The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 48, July 1944 - April, 1945 Page: 550

rezas Collection
H. BAILEY CARROLL
EDWARD P. ALEXANDER, director of the Wisconsin His-
torical Society and president of the American Association
for State and Local History, is both a noted historical scholar
and an advocate of practical citizenship. Dr. Alexander has a
significant article, "Getting the Most Out of Local History," in
the Michigan History Magazine (XXIX, No. 1) for January-
March, 1945, wherein he states with conviction: "Local history
has more than research and pedagogical values; it is definitely
good for a community." Further he assures his reader: "In-
dividuality and glamor can be found in any community by
studying its local history." Superintendents of Texas schools
and Texas citizens should give careful consideration to the
above with reference to the advisability of establishing Junior
Historian chapters in Texas high schools.
Dr. Alexander sets up nine points of direction, observation,
generalization, and advice for historical societies.
1. No single plan of organization is best.
2. Historical societies should open membership to all who will pay their
dues.
3. Public tax support is a distinct asset for a historical society.
4. A historical society should enlist the support of both amateur and
professional historians.
5. State and local historical societies should work closely together.
6. State and local historical societies should strive to interest young
people.
7. Don't be afraid of publicity.
8. A historical society should have a five-year plan for research and
collection.
9. Above all, a historical society must keep active and alive.
In light of the above standards, how does the Texas State
Historical Association measure up? The various historical
organizations of Texas are structurally entirely separate and
independent. There has been no unification as in Ohio nor
federation as in Pennsylvania. Our organization is what Dr.
Alexander calls the "New York" system. But the Association,
as far as limited facilities will permit, does offer assistance
to and cooperation with all other historical groups in the state;