TSHA is proud to announce the launch of the Handbook of Tejano History, which contains more than 1,200 entries, including 300 new entries, detailing the critical influence of Tejanos on the Lone Star State. Released on March 29, 2016, to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Tejano Monument unveiling on the Capitol grounds in Austin, the Handbook of Tejano History is the culmination of a two-year effort involving dozens of researchers, educators, students, and Texas history enthusiasts committed to capturing and sharing Tejano contributions to Texas life and culture. Originally conceived in partnership with the board of directors of the Tejano Monument, Inc., the Association's Handbook of Tejano History joins a number of other important initiatives born out of the legacy of the Tejano Monument, including the Tejano History Curriculum Project and Austin Independent School District's Cuauhtli Academy/Academia Cuauhtli.
History professors Emilio Zamora, University of Texas, and Andrés Tijerina, Austin Community College, co-directed the two-year initiative to increase the number of Tejano and Mexican American entries in the Handbook of Texas Online. They worked alongside Matt Abigail, TSHA Assistant Editor, to identify academic and non-academic researchers to prepare new articles on historically significant men and women, events, places, organizations, and themes.