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 societies such as water, transportation, support for education, and long-range planning. To address those problems they concluded that there was a need to bring together the various segments of the state in a non-partisan, non-political, and non-adversarial setting. To that end, the Texas Lyceum is an association of Texans whose purposes are: to identify and develop the next generation of top leadership in the State of Texas; to educate its Directors by identifying and exploring the interrelationships of the major issues facing Texas; to help bring a better understanding of these issues to the state’s key decision makers; and to promote an appreciation of the responsibilities of stewardship of the values, traditions, and resources of Texas. The Texas Lyceum is comprised of a Board of Directors from across the state. These 96 men and women have demonstrated leadership abilities not only in their own community, but across the State.