J. P. Bryan, Jr.

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J. P. Bryan

J. P. Bryan, Jr.


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.

TSHA Awards

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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