History News and Spotlights

Make History Your Adventure This Summer at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library has an array of events planned for families this summer. Beginning Saturday, June 13, the Summer Spotlight Program will begin. Running every Saturday until July 25 (excluding July 4), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the museum’s education department will be on the museum grounds hosting free activities for all ages...

Check out photos of our amazing graduates!

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library in Huntsville invites the public to view a new temporary exhibit, “Texas America250”, on loan from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) through Aug. 16, 2026.

Highlighting historically significant Texas treasures from TSLAC’s collections, “Texas America250” will be loaned to local public libraries, schools and other community organizations starting in summer 2025 and continuing throughout the semiquincentennial year of 2026...

The SHSU Ring Ceremony is a proud Bearkat tradition, celebrating the hard work and dedication of students as they receive their official class rings.

Hailing from Belton, Texas, Emily Linklater came to Sam Houston State University with a clear purpose to pursue a career rooted in service, advocacy and making a difference in people’s lives. Now graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and minors in History, Psychology and Political Science, she is leaving SHSU with not only an impressive academic record but a powerful sense of direction.

Linklater chose SHSU for its strong reputation in criminal justice and the opportunity to be part of a close-knit campus community...

Sam Houston State University held its third annual Giving Day from April 21-22. This year, new and returning supporters blasted past previous-year totals, reaching over $564,000 from 870 gifts. Marking another year of outstanding support for the university.

Raven's Call at Sam Houston State University honors and celebrates students, faculty, staff and alumni who have passed away, fostering remembrance and community unity.

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library is set to host General Sam Houston Day on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

General Sam Houston Day, a revamped version of the museum’s previous Folk Festival, serves as a community event dedicated to honoring the life and times of Sam Houston (1793-1863)...

Sam Houston State University's prestigious annual awards night, The Sammys, brought together some of the best and brightest Bearkat students, faculty and staff for a night of celebration.

Awards are given to individuals, colleges and organizations; each honoree was nominated for their outstanding service to the university community. The breakdown of awards and the criteria for recipients is as follows...

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library is announcing its 2026 spring community events — Sam Houston’s Birthday, Spring Break Week Activities, Sundown at Sam’s Music Series and General Sam Houston Day.

“Our events allow the museum team to focus on what we do best — engage with our community and interpret the life of Sam Houston, one of the most interesting and enigmatic figures in Texas and U.S. history,” said Derrick Birdsall, museum director. “In its fourth year, the Sundown at Sam’s music series allows us to reach new audiences who might not otherwise visit a history museum, as well as revisit with those patrons who participated with us over the last three seasons.”...

View photos of campus in the spring.

Sam Houston State University hosted its commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12-13.

On Oct. 22, 1836, Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first elected president of the Republic of Texas. Nearly two centuries later, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library commemorated the 189th anniversary of this historic event by welcoming supporters and friends and unveiling newly acquired items in its collection.

Among the latest additions is a rare letter dated Feb. 19, 1826, written by a young Sam Houston during his tenure as a U.S. congressman from Tennessee. The letter, addressed to Henry Smith of New York, provides insight into the political, military and social issues of the time...

SHSU Climbs to No. 58 in Newsweek’s 2025 America’s Top Online Colleges Rankings

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) has once again been recognized as a leader in online education, earning the No. 58 spot in Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges 2025 rankings—a significant jump from No. 102 in 2024...

Sam Houston State Ranks Among Top Colleges in Nation, State

Sam Houston State University has been ranked No. 231 in the nation and ninth in Texas in the 2026 Best U.S. Colleges rankings by The Wall Street Journal and College Pulse.

SHSU placed ahead of all other Texas State University System institutions in the annual ranking, which evaluates colleges based on student outcomes and learning environment...

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library will celebrate Texas Archeology Month by hosting a free lecture highlighting recent excavations and analyses on Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Woodward Auditorium at the Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center. Amy Goldstein, section head of cultural resources for the environmental firm Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc., will guest lecture on “Clay and Collaboration: Archeological Investigations at the Kirbee Kiln Site." ..