M.P. Baker Library to host Lunch Box Lecture featuring Bill O’Neal

The M.P. Baker Library will host a Lunch Box Lecture featuring Bill O’Neal, former Texas State Historian, on October 7 at 11:45 a.m. O’Neal will share the riveting story of Sam Houston, who remains a larger-than-life figure in both Texas and American history.

O’Neal will present a dynamic account of Houston’s life, including his role in the Texas Revolution, the Republic of Texas, statehood, and secession from the Union in 1861. Known for his engaging speaking style and deep historical insight, O’Neal taught history for more than 30 years at Panola College and received the prestigious Piper Professorship in 2000.

O’Neal is a past president and Fellow of the East Texas Historical Association, a recipient of the Ralph W. Steen and Best of East Texas awards, and a member of the Western Writers of America. His media appearances include documentaries on The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, TBS, A&E, and TNN.

A complimentary lunch will be available for the first 40 guests beginning at 11:30 a.m. The lecture is free, open to the public, and is set to conclude at 1 p.m.

The Lunch Box Lecture complements the exhibition Sam Houston: Texas Icon, on display in the Fay Allison Gallery inside the M.P. Baker Library from October 1 to 31. Produced by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the exhibition explores Houston’s journey from his youth in Virginia and Tennessee to his later years in Huntsville, Texas.

The exhibition is made possible in part by funding from the Summerlee Foundation and the Panola College Foundation, which supported the project through a grant written by Amanda Clements, Professor of Fine Arts.

Humanities Texas develops and supports diverse programs across Texas, including lectures, oral history projects, teacher institutes, museum exhibitions, and documentary films. For more information, visit humanitiestexas.org or call 512-440-1991.

For more information about the Lunch Box Lecture, exhibit viewing hours, or to schedule group visits, contact Penni Ratley, Director of Library Services, at penni.ratley@panola.edu.

Image: The Surrender of Santa Anna by William Henry Huddle. Courtesy of Texas State Preservation Board.