The First Texas State Historian
Published: 05-24-07
AUSTIN – Governor Rick Perry has appointed Jess F. de la Teja chairman of the Department of History at Texas State University at San Marcos as Texas’ first State Historian. He retains this designation for two years from the date of his swearing in.
Published: 05-24-07
AUSTIN – Governor Rick Perry has appointed Jess F. de la Teja chairman of the Department of History at Texas State University at San Marcos as Texas’ first State Historian. He retains this designation for two years from the date of his swearing in.The duties of the state historian include enhancing the knowledge of Texans regarding Texas history and heritage; encouraging the teaching of Texas history in public schools; consulting with the Governor the Lieutenant Governor the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Legislature on matters related to the promotion of Texas history; and lecturing on matters of Texas history within the state historian’s area of expertise.
On March 10 De la Teja also assumed the role of president of the Texas State Historical Association a non-profit educational organization housed on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin since 1897 and widely known as the oldest learned society in Texas.
De la Teja is the author of numerous books and essays on the history of Texas and Colonial Latin American history including San Antonio de Bxar: A Community on New Spain’s Northern Frontier (1995) and co-author of Texas: Crossroads of North America 2004) a college-level survey of the state’s history.
He has authored or contributed to numerous other books journal and reference articles reviews and scripts. He previously served as director of archives and records at the Texas General Land Office. De la Teja is also a member of the East Texas Historical Association Western History Association the Texas Institute of Letters and active professionally in numerous educational organizations.
De la Teja received a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in history from Seton Hall University and a doctoral degree in Colonial Latin American History from the University of Texas at Austin.
What: The Texas State Historian Installation Ceremony: Jess F. de la Teja
Officiating will be Mr. Phil Wilson: Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Rick Perry
Officiating will be Mr. Phil Wilson: Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Rick Perry
When: Tuesday May 29 11:00 a.m.
Where: Governor’s Press Reception Room State Capitol Room 2S.2
Sponsors: The Texas State Historical Association and The Texas Historical Commission
Interviews and photos available upon request.
