The DeWitt Colony was one of the early Anglo-American settlements in Texas, founded by Green DeWitt in 1825. The colony was located in present-day Gonzales County and was one of the most successful early Texas settlements.
Over the years, the descendants of the original settlers formed an organization called the Sons of DeWitt Colony to celebrate their heritage and keep alive the memory of their forebears.
Origins of the Sons of DeWitt Colony
The Sons of DeWitt Colony was founded in 1936 in Gonzales, Texas, during the Texas Centennial celebration. The organization was created to commemorate the 111th anniversary of the founding of the DeWitt Colony and to honor the memory of its early settlers. The original purpose of it was to preserve the history of the colony and to encourage research and study of the early Texas frontier. Today, this is a nonprofit organization with over 800 members and chapters in Texas and several other states.
Source: wikipedia.org
Preserving Texas History
One of the main goals of the Sons of DeWitt Colony is to preserve the history of the DeWitt Colony and the early Texas frontier. The organization has worked to collect and preserve artifacts, documents, and other historical materials related to the colony and its settlers. The group has also established a museum in Gonzales that houses a collection of items related to the colony, including maps, photographs, and personal items of early settlers.
In addition to collecting and preserving historical materials, the Sons of DeWitt Colony has also sponsored research and publications related to the history of the colony and the early Texas frontier. The group has published several books and articles on the subject, including a history of the DeWitt Colony and a collection of oral histories from descendants of the original settlers.
Source: www.tshaonline.org
Promoting Education
Another important goal of the Sons of DeWitt Colony is to promote education about the history of the DeWitt Colony and the early Texas frontier. The organization has sponsored lectures, workshops, and other educational programs to help educate people about the history of the area. The group has also established scholarships for students who are interested in studying Texas history or related fields.
In addition to promoting education among adults, the Colony has also worked to develop educational materials for children. The group has created a curriculum for elementary and middle school students that teaches them about the history of the DeWitt Colony and the early Texas frontier. The curriculum includes lesson plans, activities, and other materials designed to make learning about history fun and engaging for young students.
Source: www.sonsofdewittcolony.org
Celebrating Heritage
The institution is also dedicated to celebrating the heritage of the early settlers of the DeWitt Colony. The organization sponsors annual events and activities to honor the memory of the early settlers and to celebrate their contributions to Texas history. The group also hosts a biennial reunion for descendants of the original settlers, providing an opportunity for them to connect with one another and to learn more about their family history.
Conclusion
The Sons of DeWitt Colony is a testament to the enduring legacy of the early Anglo-American settlers of Texas. Through their efforts to preserve and promote the history of the DeWitt Colony and the early Texas frontier, the organization has helped to ensure that the memory of these pioneers lives on. As Texas continues to grow and change, it is important to remember the contributions of those who came before us and to honor their legacy. The organization serves as a reminder of the rich history and heritage of the Lone Star State.
Source: medium.com
