by 7th graders for the Texas History poster contest for the Pecos County Historical Commission!  Under the leadership of teacher, Chris Moody, the students produced some great work.  Big thanks to the everyone involved, including Nancy Hayter for bringing the work to our attention!  Nancy is a member of the Pecos County Historical Commission and a loyal volunteer eager to share Texas History with y'all.  First up?  This poster about William Travis was made by Kayla Acosta!  Great work, Kayla!