Yesterday I attended a stellar panel discussion at the
Bullock State History Museum in Austin, held as part of a new exhibit entitled
Women
Shaping Texas in the 20th Century, Dr. Paula Mitchell Marks, a distinguished historian of Texas women’s
history served as guest curator of this exhibit, which will be a featured
exhibit at the Bullock until May 19, 2013. This detailed and comprehensive
exhibit, officially opened this weekend, considers the role that Texas women
have played in shaping the history of the Lone Star State. As the exhibition
material notes: “The
story of Texas wouldn't be complete without the many histories of the
determined women who stepped out and stepped up to fight for rights, improve
public services, and help create the state that we know today. Re-encounter
inspirational and pioneering Texas women such as Barbara Jordan, Babe Didrikson
Zaharias, Clara Driscoll, and Juanita Craft ... but then discover the impact of
countless other women and women's groups in the fields of business, education,
civil rights, healthcare, government, the arts, and the preservation of both
natural and historic landmarks.” The panel discussion held yesterday attracted
a large audience of individuals, not only from Austin but from around the
state. Every panelist was an historian who has done significant work on the
history of Texas with special reference to the important contributions women
have made. Moderated by Paula Mitchell Marks, the panel included Merline
Petrie, Rebecca Sharpless, Jean A. Stuntz, Nancy Baker Jones, Judith A.
McArthur, Cynthia Orozco, and Elizabeth Hayes Turner. The discussion focused on
the social, cultural, economic, political, and public policy contributions of
women to Texas history, while also considering a wide variety of issues related
to gender and race. Each panelist reviewed important historical studies
relating to their fields of expertise and commented about trends they saw for the
future in the study of Texas Women’ history. It was a most interesting and
worthwhile event.
Click here for a link to the exhibition website at the
Bullock.
