Justice Ken Wise Concludes 2026 Dr. Wilfred Dietrich Speaker Series at Brenham Heritage Museum
Published September 23, 2026
BRENHAM, TEXAS — The Brenham Heritage Museum welcomed Justice Ken Wise on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, for the final guest lecture in its 2026 Dr. Wilfred Dietrich Speaker Series.
Justice Wise presented an examination of the landmark 1871 trials of Kiowa leaders Satanta and Big Tree. The program explored this pivotal moment in Texas history, widely recognized as the first known instance in which Native American chiefs were tried in a U.S. state civil court. Drawing on his background in law and history, Justice Wise considered the case’s legal, cultural, and historical significance.
Justice Wise is in his 22nd year of service as a Texas judge. He has served on Houston’s Fourteenth Court of Appeals for the past 12 years and previously served as judge of both the 152nd and 334th District Courts. He holds degrees from Texas A&M University, the University of Houston Law Center, and Sam Houston State University, where he earned a master’s degree in history.
An avid Texas historian, Justice Wise hosts the award-winning Wise About Texas podcast and served as president of the Texas State Historical Association from 2023 through 2025. He is also a member of the Texas Judicial Council, vice chair of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, and an elected member of the American Law Institute, where he focuses on policing law and American Indian law.
The evening began with a members-only reception featuring light bites and refreshments, followed by Justice Wise’s presentation at the Brenham Heritage Museum.
The lecture concluded the Museum’s 2026 Dr. Wilfred Dietrich Speaker Series. The Brenham Heritage Museum plans to announce its 2027 speaker series in January.
Donations supporting the speaker series help the Brenham Heritage Museum continue providing high-quality educational programs for the community. Contributions may be mailed to Brenham Heritage Museum, 310 East Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833.
