The Texas Lyceum

The Lyceum is a name proud in history and rich in promise. The Lyceum concept itself is more than 2,500 years old. In the United States, the lyceum has been alive since 1826 when Holbrook of Connecticut dreamed of seeing established in every town a lyceum for the discussion of issues and the dissemination of knowledge. His dream was realized with some 3,000 lyceums established. In 1839, a lyceum was established in Austin, with Sam Houston as an honorary member. This forerunner to the present Texas Lyceum debated questions concerning annexation, slavery, temperance, and Indians - the philosophical and practical concerns of life on the frontier. In 1980, a group of Texans from business, professional, and academic communities came together to discuss an idea: that Texas was at a turning point in its history. It had an opportunity, indeed a responsibility, to become a great state. To achieve that destiny, however, it had to overcome problems that are common to vibrant, growing societie...