On October 22, 1836, history was made when Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas, and almost two centuries later, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library is continuing that legacy with an annual celebration of the event.
Situated on a 15-acre spread that was owned by Sam Houston, the Museum was designed by architect Harry Payne in a “Jeffersonian American” style, and it houses 10,000+ artifacts, including numerous properties across the acreage that were owned by, or lived in by, Sam Houston.
All this and more are on display during the Inauguration celebration, along with remarks by the Museum Director, Derrick Birdsall, Vice-President of University Advancement, Matthew Bethea, and most years, President Alisa White.
LEAP Ambassadors have a small role in the event, typically greeting people, helping with nametags, and driving them (in golf carts) from their cars to the Museum. It’s a pleasure to do this because we have the opportunity to work with Megan Buro, while meeting some of the nicest people in Texas.
This year, we were able to speak with Representatives Trey Wharton and Janis Holt; City leaders such as Mayor Russell Humphrey; Councilman Tore Fossum; Councilman Cox; former Mayor Mac Woodward; former County Judge Danny Pierce; Chamber of Commerce President Jason Brandolini; City Manager Scott Swigert; TSUS Regent Sheila Faske; and former TSUS Regent Trisha Pollard. Provost Yenduri also attended, as did Vice-Provost Gaillard, Dean Bell, and Vice-President Eric Owen.
In addition, we had the special opportunity to meet members of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe. The Tribe was close to–and important to–Sam Houston throughout his career, assisting with the “Great Escape,” maintaining neutrality throughout the Texas Revolution, and forming strong relations with him as Texas President, Senator, and Governor. Indeed, members of the Tribe visited him in Huntsville, and the presence of Batisse and Poncho was a nice echo of this long-standing relationship.
Several Ambassadors had a chance to meet Chuck Jones, an SHSU alum who has been helpful to former Ambassadors and continues to do much for the University. We had a chance to catch up with alum Scott McCarley, who has done much to support the Museum. Other of our friends, such as Yesennia Marroquin, Gregoria McGuire, Mikey Sproat, Tom and Jan Rogers, and Lee Jamison were also there, making the mingling even more enjoyable.
The students also renewed their friendship with Lindsey Hughes, whose grandmother was Sam Hosuton’s Great-Grand Daughter. She is always friendly, supportive, and inspiring.
For the LEAP Ambassadors, the celebration offered a chance to connect the history we study with the community in which we live. From welcoming guests to renewing friendships and meeting people whose families are part of Houston’s story, we enjoyed a memorable evening on his former homestead. We are grateful to Megan Buro and the Museum staff for including us in a tradition that brings generations together—and reminds us how much there is to learn from the people around us.
