As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Texans have a unique opportunity to reflect on the state’s role in the American story. Through exhibitions, programs, educational initiatives, and community events across Texas, Texas America250 encourages celebration, reflection, and commemoration at both local and statewide levels. At the Texas State Historical Association, we are proud to support this important moment through our mission-driven work in history education and public engagement, including Texas History Day, and we invite students, educators, and communities to explore this milestone in meaningful ways.

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On July 4, 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the greatest nation in the history of the world. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Long may these ideals live in the heart of every Texan and every American. May God bless all who have defended our freedoms that we enjoy each day. And God bless the United States of America.

Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

President

W. Wesley Perry (March 2026)

Gene Preuss, Ph.D. (March 2025–March 2026)

Ken Wise (March 2023–March 2025)

Nancy Baker Jones, Ph.D. (March 2023–August 2023)

R. Lance Lolley (February 2022–February 2023)

Patrick L. Cox, Ph.D. (March 2021–March 2022)

Mary Margaret McAllen (March 2020–March 2021)

Emilio Zamora (March 2019–March 2020)

Sarita A. Hixon (2018–2019)

Paula Mitchell Marks, Ph.D. (2017–2018)

Stephen C. Cook (2016–2017)

Lynn Denton (2015–2016)

John L. Nau III (2014–2015)

Gregg Cantrell, Ph.D. (2013–2014)

Watson C. Arnold, Ph.D. (2012–2013)

Merline Pitre (2011–2012)

Dianne Garrett Powell (2010–2011)

Walter L. Buenger, Ph.D. (2009–2010)

Frances B. Vick (2008–2009)

Frank de la Teja, Ph.D. (2007–2008)

Larry McNeill (2006–2007)

Robert A. Wooster (2005–2006)

John W. Crain (2004–2005)

George N. Green (2003–2004)

Shirley Caldwell (2002–2003)

Jerry D. Thompson, Ph.D. (2001–2002)

Al Lowman (2000–2001)

Norman D. Brown (1999–2000)

Paul G. Bell (1998–1999)

Margaret S. Henson (1997–1998)

Cissy Stewart Lale (1996–1997)

Félix D. Almaráz Jr. (1995–1996)

Robert H. Thonhoff (1994–1995)

Randolph B. Campbell, Ph.D. (1993–1994)

Alwyn Barr (1992–1993)

Max S. Lale (1991–1992)

A. Frank Smith (1990–1991)

Robert A. Calvert (1989–1990)

Jenkins Garrett (1988–1989)

James W. Pohl (1987–1988)

J. Conrad Dunagan (1986–1987)

Ron Tyler, Ph.D. (1986–1986)

Archie P. McDonald (1985–1986)

Clifton Caldwell (1984–1985)

Edward A. Clark (1983–1984)

J. P. Bryan, Jr. (1982–1983)

Marilyn McAdams Sibley (1981–1982)

Ben E. Pingenot (1980–1981)

Ben H. Procter (1979–1980)

F. Lee Lawrence (1978–1979)

Ernest Wallace (1977–1978)

Dan E. Kilgore (1976–1977)

Billy Mac Jones (1975–1976)

Ralph A. Wooster (1974–1975)

Anne A. Brindley (1973–1974)

Roger N. Conger (1972–1973)

Dorman H. Winfrey (1971–1972)

Cooper K. Ragan (1970–1971)

Rupert N. Richardson (1969–1970)

Wayne Gard (1968–1969)

Seymour V. Connor (1967–1968)

J. P. Bryan Sr. (1965–1967)

George P. Isbell (1964–1965)

Fred R. Cotten (1962–1964)

Merle M. Duncan (1959–1962)

Ralph W. Steen (1957–1959)

Paul Adams (1955–1957)

Claude Elliott (1953–1955)

Herbert P. Gambrell (1951–1953)

Earl Vandale (1949–1951)

Pat Ireland Nixon (1946–1949)

L. W. Kemp (1942–1946)

Harbert Davenport (1939–1942)

W. R. Wrather (1932–1939)

Alex. Dienst (1929–1932)

T. F. Harwood (1925–1929)

Adele B. Looscan (1915–1925)

Zachary T. Fulmore (1912–1915)

A. W. Terrell (1907–1912)