By Mary Torres, Special to the Star
We are in the midst of “The Dog Days of Summer” or “La Canícula,” the hottest, most sultry days of the year from July 12 to August 20. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, summer, 2019 is projected to be among the top five hottest years on record.
The origin of this term is actually rooted in astronomy related to the rise of Sirius, the Dog Star, which appears in the sky this time of the year as part of the constellation Canis Major. However, there are many other interpretations and superstitions associated with this event in the United States, Mexico, and other countries.
Do these terms bring back memories of life in the Valley before air-conditioning became so prevalent? What did you do to try to stay cool? Did you avoid going out in the middle of the day, carry an umbrella or parasol, rely on a creaky old fashioned oscillating fan to keep you cool, or drink cold liquids, eat ice cream or savor a snow cone?
The Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, 2425 Boxwood St., has a full house! Including the permanent exhibits, there are a total of seven exhibits on display this month. There is something for everyone from children to art enthusiasts and history aficionados. Some of the exhibits will be ending this month, so please make plans to stop by the museum and visit these wonderful exhibits before it’s too late!
For museum hours and more information call 956-216-4901 or visit the museum’s Facebook page.
The Texas State Genealogical Society (TxSGS)) is excited to announce that registration is now open for its upcoming 2019 Family History Conference, Friday, October 11 – Sunday, October 13, 2019, at the Omni Houston Hotel Westside in Houston, Texas. This jam-packed event includes valuable research opportunities, insightful family history sessions for all skill levels, workshops for more in-depth instruction, and a full exhibit hall.
The 2019 Conference features eight tracks on the latest in DNA; Ethnic Research; Records, Resources, and Repositories; Methodology and Problem Solving; Publishing, Storytelling, and Preservation; Military; Skill Building; plus Technology. With 56 sessions from 33 speakers plus four workshops, there will be something of interest and benefit for everyone.
It is recommended that you book your rooms early as the hotel may fill up before the September 19 deadline. Visit the Venue & Lodging page at www.txsgs.org/2019-conference/ for more details and instructions on how to book your room at the discounted TxSGS 2019 rate.
Register during early bird registration (now through midnight September 10) and save. TxSGS members automatically receive an additional conference discount. Not a member? Join now!
Save the Date
Tuesday, July 30, 6 to 8 p.m., Opening Reception for the “Discovering Fort Brown, The First Military Border Post in Texas” an exhibit by the CHAPS Program, UTRGV at the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, August 1, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Downtown Coffee and Conversation hosted by Jackson Street Antiques, 218 W. Jackson, Harlingen, TX.
Thursday, August 15, 2019, 6-8 p.m., Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, “Mystery at the
Museum – The Unveiling of the Pineda Stone,” celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Pineda Stone. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, October 17, 2019, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. The Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum’s 2019 Annual Taste of Harlingen, “A Night in Old Mexico.” For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and restaurant registration visit https://www.tasteofharlingen.com/, call 956-216-4901 or email [email protected].
