The City of Roma, together with the William J. Hill Texas Artisans and Artists Archive of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Decorative Arts Trust, is hosting an afternoon-long series of events on Saturday, February 7, focusing on Roma’s National Historic Landmark District.
Investigative journalist Stephen Michaud (author of Robert’s Story and If You Love Me, You Will Do My Will) will speak at 2 p.m. on his experiences in the South Texas borderlands.
Architectural historian Stephen Fox will present a brief architectural history Powerpoint series at City Hall at 4 p.m., followed by a walking tour of Roma’s National Historic Landmark District. Fox is the author of the AIA Houston Architectural Guide and The Country Houses of John F. Staub. He is a lecturer at the Rice University School of Architecture and the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston.
Archivist Michelle Johnson will provide valuable insight into preserving and understanding historical records and collections.
Participants are encouraged to bring items from their personal collections, such as photographs, documents, or artifacts, for expert evaluation and digitization from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
The afternoon concludes with a night market and the opportunity to visit Leonardo Sánchez’s Blasfemus Ancestral Craft Spirits distillery in the restored Manuel Guerra House and Store.
All events are open to the public and no reservations are necessary.
Schedule
February 7, 1:30-6:30pm
- 1:30-3:30 Digitization Round-up at city hall
- Oral histories
- Digitization station for archives and small objects
- Archivist/librarian on site for advice on keeping personal papers and keepsakes safe
- 2:00-3:00 Stephen Michaud presentation at Birding Center amphitheater (can move to chambers if necessary)
- 4:00-4:30 Presentation on Roma archives (City Hall, live/recorded, Carlos and Michelle)
- 5:00-6:30 Architectural tour with Stephen Fox (Begins at City Hall Chambers and ends at Guerra Building)
- 6:30-until Unofficial reception at Ancestral Spirits and City Night Market on historic square
