2024 Annual Meeting
May 15–18 • San Antonio & Austin, TX
Join us for Adventures in San Antonio and Austin.
When the Spaniards arrived in Texas in the 1500s, they encountered several tribes, including the Payaya Indians near San Antonio. Spain built presidios in the 17th century to protect land claims and settlements; early Spanish settlers in San Antonio were from the Canary Islands. Missions were established to Christianize the Indigenous peoples. San Antonio has five restored Spanish missions, including the Alamo, and these sites have World Heritage Site status under UNESCO.
In the 19th century, five flags flew over the State of Texas. Spain granted independence to Mexico in 1821, and Texas won independence from Mexico after losing the siege at the Alamo and then winning the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. After 10 years as an independent Republic, Texas was annexed by the United States in 1845. A border dispute contributed to the Mexican War; as a result, the Rio Grande border was confirmed, and the U.S. gained California and the southwest. The borders were set, except for the upheavals when Texas seceded from the Union during the Civil War.
Immigrants from Germany arrived in great numbers, settling in San Antonio and in the Hill Country around Fredericksburg. Migrants from Mexico did not start coming in significant surges until the 1920s, initially because of the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1917.
San Antonio became better known during the 1898 Spanish-American War, primarily fought for Cuban independence. Teddy Roosevelt recruited volunteers and trained troops known as the Rough Riders, using the Menger Hotel as his preferred hangout. The Bar and display cases are filled with reminders. Troops came to the Fort Sam Houston Army Post, established in 1876, during the two world wars. Today it is especially known for medical training for all branches of the military.
The downtown of San Antonio has been transformed in recent years, by Hemisfair, a world’s fair in 1968 which expanded the River Walk area established in the 1920s, and by the current $550 million project redeveloping Alamo Plaza.
Come see for yourself—both the historic past and history in the making.
In planning the activities of the 2024 Annual Meeting, coordinators Ellen Myers, Bill Myers, and Dianne Powell have sought venues which would not be available to the casual tourist. Included are admission onto the Fort Sam Houston Army Post, special tours at the Alamo, and exceptional dinner experiences in San Antonio plus free time to pursue your own special interests.
In Austin, visits to three world class libraries: at the University of Texas in Austin, the Harry Ransom Center, and the Briscoe Center for American History, and the LBJ Presidential Library are planned.
An Add-On Day on Sunday takes attendees to the Museum and Archives of the Pacific War, formerly the Nimitz Museum, right on the main street in Fredericksburg, with a stop on the way back to San Antonio at the Becker Winery and Lavender Field.
Are you ready? Send in your registration form now.
Registration:
- $550.00 (exclusive of airfare and hotel)
- Deadline for registration is April 24, 2024
- Additional Sunday: $110.00