Rockwall County Historical Foundation announces Sheri Stodghill Lecture Series 2016

Photo: Rockwall County Historical Foundation

(ROCKWALL, TX – Jan. 11, 2016) The Rockwall County Historical Foundation and Rockwall County Historical Commission present the Sheri Stodghill Lecture Series 2016, which features programs of historical interest from noon to 1 p.m. in the third floor courtroom at Rockwall’s historic downtown courthouse, on the second Friday of the month unless otherwise noted*. These events are free and open to the public.

Some of the programs are made possible in part by a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

*Thursday, January 14 – PULLEN FARMSTEAD 

*6:30 pm – Library Community Room

At the RCHF Annual Meeting, members of the Pullen family will join us as we feature a pre-recorded oral history of the Pullen farmstead from the initial purchase of the land to its love by the current generation. The 2016 officers and members of the Board will be introduced.

Friday, February 12GLORIA WILLIAMS

Black History month honors Legendary Local Hometown Hero, Gloria Williams who shares her life story and love of education in a pre-recorded oral history.  Gain insight into this amazing Rockwall County woman whose determination to get an education is an inspiration at any age.

Friday, March 11 – ROCKWALL COUNTY BELIEVE IT OR NOT

Tall tales of Rockwall County that are somewhat amazing, unusual or really quite odd.  You’ll learn true accounts of happenings that belong in the “believe it or not” category!

Friday, Friday, April 8GLIMPSE OF TEXAS HISTORY IN 1861

To secede or not to secede, that is the question posed by Governor Sam Houston (aka Mike Donegan) and John Salmon “Rip” Ford, famous Texas Ranger (aka Jay Webb).  Learn the cultural, economic and political issues that were driving forces in this period of Texas history. 

Friday, May 13 – ONE AMERICAN SOLDIER

This recorded encore presentation features the service and capture of Weldon Mellody, World War II soldier, from Royse City, as lovingly shared by daughter-in-law, JoNell Mellody.

(*Break for summer months) 

Friday, September 9 – FLIGHT OF OUR FATHERS

Are you familiar of the history of the #1 British Flight Training School located in Terrell? CDR Joe M. Hood, USN Ret. will share the story of how the largest facility of its kind was used to train more than 2,000 British and American pilots between 1941 and 1945. 

Friday, October 14TALKING TOMBSTONES

Meddie Bowles (aka Nancy Beaty) will present the circumstances surrounding the trial and conviction for murder of her husband in 1949.  You will not want to miss this historical account of mystery and intrigue. 

*Thursday, November 10 – LEGENDARY LOCAL

Terry Fisher, the first Rockwall soldier to be killed in WWI will be honored by Dick Clark, member of American Legion Post 117.  The Rockwall Post is one of the oldest posts in the United States, and was named for our Legendary Local.

Friday, December 11THE ROCK WALL REVISITED

This popular annual program will re-examine the history of the rock wall and the most recent developments regarding Rockwall’s unique underground formation.

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