TSHA Acquires the Texas Almanac

AUSTIN, TX—The Texas State Historical Association proudly announces the acquisition of the award-wining Texas Almanac as a gift from The Dallas Morning News. With this donation the TSHA is not only acquiring the biennial publication, but also the Almanac's Web site, www.TexasAlmanac.com and its archive material.

The first edition of the Texas Almanac was issued by The Galveston News in January 1857, 21 years after Texas won its independence from Mexico and only 12 years after it became a state. The focus of the earliest editions of the Almanac was on history and the workings of the state government. By 1950, the Texas Almanac had become a popular reference book on resources, industries, commerce, history, government, population, and other subjects relating to the political, civic, and economic development of Texas.

The Texas State Historical Association's mission has been to "foster the appreciation, understanding and teaching of the rich and unique history of Texas" since its founding in 1897. TSHA, which publishes the Handbook of Texas Online and the Southwestern Historical Quarterly, is a "natural fit" according to Jim Moroney, publisher of The Dallas Morning News.

Frances B. Vick, president of the TSHA, said that "We are excited about this important historical addition to the Texas State Historical Association. The Dallas Morning News has given a tremendous gift to the people of Texas—the venerable Texas Almanac."

TSHA recently announced it will move its offices to the University of North Texas later this year and it will retain its autonomy as a non-profit organization. The move will provide TSHA with the benefits of participation in the University’s academic environment and the well-established reputation of its History Department, which is premier in the state for teaching Texas History.