Writing Local History: Panel of Experts


The head of the Special Collection Department, Dr. Jim Conrad, has organized a panel of local history experts for the National Week on Writing. The event will take place on October 20th from 1:00-2:00 at the James G. Gee Library.

John Hanners has been chosen to be among the panelists. Mr. Hanners has published articles on local history in the Commerce Journal, and has conducted research on the famous trial of Commerce resident, Velma Patterson, who was convicted of the murder of her daughter during the mid 1930’s.

Otho Spencer will also serve as a panelist during the National Week on Writing. Mr. Spencer is a retired photography and journalism professor from Texas A&M University – Commerce. He has also published local history articles in the Commerce Journal for three years.

Jim Conrad will be the moderator during the meeting. Dr. Conrad currently publishes the weekly “Blackland” column in the Herald Banner, and is the author of the book, "Freedom Colonies: Independent Black Texans in the Age of Jim Crow."

Another panelist will be appointed from the Silver Leos, an organization which mainly consists of retired faculty.

Each panelist will have the opportunity to read one of their memoirs for approximately ten minutes. The audience will then have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss local history.