Walter Prescott Webb Historical Society
Discover, Research, Write, and Publish the history of Texas
About Webb Society
Founded in 1973, the Walter Prescott Webb Historical Society brings together college and university students across Texas to explore and share the rich history of the state and the Southwest. Named after the renowned historian Walter Prescott Webb, the Society grew from a single meeting at Baylor University into a vibrant network of campus chapters.
With support from the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA), the Society encourages student research, historical preservation, and community engagement. Each year, members showcase their work at TSHA’s Annual Meeting, and outstanding projects are honored through the prestigious Caldwell Awards.
In 1990, TSHA launched Touchstone, a peer-reviewed journal publishing undergraduate research in Texas history. The journal has featured over 170 student articles since its founding, offering many scholars their first opportunity to be published.
The Webb Society continues to inspire the next generation of historians through collaborative research, educational events, and service projects that celebrate the heritage of Texas.
Support history education—consider donating to TSHA today or becoming a member.
Start a Chapter. Make History.
Connect your campus to Texas history through student-led discovery, service, and scholarship.
Form a Chapter
Launch a student-led history organization at your college or university.
Starting a Webb Society chapter is flexible and rewarding. With school approval and a faculty or community sponsor, students organize local projects, hold regular meetings, and explore Texas history together. Chapters receive official charters and can customize activities and leadership structures to fit their campus culture.
Lead Local History Projects
Bring Texas history to life through hands-on research and community engagement.
From oral histories and historic preservation to folk fairs and field trips, Webb Society chapters create meaningful learning experiences rooted in local heritage. Students collect stories, document architecture, host events, and even publish their work in Touchstone, TSHA’s journal of undergraduate research.
Recognize Outstanding Educators
Celebrate the mentors who make it all possible.
Exceptional chapter sponsors are honored each year with the David C. De Boe Memorial Award at the Webb Society Annual Meeting. History educators across Texas are also eligible for the Mary Jon and J. P. Bryan Leadership in Education Award, presented each March by TSHA.
Celebrating Excellence in Student History
Each year, TSHA honors outstanding research, writing, and leadership through the Webb Society’s Caldwell Memorial and Chapter of the Year Awards.
Touchstone: Student Research in Print
Touchstone is the annual journal of the Webb Society, showcasing outstanding undergraduate research in Texas and local history.
Published each March since 1982, Touchstone features award-winning student papers and original scholarship. Back issues and a cumulative index (Volumes I–XXV) are available for purchase. For submissions or inquiries, contact webbsociety@tshaonline.org.
Want to know more about Webb Society? Contact us!
Please email our Director of Education Services at TSHA, at webbsociety@tshaonline.org or call the TSHA office at 512-471-2600.