Please go to this online form at the beginning of the school year to update your contact information or to set up a new chapter, CLICK HERE. For additional information, email edu@tshaonline or call 512-471-2600.

Chapter Organization:

(This is a suggestion; it is up to the sponsor to determine what is best for the chapter.)

Sponsor

Election of Officers

  • President—Calls meeting to order, runs the meeting, calls roll,
  • Vice-President—Supports the President, steps in for the President if needed
  • Secretary—Reads the minutes from the previous meeting, takes notes during the meeting, recording votes and such, calls roll of those in attendance,
  • Treasurer—keeps track of the chapter account/funds, records expenses and income, reads the financial report at the meetings, pays bills (with help from the sponsor)
  • Historian—records activities of the chapter, takes pictures, compiles the chapter report
  • for the chapter project, etc.
  • Parliamentarian—makes sure that meetings are run using proper parliamentary procedure according to Robert’s Rule of Order, this ensures everyone can contribute and the meeting is run smoothly.

Other officers if needed:

  • Reporter—lets local media know of activities of the chapter (in cooperation with any partners), notifies school communications office of chapter activities and highlights so they can publicize.

First meeting:

Establish the Chapter rules for the year and vote on them (best if maximum of five rules).

Members can acknowledge they understand the rules by signing a printout of the rules, this will allow sponsors to include new members over the course of the school year.

Tips: make them reasonable (i.e. members can miss two meetings per semester; members need to contribute to all chapter activities unless excused by the sponsor prior to the activity; treat everyone and their input with respect; each chapter member will give a short 2 minute presentation on a local history topic.)

Chapter Funding:

Check with ISD to see if there is extracurricular funding available

Chapters are encouraged to do fundraisers throughout the school year to assist in chapter activities.

Fundraisers can include (Check with school administrators to see what is allowed):

  • Selling Candy Bars
  • Concession Stand at sports events
  • Raffles (if allowed)
  • Car washes
  • Coffee bar
  • Bake sales

Possible funding available via TSHA, but not guaranteed, check with [email protected] to see if your chapter qualifies.

Chapter Projects:

Each chapter will conduct a chapter project over the course of the school year. Examples include, but not limited to:

  • Conduct an oral history program
  • Research a local landmark (Adopt-a-Building)
  • Collect and Document historic photographs partnering with a historical society or museum
  • Research a neglected cemetery – collect information from headstones and clean up the cemetery
  • Participate in a local heritage festival by demonstrating a pioneer craft or skill
  • Present a school assembly on Texas Independence Day or San Jacinto Day

Member Projects:

Texas History Day

If individual members would like to conduct a research project, they can enter the Texas History Day contest as part of a five-person group (two to five students) or aloneas an individual. Exhibit, website, documentary, and performance can be in a group or alone; however, Historic Paper is only for individuals. Regional contests are in February or early March, the State contest is in April in Austin, and the National contest is in June at the University of Maryland. The top two placers in each category and division are eligible to advance to the next contest level.

National History Day announces an annual theme in June each year to guide students in selecting their research topic.  Texas History Day suggests generalized topics relating to Texas History for students to explore for their project.  Make sure to read the rule book for the contest and the specific category, it can be found at https://texashistoryday.com/guides-checklists/.  The top four placing Junior division and Senior Division papers are invited to have their paper published in the Texas Historian journal.  It is one of the oldest journals in the country featuring middle and high school student work.

For more information visit texashistoryday.com or email [email protected].

General Land Office “Save Texas History” Essay contest for 4th or 7th graders (https://savetexashistory.org/education/essay-contest/index.html):

A theme is introduced, and students are asked to compose an essay based on that theme. Essays for the annual contest are judged on originality of idea, cohesiveness of thought and organization. Proper grammar, spelling and punctuation are also considered. The winning essays are invited to publish in the Texas Historian.

Regional Meetings:

Two or more Junior Historian Chapters can hold regional meetings at a location that has historic significance such as a state historic site or local museum. It’s recommended these meetings happen on a Saturday to prevent students from missing class. They are typically held during the fall term. The chapter sponsors work together to plan the Regional Meeting, but if they need assistance, the Texas State Historical Association Education Department will provide help. When a Regional Meeting is held, do not forget to send a write-up with pictures to [email protected] so the chapters can be recognized.