TAMIU Welcomes 250th History Conference Oct. 13 - 15

As part of Laredo's 250th anniversary celebration, the 250th Celebration Commission, Texas A&M International University and Humanities Texas will sponsor "Laredo: 250 Years of History" a three-day border history conference on October 13 - 15 at TAMIU. The Conference will bring together a gathering of stellar academic historians to present papers on various topics relating to this region's history.

Admission is free of charge and open to the public. Registration will be conducted on site.

"Laredo and surrounding cities are in for a special treat with so many distinguished scholars gathered together in one place for this discussion of regional history," said Dr. José Roberto Juárez, one of the Conference organizers, "The celebration of our community's 250th anniversary is a fitting occasion to learn more about our city's development and to listen to the latest views from historical researchers and writers," he said.

Topics to be presented include Native Americans on the Lower Rio Grande, Rancheros' Economic Legacy, Law and Order in Laredo, Civil War on the Rio Grande, Laredo and the Mexican Federalist Wars, Religion and Culture in Laredo's Early Development, Border Trade 1840-1910, Laredo's Political Evolution, Revolutionary Movements Spilling onto the Border, Class and Ethnicity in 20th Century Laredo, and Women in South Texas Politics, among others.

The Conference will be kicked off with a keynote address by Dr. Henry C. Schmidt on October 13 as part of  TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Sr. Distinguished Lecture Series at 7 p.m. in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.

After the speakers' presentations on Friday, October 14th, the Webb County Heritage Foundation will host its annual Membership Meeting and Fundraiser Raffle from 6-8 p.m. in the Student Center Rotunda at TAMIU.

The public is invited to attend and become acquainted with the programs and services of the city's premier historic preservation organization. A book-signing by the Conference participants will also take place at this reception. 

For more information, please call the Webb County Heritage Foundation at (956) 727-0977 or e-mail heritage@webbheritage.org.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu