The John E. Conner Museum will honor Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) history as it presents Javelina Heritage: A Century of Memories, an exhibit honoring the University’s Centennial.
The exhibit opens on Saturday, June 7, at 6:30 p.m. and will take visitors on a tour celebrating the University’s 100-year history through photos, memorabilia, clothing and more.
“This exhibition highlights pieces of our heritage as Javelinas, drawing on your memories, milestones that impacted the university, and how generations of Javelinas have left their mark on South Texas and beyond,” said Kathy Pawelek, Director of Administration and operations for the John E. Conner Museum at Texas A&M-Kingsville. “We are excited to showcase stories, images, and objects that date back to the beginning of the university, including the clock used to chime the start of the first class day, a football signed by the 1969 National Championship team, and Porky memorabilia.”
Dr. Christine Reiser-Robbins, Associate Professor of Anthropology, curated the exhibit and said it is the culmination of a large collaboration ranging from students to the community, a fitting representation of what the university has stood for over the years.
“Since its founding, generations of Javelina supporters have dedicated their vision and passion to the promise that this university offers for higher education in South Texas,” Reiser-Robbins said. “Our exhibition proudly models that same Javelina spirit of collaboration. Honoring our 100-year history, the exhibition has involved nearly 100 student curators, staff, faculty, alumni, and community supporters. We invite you to celebrate and share in the memories, stories, and traditions that make up our Javelina family.”
The exhibit will open with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring an acknowledgement from Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Dolores Guerrero and remarks from Texas A&M-Kingsville President Dr. Robert Vela.
While visitors visit the museum exhibit inside the Conner Museum, there will be outdoor seating, free refreshments and appetizers available. Alcohol will be available to purchase as well. The TAMUK student-led radio station KTAI 91.1 will also be on hand outside of the museum playing music through the decades starting from the 1920’s to present day.