Annual Conference
Fredericksburg, Texas
January 15-18, 2026
We are now a full quarter into the “new” century. As we move forward in the present, the past is also moving forward. With this in mind we are thrilled our host city for the 2026 Annual Conference, Fredericksburg, boasts not only two 19th century sites, The Pioneer Museum and Ft. Martin Scott, but also a 20th century site, The National Museum of the Pacific War. Join us in jumping forward into the past with presentations and workshops focusing not only on the 19th, but 20th century life in Texas.​
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What to Expect
​​​Thursday
Half day and full day field trips
Friday
Half day and full day workshops
Friday Evening
Bring a pickled, preserved, or smoked delicacy to share, potluck style
Saturday
60 and 90 minute sessions
Lunch with keynote address
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Saturday Evening
Banquet, awards, and more​
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New
Conference Booklet
This year, we’re taking your conference experience to the next level with something special: the Conference Booklet.
It will include:
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Full Conference Agenda - Never miss a session!
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Speaker Spotlights - Get to know our speakers and presenters!
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Networking & Event Tips - Make the most of every opportunity!
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Venue Map - Navigate the event with ease!
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Session Articles – For every session at the conference, whether you attend it or not, you will have a printed version of the presentation so you will still have the information even if you could not attend.
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The only way to get a copy is to attend the conference - don't miss out!
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Bob Wettemann, Jr.
Dr. Robert "Bob" Wettemann, Jr. is an Associate Professor of History at the United States Air Force Academy and author of Privilege vs. Equality: Civil Military Relations in the Jacksonian Era, 1815-1845 and numerous articles and book chapters on U.S., military, and public history.
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He recently enjoyed a sabbatical as Historian-in-Residence at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico, where he conducted a review of their living history programming and consulted with the National Scouting Museum.
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His forthcoming book, Rhino Tanks and Sticky Bombs: GI Ingenuity in World War Two, explores the junction of innovation and technology among GIs in the Second World War, and is available for pre-order.
Bob is an avid living historian and has spent the last thirty years volunteering at local, state, and national parks, participating in a wide variety of interpretive events.
Saturday Night Banquet Entertainment
USO Show
This year’s Saturday evening event offers something extra special—a USO-style musical performance by renowned musician and historian Cece Otto. It’s the perfect chance to show off those new lindy hop skills you picked up earlier in the day!
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Rather than a formal sit-down banquet, enjoy a meal served hors d’oeuvre style, paired with period punch and plenty of lively conversation. Everyone is encouraged to dress for the occasion in their best late 1930s to early 1940s attire for an evening of music and dancing.
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Need some inspiration? Check out some resources we've put together just for the occassion.
Interested in hosting our next
annual conference?
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Have you ever wanted to gather a large group of living history colleagues at your site?
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Does your site want a chance to highlight its buildings, collections, and programs to others in the field?
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Would you like to have all of your living history friends visit your own facility to share information and for fellowship and fun?
Consider submitting a proposal to host the next Texas Living History Association Conference and Annual meeting!
The TLHA Board has created a Conference Host Proposal Packet to solicit bids to host the next conference. The document outlines all of the things you would need to know to put a conference host proposal together. It outlines the responsibilities of the host site, what logistics and assistance TLHA provide. Below you will find a link to the packet, the PDF can either be filled out electronically or printed and completed by hand.
The TLHA Board looks forward to seeing what amazing locations and exciting conference plans you have to offer!
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You can e-mail your proposals to info@texaslivinghistoryassociation.org
Please put "Conference Site Proposal" in the subject line.