The Lone Star History of Science Group

The Lone Star History of Science Group is pretty much what it sounds like—a loose-knit and very informal organization of historians of science, technology, and medicine from around the state of Texas. It was founded in Austin in March 1988 and each year since then, around bluebonnet time in March or April, the group has gathered in one or another Texas city (usually Austin, Houston, or College Station) to hear a talk, enjoy dinner together, and get to know each other a little better. The longevity of the Lone Star Group probably owes a lot to its simplicity: on its founding, its members agreed that the "organization" would have no by-laws, officers, or dues, and it still gets along very well without them.

Our most recent meeting (marking our 30th anniversary) was held on 6 April 2018 at Texas State University in San Marcos, where Don Olson of the Physics Department at Texas State spoke on "Astronomy in Art, History, and Literature." Professor Olson, the author of Celestial Sleuth (2014) and Further Adventures of the Celestial Sleuth (2018), both published by Springer, is well known for the inventive way he has used astronomical evidence to solve persistent mysteries in history, art, and literature. He gave a lively and engaging presentation, illustrated with many intriguing and illuminating images and followed by a spirited discussion. After posing for a photo in the lovely courtyard of the Taylor Murphy Building, home of the Texas State University History Department, the group then headed off to delicious dinner and more conversation at Palmer's Restaurant in San Marcos. Karl Stephan of Texas State handled local arrangements, along with his wife Pam; they ensured that it all made for a very enjoyable event. 

The next Lone Star meeting will be in Austin in March or April 2019; details to follow once we've worked them out.

For a list of past meetings, with the date, city, site, speaker, topic, and where we went to dinner, click on the "Past Meetings" tab above. Most of the dates also include a link to the account of the meeting published in the History of Science Society Newsletter, often with a photo of the assembled group. We're also gradually adding other photos, which you can find by clicking the "Photographs" tab above. 

Anyone wishing to be added to the e-mail list for the Lone Star Group (and that's all it takes to become a member in good standing) should contact Bruce Hunt at the University of Texas: bjhunt@austin.utexas.edu.