| "Caught
in the Webb of history"
The
Walter Prescott Webb Historical Society was
organized at the University of Texas at Austin in
the 1960s after the death of the much loved Walter
P. Webb, author of The
Great Plains and a history of the Texas
Rangers. This
statewide organization is affiliated with the
Texas State Historical Association, the oldest and
most prestigious historical organization in the
state. Many
branches have been established across Texas.
Lamar University formed its local Webb
Society chapter in 1981/1982, with Ralph Wooster
and Jo Ann Stiles as the original sponsors. Current faculty sponsors are Mary L. Kelley Scheer, Jimmy L. Bryan,
Jr., and Carol Atmar.
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The mission of
the Webb Society is to stimulate interest in all
aspects of history, especially that of Beaumont
and Jefferson County; to support the exhibits at
the Spindletop Museum; to assist in the collection
of books and historical documents for the Texas
section of the Lamar University library; to assist
the Jefferson County Historical Commission and
other local historical societies; and to identify
and preserve historical landmarks in Texas.
Webb
Society activities include sponsoring guest speakers on
campus; taking at least one
out-of-town trip per semester; attending annual historical
conferences; participating in fund-raisers, on-campus
activities, and service projects; providing support for
history department programs; holding an annual society
banquet; and writing articles for publication in Touchstone,
the journal of the Webb Society.
Webb
Society membership is open to all students, regardless of
major, with an interest in history and/or historical
preservation. Monthly
meetings are held on the second floor of Archer.
Annual dues are $5.00.
For more information, contact the faculty sponsors
or the History Department at (409) 880-8511.
The views and opinions expressed in this document are
strictly those of the author(s) and do not necessarily
reflect the views or opinions of the State of Texas, the
Regents or officials of the Texas State University
System, the Lamar University administration, and Lamar
University colleges or departments, or any recognized
Lamar University organization. Comments on the contents
of this document should be directed to the author(s). |
