Cows, Corsets, Cats, and Kilts: My Adventures as a Ranching Historian

with Dr. David Murrah, Ph. D.

March 8th, 2025 | 2 PM - 3:30 PM
204 S Austin Street in Rockport, Texas.

FREE for Members, $50 for Nonmembers.

Lecture Overview:

In his presentation, Dr. Murrah will present an overview of his 55-year career as a Texas historian, museum consultant and author or editor of more than 50 publications, including 12 books, including the histories of four major ranches in West Texas. The current Texas State Historian, Dr. Monte Monroe, recently described Murrah as “the preeminent ranching scholar of his time.”

About the Lecturer:

Dr. David J. Murrah is a Texas historian who lives in Rockport and serves as a museum and archival consultant.

Dr. Murrah worked for Texas Tech University in Lubbock for 25 years as archivist and director of its Southwest Collection, and then became general project manager and vice president of Southwest Museum Services in Houston. He semi-retired in 2002.

As a historian, Dr. Murrah has written or edited eleven books related to Texas history as well as more than fifty other publications.  With the release of his book, The Rise and Fall of the Lazy S Ranch, in 2021, he now has publications by the four major university presses in the Southwest: the University of Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M presses. His twelfth book, a ghost-written autobiography of a prominent Texas banker, will be published in 2025.

He has recently completed researching and writing exhibit content for the Cattle Raisers Museum in Fort Worth and for the Matador Land and Cattle Company’s headquarters near Matador, Texas. He is currently producing exhibit text for a new museum at South Padre Island.

He is the immediate past president of the Aransas County Historical Society and continues to serve as a Trustee and Newsletter Editor. He and his wife Ann have four children, nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren and they recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary.

Suzanna Moroles: An Inside Look at Her Career and the Legacy of Jesús Moroles

with Suzanna Moroles

April 12th, 2025 | 2 PM - 3:30 PM
204 S Austin Street in Rockport, Texas.

FREE for Members, $50 for Nonmembers.

Lecture Overview:

Suzanna Moroles, sister of world-renowned artist Jesús Moroles and Founder of Moroles Art Co. will share her journey coming to Rockport to begin her lifelong career. Starting with her relationship with her brother, the story of building the original studio and highlights from 1987-2015. Suzanna will delve into her life following Jesús’ passing and the creation of Moroles Art Co.

About the Lecturer:

Suzanna Moroles, Founder & Artistic Visionary of Moroles Art Co., has built a distinguished career in the art world, leveraging her multifaceted expertise as an Art Advisor, Art Conservator and Curator. As the sister of the late renowned granite sculptor Jesús Moroles, Suzanna played a pivotal role in his career, working alongside him beginning in 1987 as he rose to worldwide acclaim. Collaborating with major institutions and museums globally, including the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American Art, Art in Embassies Program, and numerous galleries, universities, foundations, and corporations.

Her contributions extended to high-profile events, including a 2008 White House invitation from President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush for a Cinco de Mayo dinner, and attending the ceremony and dinner when Jesus was awarded the National Medal of the Arts, the highest honor in the field.

A self-taught professional, Suzanna's work with Jesús was integral to his success, as she managed logistical, business, and curatorial aspects while he traveled globally for installations and symposiums. Tog ther, they collaborated on over 500 exhibitions, with Suzanna handling critical negotiations and overseeing contracts, deals, and project preparations.

After Jesús' untimely passing in 2015, Suzanna dedicated herself to preserving his legacy, collaborating with curator Katie Robinson Edwards to curate a 40-year tribute exhibition at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum in Austin, TX, which broke attendance records (Nov 2015-Mar 2016) as just one of the many achievements she has completed.

As Founder of Moroles Art Co., Suzanna continues to be a visionary force in art conservation and preservation, focusing on the restoration of Jesus' existing works while also offering restoration services for works for other artists. Alongside lifelong partner and artist Kurt Kangas, whose creativity and collaboration with Gabriel Mendez made this possible, Moroles Art Co. is actively creating new artworks, further expanding the legacy of Jesus' stone carving - techniques and passion for EVERLASTING GRANITE sculptures. Through ongoing creative initiatives Moroles Art Co. ensures the Moroles artistic vision evolves and thrives in the contemporary art world.