Graduate Research Assistants


Diana Hernandez (September 2023–January 2024)

Ahmed Deidán de la Torre (September 2023–May 2024)

Timothy Ross Reed (May 2023–August 2023)

Blake Gandy (May 2023–August 2023)

Lucius Seger (May 2023–August 2023)

Carson Nicola (May 2023–August 2023)

Marcus Golding (September 2022–May 2024)

Benjamin V. Allison (September 2022–May 2023)

Spenser R. Rapone (January 2022–May 2022)

Whitney Wheeler (September 2021–May 2022)

Camila Ordorica (September 2021–May 2023)

Madeleine Olson (September 2021–May 2022)

Peter Worger (September 2021–May 2022)

Eddie Watson (September 2020–May 2021)

Andrew Klooster (September 2020–May 2021)

Ray F. Lucas (September 2020–May 2021)

Gabrielle Esparza (January 2020–August 2020)

Stefanie Shackleton (January 2020–May 2020)

Paula O'Donnell (September 2019–December 2019)

Mia Gomez (September 2019–December 2019)

Micaela Valadez (January 2019–August 2020)

Ted Banks (January 2019–November 2023)

Sheena Lee Cox (January 2019–August 2021)

John Carranza (August 2017–February 2018)

Megan Stanford (January 2017–August 2017)

Jennifer Townzen (August 2016–December 2016)

Andres Nava, Jr. (May 2016–August 2016)

Jennifer Schein (January 2016–May 2016)

Brett Donohoe (January 2016–July 2016)

Joseph Fox (January 2016–May 2016)

María Esther Hammack, Ph.D. (January 2016–January 2017)

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

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.

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

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

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.

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

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Discover commemorative events across Texas

Explore local and statewide programs, exhibitions, and public events connected to the semiquincentennial and the many stories that shape our shared history.

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Participate through education and community engagement

Learn how students, teachers, families, and local communities can take part in Texas America250 through activities, programs, and opportunities tied to Texas History Day and beyond.

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Explore the initiative and its broader purpose

Learn more about Texas America250 and the effort to promote deeper understanding of the nation’s founding and the contributions of Texans past and present.

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