Join us to support The Heritage Society’s mission to preserve and share Houston’s history. This special Evening of Heritage features renowned Texas historian Stephen L. Hardin, Ph.D., interviewed by The Honorable Ken Wise, host of Wise About Texas.

The topic “Rats, Rancor, and Rowdy Loafers: Everyday Life and Death in Early Houston” is a vivid, immersive look at Houston in the early 1800s—when the city was a rugged, emerging settlement shaped by hardship, resilience, and unforgettable characters as highlighted in Hardin's book Texian Macabre.

This exclusive conversation offers donors and supporters a rare opportunity to experience Houston’s earliest decades through two of Texas’s most respected historical voices.

Stephen L. Hardin, Ph.D. is an award‑winning historian and one of the nation’s leading scholars of Texas and Southwestern history. A professor at McMurry University, Hardin is celebrated for his dynamic storytelling, deep archival research, and ability to bring early Texas to life with clarity, humor, and humanity. His works—including Texian Iliad and Lust for Glory—are foundational texts for understanding the Texas Revolution and frontier life. He is a sought‑after lecturer with a strong following in history circles and frequent media appearances.

The Honorable Ken Wise, of the 14th Court of Appeals, is the creator and host of the acclaimed Texas history podcast Wise About Texas. Known for his energetic, accessible approach to storytelling, Justice Wise has built a statewide audience for his work highlighting the people, events, and untold stories that shaped Texas. His interviews are widely praised for their depth, accuracy, and engaging style, making him an ideal interviewer for Hardin.