Joseph Chance, a local historian, to discuss ways to publish a book

The Museum of South Texas History, a museum chronicling the heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico, welcomes Dr. Joseph E. Chance, to present “Murder in Mathis: The Making of a Self-Published Book,” during the Sunday Speaker Series on Sunday, July 23, at 2 p.m. This presentation will include Chance’s journey through research, writing and the publication for his book, followed by a question and answer session.

Two Texans living in the Rio Grande Valley, Donald Drefke and Joe Chance, discuss the women involved in the Mexican-American and their rightful place as heroic participants in the struggle.

Dr. Joseph E. Chance

Set in rural South Texas in the 1920s, “Murder in Mathis” is a true crime story of the capture, trial and execution of a sociopathic murderer that almost committed the “perfect crime.” Harry Leahy, an attorney in Mathis, had kidnapped and murdered Dr. J.A. Ramsey, a physician in Mathis, over a land dispute that had involved local police, Texas Rangers and a trip to Mexico. In addition to discussing the murder story, Chance will provide self-publishing steps and tips, offering encouragement to anyone facing the challenge of becoming a published author. Copies of “Murder in Mathis” will be available for purchase.

A self-proclaimed “student of military and Texas history,” Chance is an accomplished and well-known local author of books, essays and newspaper columns. A long-time Rio Grande Valley resident, Chance shares his knowledge of Texas history through his many history books and other publications.

Sunday Speakers Series is included in the fee for regular museum admission. FRIENDS of the Museum are admitted free as a benefit of FRIENDship. The museum is part of the Blue Star Museums program which allows active military members and up to five family members to be admitted for free.

This program is made possible with generous support from the Carmen C. Guerra Endowment. Mrs. Guerra was deeply committed to supporting educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley. This named endowment was created at the museum by her family to honor her memory and to continue her commitment to providing opportunities for education to the community.

About Museum of South Texas History
The Museum of South Texas History is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is located in downtown Edinburg at 200 North Closner Boulevard on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square. Hours of operation are from   1 p.m.–5 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday. Founded in 1967 as the Hidalgo County Historical Museum in the 1910 Hidalgo County Jail, the museum has grown over the decades through a series of expansions to occupy a full city block. In 2003 following the completion of a 22,500 square foot expansion, the museum was renamed the Museum of South Texas History to better reflect its regional scope. Today, the museum preserves and presents the borderland heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico through its permanent collection and the Margaret H. McAllen Memorial Archives and exhibits spanning prehistory through the 20th century. For more information about MOSTHistory, including becoming a FRIEND, visit MOSTHistory.org, like us on Facebook, follow on Twitter, find on Google+ or call +1-956-383-6911.

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