The mission of the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) is 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.”

TSHA is the oldest learned society in our state. Organized in Austin on March 2, 1897, the founders of TSHA brought lay and professional historians together to document and celebrate the state’s complex and diverse history. Today, TSHA follows the path laid out by its founders, sharing Texas history and stories of events and people from all walks of life with individuals and organizations across the state, nation, and globe. It supports educational materials and other scholarship that follow the tenets, methods and practices advocated by the professional historical community.

We rely upon gifts from the community and our valued members to continue to expand our efforts to include all accurate and inclusive histories in TSHA publications, the Handbook of Texas and its special projects, the Southwestern Historical Quarterly and our entire range of educational materials and conferences.