What is there about history that attracts you?

I find it interesting that ordinary people can do extraordinary things while “great” people can do many ordinary, even vulgar things. History is as interesting as people and people are always interesting if you dig deep enough.

What is there within ETHA that has kept you a member?

The ETHA has always felt like a “home” base for me as a scholar. It’s where I first began practicing history outside of being a student in a classroom. I’ve always felt nothing but encouragement from other members, and I greatly appreciate the fellowship within the organization.

What is your favorite historical period or historical movement? Why?

Having been born in Mexico, a land of so many historic happenings. I was always drawn to history. My family has also been involved in many events.

What is there about history that attracts you?

I believe that the study and practice of history, when properly undertaken, is the best method to get at the truth, not only of what happened in the past but also of what is happening right in front of our eyes.

What is your favorite historical period?

The American West in the late 19th century, but very close behind are the 1920s and very early 1930s (business expansion stuff, literature stuff, Jazz Age stuff, the Public Enemies of the day).

What is there about history that attracts you?

I like to know what is happening and why. If you don’t know the history of what is going on, it is hard to make judgements because you lack understanding.

What is there within ETHA that has kept you a member?

The members who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with me. By experiencing new fields of study through ETHA, I have grown as a historian so much.

What is there within ETHA that has kept you as a member?

The community without a doubt. I’ve been a professional historian for half a decade now, and every time I end up at the Fredonia Hotel, I meet a wonderful array of like-minded researchers.

What is there about history that attracts you?

“It is about who we are and where we have come from and where we can go. There is so much to learn and discover.”

What is there about history that attracts you?

“Texas history has many stories to tell from many perspectives. Using technology to help with research, interpretation, and the telling of these stories makes this an exciting time to be a historian.”

What is there about Texas history that attracts you?

“I am fascinated by the power of different versions of Texas identity in shaping political, cultural, social, and economic life in the state. Like many historians, I am interested in how historical narratives have figured into this identity and how that has influenced power relationships in the past and present.”

Why do you love history?

“I had a history professor who made history come alive for me. We knew the positives and negatives of the presiding president along with the conventions, including the pennants, slogans, etc. We knew what music and styles were prevalent during that period. He really made it flow.” (Troy passed away in November 2023.)

What has kept you a member of ETHA?

I enjoy the collaboration opportunities that come with being a member. The conference schedule format makes it easy to network, and the ideas that were shared at the Black History Breakfast have already proven helpful for how I plan relevant courses.

What has kept you a member of ETHA?

Of the three Texas regional historical associations whose conferences I have attended, ETHA has the highest level of scholarship and the most active and numerous scholars of women’s history.

What do you value in ETHA?

We value members’ high standards of scholarship, collegiality without stuffiness, enthusiasm for our particular historical interests, and—when the rigors of panel discussions are over—enjoying bourbon and branch water with dear friends.

What has kept you a member of ETHA?

It’s the people and the positive, collaborative nature of the ETHA meetings. It’s a welcoming environment for graduate students and new members.

Who convinced you to join ETHA?

Scott Sosebee. As predominantly a West Texas Historian, I joined the ETHA to learn more about another section of the state I am not as familiar with and to meet historians and others I might not otherwise come into contact with. Being able to do these things has kept me a member.

What has kept you a member of ETHA?

I have remained a member at ETHA because of the diversity—the diversity of topics and those of the speakers as well as the camaraderie among members and guests.

What has kept you a member of ETHA?

I have met some great researchers and history enthusiasts through my affiliation, and East Texas Historical Journal (ETHJ) has played a key role in my development as a professional historian.

What has kept you a member of ETHA?

I finished my twenty-year teaching career in May of 2008. It is then that I discovered the pleasure of reading and researching history, particularly Texas History.

What convinced you to join ETHA?

I immediately found members of the ETHA to be welcoming. I love the annual October meeting and look forward to hugging my friends!

What about history attracts you?

I love the fact that individuals from hundreds of years ago have the same problems that I do, whether at work, for example, or at home.

What about history attracts you?

The mystery of past lives, why people made the decisions they did and how they dealt with daily life.

Why do you love history?

I like to go where history was made, to become imbedded in a sense of place.

What is there about ETHA that keeps you a member?

Through ETHA I’ve met like-minded people who are similarly engrossed by the past. I like to hear their presentations and critique their handling of topics.

What convinced you to join ETHA?

I enjoyed the “academic” approach and I appreciated the genuine interest in African American history as expressed at every conference I’ve attended.

What is your favorite historical period?

The most amazing thing in my life happened when a daughter called one day: “Dad, I got this movie I’m working on. It’s called The Free State of Jones. Dad, this is our family’s life!”

What convinced you to join?

As a non-academic researcher, I was able to focus on topics I could begin to better understand and the group offered connections to other East Texas stories.

What convinced you to join ETHA?

My interest in Texas history pulled me into the organization, and the spring and fall meetings, the Journal articles, and the friendships keep me in.

What about history attracts you?

I am a storyteller and I find it fascinating to learn how people in different eras coped with problems and found ways to better their lives and the lives of others.

What influence did East Texas have?

I really can't recall a time when I wasn't interested in history. My grandfather loved to tell stories which were of both family and East Texas lore.

What about Texas attracts you?

I was born and raised in Texas, and what piqued my interest about the state began when I took a junior high Texas History class in Arlington, Texas. The class itself presented more questions than answers.

Why do you love history?

More African American history should be included in the curriculum of all students’ education. I am a believer in what the great poet Maya Angelou said, “If a person knew better, they would do better.”