Texas State Historical Association

It is week six of the Texas State Historical Association's Summer Educator Spotlight! Throughout the summer, we are celebrating the teachers who bring Texas history to life and make a lasting impact through TSHA's education programs.

This week, we are proud to highlight Patricia Ritchie, who teaches 6th grade Social Studies and 7th grade Texas History and serves as NJHS and Junior Historian Sponsor. Over the past two decades, Patricia has founded eight Junior Historian chapters, creating a space for students who love history but haven't yet found their spot in traditional extracurriculars.

Her students have taken part in hands-on experiences like expeditions to the Fort Worth Stockyards, the USS Lexington, and the Alamo, alongside civic projects supporting causes like the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Patricia was named the Daughters of the Republic of Texas' State Texas History Teacher in both 2009 and 2023. Thank you for all the things you do, Patricia!

Great to see so many Texas Almanacs in Texas homes!

The Texas State Historical Association is saddened to share the passing of Dr. Dan K. Utley. Dr. Utley had a long career as a distinguished historian, educator, and author. A long-time member of the Texas State Historical Association, he became a TSHA Fellow in 2008 and won the Mary Jon and J. P. Bryan Leadership in Education Award in 2016. Information about funeral services can be found in the comments section.