Today@Sam Article

Museum Receives Award From Texas Living History Association

Jan. 24, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

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By Megan Buro

The Texas Living History Association (TLHA) awarded the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library with the Texas Star Award for outstanding contributions to the field of living history, in a ceremony held on Jan. 20.

The TLHA was formed in 2012 and provides support, growth and community for living history enthusiasts in Texas. The group holds an annual conference in January, this year’s conference was held in Huntsville at the Sam Houston Museum, where the first TLHA conference was hosted.

“The museum has focused on presenting accurate living history about the Houston family and the enslaved people who lived and worked with them,” said Diane Dowdey, TLHA vice president. “The museum staff has researched the twelve people listed in Houston’s will, reached out to the descendants and created an exhibition about them. Also, General Sam Houston Day, a living history event, had a very successful inaugural event in 2023. As the TLHA returned to Huntsville, it seemed an appropriate time to honor the Sam Houston Memorial Museum with the Texas Star Award.”

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum is part of Sam Houston State University and is dedicated to preserving the memory of Sam Houston (1793-1863) and his times in a fifteen-acre complex located on the site of the property and home of Gen. Sam Houston.

Visitors have the unique opportunity to learn about the remarkable life of Sam Houston and experience everyday life on the Houston farm. Throughout the year, the museum hosts events, exhibits and living history programs for the public as well as doing outreach to other historic sites and organizations. 

“It’s an honor to be recognized by your peers for the work that you are doing, and we are looking forward to continuing the advancement of utilizing living history as a tool for interpretation at the museum,” said Derrick Birdsall, museum director.

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