July 30, 2026, 6:00 - 7:00 pm

University of Texas at Tyler Assistant Professor, Dr. Tim Seiter, will discuss his recent book, Wrangling Pelicans: Military Life in Texas Presidios. Wrangling Pelicans brings to life the world of Presidio La Bahía’s Hispano soldiers, whose duties ranged from heated warfare to high-stakes diplomacy, while their leisure pursuits included courtship, card playing, and cockfighting. It highlights the lives of presidio women and reveals the ways the Spanish legal system was used by and against the soldiers as they continually negotiated their roles within the empire and their community. Although they were agents of the Spanish crown, soldiers at times defied their king and even their captain as they found ways to assert their autonomy. Offering a fresh perspective on colonial Texas, Wrangling Pelicans recreates the complexities of life at the empire’s edge, where survival mattered more than royal decrees.

Pre-registration is not required. Admission is free of charge and light refreshments will be provided. Free-will donations will benefit our program sponsor, the Friends of San Felipe de Austin.

Meeting at the state historic site at 6:00 pm. You will be able to join or renew your membership for 2027

Author Gary L. Pinkerton will talk about Spanish Colonial East Texas and how contraband trade was the driving force in so much of that history. His book, BRIDLES AND BISCUITS is available at www.garylpinkerton.com, and will be available at the meeting.

From 9:00 am until 4:00 pm the entire site will be focused on what has been found and what might still be hidden. The new Archaeology Lab will be a focal point.

Save the date! 9:00 am until 4:00 pm, on Saturday.