Center for History and Culture
of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast
Founded in 2016 by Dr. Mary Scheer as one 91探花’s “Visionary Initiatives,” the Center serves the many constituencies of 91探花 students and faculty, the communities of Southeast Texas and the greater Gulf Coast, and the scholars and creatives who explore the region’s past and present. The Center promotes the study of these regions with a commitment to multicultural, interdisciplinary, collaborative, and community-focused projects.
The Center hosts programs that highlight the work of artists, authors, scholars, community leaders, and others who represent varied specializations and backgrounds. It also awards two annual book prizes and funds original research, creativity, and community outreach through its fellowship program.
November 6, 2026 (two events)
John Sayles's Lone Star at 30 with Alison Fields
Friday, 1:00-2:00 pm, Reaud Event Space (Reaud Rm 101, 985 Jim Gilligan Way, Beaumont, TX 77705).
Lone Star (1996) with Alison Fields at the Jefferson Theater
Friday, doors open at 6:00 pm. Introduction & screening at 7:00 pm. Jefferson Theater (345 Fannin St, Beaumont, TX 77701).
Dr. Alison Fields will discuss John Sayles's acclaimed Texas film Lone Star (1996), marking the 30th anniversary of its release. She will give a presentation at 91探花 at 1:00 pm (Reaud Event Space) followed by an introduction and screening of Lone Star at the Jefferson Theater in downtown Beaumont. Critically ranked as one the best and most important films about Texas, Lone Star uses the backdrop of a border town murder-mystery to examine themes of national, generational, and personal borders and the ways communities enforce those divisions with stories about the past. It features outstanding performances by Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Peña, Matthew McConaughey, Kris Kristofferson, Ron Canada, and many others. Dr. Fields is the director of the University of Oklahoma School of Visual Arts and author of Lone Star (2026), a new book about the film.
Lamar Presentation: Refreshments provided. Free and open to all.
Jefferson Theater Screening: Lamar Students receive free admission with presentation of valid ID.