Start a Webb Society Chapter
Create a Webb Society chapter at your college or university and join a statewide network of students passionate about Texas history. With flexible guidelines and support from Texas State Historical Association (TSHA), chapters can tailor their structure to meet local needs and interests.
How to Start
Starting a chapter of the Walter Prescott Webb Historical Society is straightforward and flexible. While each school can tailor its chapter to local needs, the following steps are recommended:
1. Obtain Administrative Approval
Chapters must be officially approved by the college or university, as they function as recognized student or service organizations on campus.
2. Identify a Chapter Sponsor
Each chapter needs a sponsor—usually a faculty member in history or the social sciences. Faculty from English or journalism who focus on folklore or community history may also serve. With administrative approval, a qualified non-faculty member may sponsor a chapter.
3. Add a Chapter Cosponsor (Optional)
A cosponsor—either a faculty member or a community history advocate—can serve as a liaison between the school and community. Both sponsors and cosponsors are encouraged to join TSHA (annual membership: $50).
4. Recruit Student Members
There’s no minimum number required, though most chapters begin with at least ten students. Membership is typically open to all students interested in history, regardless of major. Students are encouraged to join TSHA at a discounted $20 rate and to subscribe to Touchstone, the Society’s undergraduate research journal.
5. Organize Your Chapter
Chapters may structure their leadership and operations as they see fit. Electing officers is recommended, and titles/roles can be customized to suit local needs.
6. Adopt a Constitution
Many chapters draft a constitution to clarify their goals and procedures. A sample constitution is available from TSHA and can be adapted for your chapter.
7. Receive an Official Charter
TSHA provides an official charter recognizing your chapter as part of the statewide Webb Society network.
8. Set Local Dues (Optional)
Some chapters collect monthly or annual dues to fund activities. No dues are sent to TSHA.
9. Hold Regular Meetings
Meetings are usually held weekly or monthly. Scheduling and location details are typically defined in the chapter constitution.
10. Engage with TSHA Publications
Chapter leaders and members are encouraged to subscribe to the Southwestern Historical Quarterly, TSHA’s flagship journal featuring leading scholarship on Texas and Southwestern history.
11. Read and Contribute to Touchstone
Student essays recognized in the Webb Society’s annual writing contests are published in Touchstone. All chapter members are encouraged to subscribe.
12. Plan Chapter Activities
Projects and activities are central to the Webb Society experience. Choose those that best fit your chapter’s interests and community.