Texas State Historian Returning to Brenham Heritage Museum on July 13, 2026

Published July 6, 2026

BRENHAM, Texas — The Brenham Heritage Museum is pleased to welcome back Dr. Richard B. McCaslin, the Texas State Historian, for a special presentation on Monday, July 13, titled "Fighting Stock: John S. 'Rip' Ford of Texas." The program begins at 6:00 p.m. and is free for Brenham Heritage Museum members or $15 for non-members.

Appointed by Governor Greg Abbott as the fifth Texas State Historian in December 2025, Dr. McCaslin serves as Director of Publications for the Texas State Historical Association after a distinguished career as the TSHA Professor of Texas History at the University of North Texas. He has written or edited twenty-two books, earning numerous state and national awards for his scholarship on Texas history.

Drawing from his award-winning biography Fighting Stock: John S. "Rip" Ford of Texas, Dr. McCaslin will examine the life of one of nineteenth-century Texas' most influential figures. While Ford is best known as a Texas Ranger and military commander, he also served as a physician, lawyer, newspaper editor, legislator, mayor, and historian. McCaslin's presentation offers a deeper look at Ford's lasting influence on the political, civic, and cultural development of Texas.

"We are honored to welcome Dr. McCaslin back to the Brenham Heritage Museum," said Ciera Harris, Executive Director. "His engaging presentations and exceptional scholarship bring Texas history to life, and we are excited to offer our community another opportunity to learn from the state's official historian."

Copies of Dr. McCaslin's books will be available for purchase at the museum following the presentation.

The program is another installment of the museum’s latest series of lectures: The Dr. Wilfred Dietrich Speaker Series. This event will be held at the Brenham Heritage Museum, 105 S. Market Street, Brenham, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13. The members-only reception begins at 5:30 p.m. Food and refreshments will be provided.

The museum would like to graciously acknowledge Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, for its support of this event. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Humanities Texas.

For more information or to RSVP, please visit https://www.bhmtexas.org/programs-and-events/upcoming-programs. Membership forms are also available online for those wishing to attend the reception and enjoy additional museum benefits.