Meet TSHA
Find out about Texas State Historical Association (TSHA), the state’s oldest historical organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Texas. Since 1897, TSHA has provided trusted educational resources, publications, and programs that inspire appreciation for Texas’s unique past. Whether you're an educator, student, historian, or lifelong learner, discover how TSHA connects Texans with their history.
Publications
We are the state’s longest-running publisher of books on Texas history, with our first volume published in 1918. Over the years, we have built a reputation for producing high-quality, award-winning books and Handbook entries on a wide array of topics, including exploration, biography, architecture, historic sites, high school football, labor unions, and suburbanization. Enthusiasts of Texas’s rich history will find something to enjoy among our diverse collection of books and entries.
Awards & Fellowships
Sound scholarship serves as the foundation for all of our programs, products, and services. As a part of this effort, we offer several awards and fellowships to encourage the study and teaching of Texas history.
Our Mission
To foster the appreciation, understanding, and teaching of the rich and unique history of Texas and, by example and through programs and activities, encourage and promote research, preservation, and publication of historical material affecting the state of Texas.
Our Mission
To foster the appreciation, understanding, and teaching of the rich and unique history of Texas and, by example and through programs and activities, encourage and promote research, preservation, and publication of historical material affecting the state of Texas. Ways to Give
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) is composed of dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for preserving and promoting Texas history. These leaders bring expertise in fields ranging from education to business, working together to guide TSHA in its mission of advancing the study and appreciation of Texas history. Their vision and commitment play a vital role in shaping the future of the Association and its impact across the state and beyond. If you are interested in serving on the TSHA Board of Directors, please apply today.
W. Wesley Perry
Board Member President
Wes co-founded SES Investments, Ltd., in 1980 with his wife Roni, an oil, gas, and real estate investment company. He has served as Chairman of PBEX, LLC since July 2012. He co-founded EGL Resources, Inc., in 1994 and currently serves as its CEO. He founded Master Mineral Holdings, Inc. in 1994 and serves as its CEO. He founded MT223, LLC in 2001 and serves as its manager. He has served as a Director of Genie Energy, Ltd. (GNE) since September 2009. He is also Chairman of Genie Energy International Corporation. He has served as an Independent Director of Viper Energy Partners, LP (VNOM) since 2014. He has served as a director of First Southern National Bank since 2016. He has previously served as a director for IDT and UTGN, both publicly traded companies. Wes served on the Midland City Council from 2002 to 2008 and as the Mayor of Midland from January 2008 through January 2014. Wes holds a BS degree in Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. He serves on the Abell Hangar Foundation. He and his wife, Roni co-founded the Milagros Foundation in 1996. They have three married children and eight grandchildren.
Dolph Briscoe IV, Ph.D.
Board Member First Vice President
Brandon Seale
Board Member Second Vice President
Lewis F. Fisher
Secretary
Walter Pophin
Treasurer
Katharine Armstrong
Board Member
Steve Ivy
Board Member
Carolyn E. Boyd, Ph.D.
Board Member
Stephen L. Hardin, Ph.D.
Board Member
Betty Edwards, M.D.
Board Member
Ramona Bass
Board Member
Glen Sample Ely, Ph.D.
Board Member
Charles Swanlund
Board Member
Gene Preuss, Ph.D.
Board Member
Max Grossman, Ph.D.
Board Member
Ana Martinez-Catsam, Ph.D.
Board Member
William V. Scott
Board Member
J. P. Bryan, Jr.
Honorary Life Board Member
John W. Crain
Honorary Life Board Member
Stephen C. Cook
Honorary Life Board Member
Frank de la Teja, Ph.D.
Honorary Life Board Member
Staff & Volunteers
TSHA’s dedicated staff and volunteers work together to preserve and share Texas history. Historians, educators, editors, and researchers drive our mission through education and publications, while volunteers support key programs like Texas History Day, Junior Historians, and the Annual Meeting. Their passion ensures Texas history is celebrated for generations to come.
J. P. Bryan, Jr.
Executive Director
J. P. Bryan and his family have had years of involvement with the Texas State Historical Association and the history of Texas. His uncle, Guy M. Bryan was a founder and Secretary and served on the Board from 1897-1901. His father was President from 1965-1967, and J. P. was President from 1982-83. Recently he raised pledges of $750,000 to fund the Lone Star Chair in Texas History at the University of North Texas, to which he and his wife are contributors. He has raised more funds for the TSHA than anyone in its history. Bryan was first introduced to the TSHA by former TSHA Director, H. Bailey Carroll, for whom he served as a grader while attending The University of Texas in pursuit of his law degree. He is also the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Torch Energy Advisors Incorporated (TEAI) of Houston. In addition to his positions at Torch, Bryan has been actively involved in the oil and gas industry for more than 35 years.
Richard B. McCaslin, Ph.D.
- Director of Publications
- Texas State Historian
Brett J. Derbes, Ph.D.
- Administrative Director
- Managing Editor, Handbook of Texas
Brett Regan
- Managing Editor, Texas Almanac
Sofia Treviño
- Associate Editor, Texas Almanac
Laurie E. Jasinski
- Research Editor, Handbook of Texas
Russell Stites
- Assistant Editor, Handbook of Texas
Emily Laskowski
- Managing Editor, SWHQ & TSHA Press
Kimberly Peña
- Director of Education Services
John W. Jenkins
- Developer
Walter Pophin
- Staff Accountant
Angel Baldree
- Director of Corporate Events & Executive Assistant
Danny Corbett
- Texas History Day Coordinator
Becky Ramirez
- Education Coordinator
Shelby Scheuermann
- Grants Manager
- Development Coordinator
Solomon Weiner
- Membership Specialist
Raymond DeVuono
- Marketing and Communications Specialist
Eva Cline
- Administrative Assistant
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TSHA is a proud affiliate of University of Texas at Austin
Committees
TSHA is guided by a dedicated group of committees that play a vital role in shaping the direction of our programs and initiatives. These committees, composed of experts and volunteers from various fields, provide valuable insights and support for our educational efforts, publications, and events. Through their work, they help ensure that TSHA continues to fulfill its mission of preserving and promoting the history of Texas for future generations.
There are currently 185 seats filled by 101 people in our 36 committees. If you are interested in serving on one or more committees, please apply today.
Al Lowman Award Committee
Almanac Committee
Auction Committee
To be announced
Audit Committee
Bylaws Committee
Coral Horton Tullis Award Committee
Executive Committee
Fellows Committee
Fellowship Awards Committee
Finance Committee
Gail and Chuck Swanlund Award Committee
H. Bailey Carroll Award Committee
Hernandez Research Fellowship Committee
Kate Broocks Bates Award Committee
Kay Bailey Hutchison Award Committee
Larry McNeill Research Fellowship Committee
Legislative Affairs Committee
Liz Carpenter Award Committee
Mary Jon and J.P. Bryan Awards Committee
Nominating Committee
Program Committee
Resolutions Committee
To be announced
