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Message from the Chair
Preserving the Story of Texas  
History is more than a collection of dates and events. It is the story of who we are, where we came from, and the ideas that shaped us. It is the record of men and women who carved a republic from the Texas frontier and built a culture grounded in independence, self-government, and a stubborn determination to chart their own course.
With this inaugural issue of The 1836 Quarterly, we embrace our responsibility to preserve and share that story. The Texas Revolution was not merely a moment in time—it was the beginning of a legacy that continues to influence the character of Texas today. From the walls of the Alamo to the frontiers of space, the story of Texas reminds us that the past is not dead; it is very much alive in the people and communities that carry it forward.
In the pages that follow, you will find the work of people committed to telling the Texas story honestly, accurately, and without apology. Our goal is simple: to ensure that every Texan has the opportunity to understand the events, people, and ideals that gave rise to the Lone Star State.
The future of Texas depends, in part, on whether we remember what made Texas possible in the first place. We invite you to explore these stories, share them with others, and join us in preserving a legacy worthy of the generations that will follow.
Dr. Donald S. Frazier
Chair, 1836 Project Advisory Committee
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Legislative Updates
 The 1836 Project Advisory Committee recently convened at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. We are proud to welcome our newest committee members:
- Representative Caroline Fairly
- Representative Hillary Hickland
- Representative Katrina Pierson
Appointment of Ernesto Rodriguez
The 1836 Project is pleased to announce the appointment of Ernesto Rodriguez, a distinguished historian specializing in early Texas history. Mr. Rodriguez, an official historian at the Alamo, has dedicated his career to public education and historical scholarship. His expertise will be instrumental in guiding the project's comprehensive narrative of the founding of Texas. We welcome his leadership and look forward to his contributions.
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Introducing the Bona Fide Texan Initiative
The Texas 1836 Project is proud to introduce the Bona Fide Texan Initiative—a new civic program designed to engage Texans in the knowledge, heritage, and principles that define our state. As Texas approaches its Bicentennial in 2036, this initiative will help build a decade of meaningful participation and cultural renewal.
Open to lifelong residents and newcomers alike, Bona Fide Texan offers participants the opportunity to earn formal recognition through learning, exploration, and engagement with Texas history, geography, and traditions. Through educational content, visits to historic sites and state parks, and public recognition ceremonies, the program aims to strengthen civic identity and connect Texans across all communities.
Rockwall Quarterly Meeting - May 7th
On May 7, the 1836 Project Advisory Committee convened for its quarterly meeting to review ongoing initiatives and advance preparations for Texas’ 2036 Bicentennial.
Dr. Don Frazier delivered opening remarks and introduced the Bona Fide Texan Initiative, outlining its role as a cornerstone civic education program for the decade ahead. Following the presentation, Greg Sindelar made a motion to adopt and implement the initiative, which was seconded by Representative Katrina Pierson and passed unanimously.
The Committee then heard invited testimony from a distinguished group of presenters, including Judge Mark Russo of Rockwall County; John Vick, District Director for Senator Bob Hall and co-founder of the Alamo Letter Society; Dennis Rottler, Executive Director of the British Flying Training Museum; historian Ken Neely of the Eisenhower Birthplace Historic Site; and author Rusty Williams. Their testimony provided valuable perspective on Texas history, civic engagement, and educational outreach.
Public testimony followed, after which the meeting concluded with continued alignment.
Rockwall Historical Commission
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At the 1836 Committee meeting, they presented Rep. Katrina Pierson with a framed poster commemorating Rockwall County’s upcoming America 250 celebration. |
Remembrance: New London School Explosion
(March 18, 1937)
We honor the memory of the 294 students and educators lost in the New London School explosion. Following this tragedy, the global mandate for natural gas odorization was established—a legacy that continues to save lives today.
 Museum Highlight: The History of West Museum
Our team recently visited the History of West Museum, where we were hosted by Georgia Hutyra and Nancy Hykel. The museum features several significant exhibits:
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2013 Fertilizer Plant Explosion Exhibit: A powerful commemoration of local resilience.
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Firefighter Memorial Wall: Honoring first responders who served during times of crisis.
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Comanche Boy Burial Painting: A glimpse into regional history from 1850.
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Museum Highlight: Texas Heritage Museum
We congratulate the Texas Heritage Museum on receiving the 2025 IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Services. Notable highlights include:
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Audie Murphy Exhibit: Featuring the uniform of one of America's most decorated heroes.
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Official Texas State Medal of Honor Memorial: Dedicated to native-born Texas veterans.
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On the Road: Bringing 1836 to Your Corner of Texas
A major part of our mission at the 1836 Project is getting out of the office and into the places where history actually happened. Under the direction of Dr. Charles Wright, the project continues to travel the highways and byways of Texas, collaborating with local curators and historical sites to ensure our state’s legacy is celebrated with grit and integrity.
Current Statewide Initiatives:
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DPS Pamphlet Distribution: We are currently coordinating the statewide placement of official 1836 Project educational pamphlets in Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Offices, travel centers, historic sites, museums and schools.
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Museum & Historical Site Tours: From the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon to the hallowed grounds of the Alamo, our team is working directly with regional directors to elevate local historical treasures into the broader statewide narrative.
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SAN JACINTO BATTLEGROUND SUMMER PROGRAMS
When: June 2026 (multiple dates)
Where: La Porte, TX
What: Ongoing summer programming featuring living history demonstrations, hands-on activities, and guided experiences interpreting the Battle of San Jacinto and the Texas Revolution.
HOME ON THE RANGE: THE GOODNIGHT LEGACY
When: June 13, 2026
Where: Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site
What: A public program exploring the life and legacy of Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight and their role in shaping early Texas ranching culture.
Ways to Get Involved
1836 Pamphlet Distribution: If you are a local official or community leader interested in helping facilitate distribution in your area, please contact our office.
Submit Your Story: Does your local community have a unique link to the events of 1836 that isn't widely known? We are looking for "Museum Highlights" and local lore to feature in the next 1836 Quarterly.
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Promoting Texas Heritage
Whether it’s a local "Heritage Market," a community ceremony, or a classroom presentation, the 1836 Project is committed to being a visible partner in preservation. If you have an upcoming event at a local museum or school and would like to highlight the work of the 1836 Project, we want to know about it.
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Meet the Director
Dr. Charles Wright, Director, 1836 Project
A native Texan with a deep-seated passion for our state's unique heritage, Dr. Wright oversees the day-to-day operations and strategic vision of the 1836 Project. Based out of the Waco area, Charles brings an executive leadership background and a commitment to historical accuracy to the Texas Education Agency.
Charles is dedicated to ensuring the "Story of Texas" is told with grit and integrity. Much of his work involves traveling across the Lone Star State—visiting historical sites, museums, and schools to promote the preservation of our past. Whether he is coordinating the statewide distribution of educational materials to DPS offices or engaging with students and educators, Charles is focused on making our history accessible to every citizen.
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Invite the Director to Your Community
Dr. Charles Wright is eager to visit new sites and schools as his schedule allows. If you would like to coordinate a visit or have a site you believe deserves statewide recognition in our next newsletter, please reach out:
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