The Texas Supreme Court Historical Society (TSCHS) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of information, papers, photographs, and significant artifacts relating to the Supreme Court and the appellate courts of Texas. The Society sponsors scholarship relating to the history of the Texas judiciary and furthers efforts to raise public awareness about the judicial branch of government and its role in the development of Texas. On behalf of the court, the Society acts as conservator for the judicial portrait collection and other paintings and valued historic items belonging to the court.
Established in January 1990 on the Sesquicentennial of the first session of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Texas, the Society’s incorporation papers were filed with the Secretary of State by three former Chief Justices: Robert W. Calvert, Joe R. Greenhill and Jack Pope. The founding president, Judge Jack Hightower, then serving as Justice on the Texas Supreme Court, enlisted the support of the court for creating the Society and procured the cooperation and assistance of the State Bar of Texas.
Membership is open to all individuals, organizations, institutions, and corporations interested in advancing the Society’s purposes. Information about joining the Society is available under Join/Renew.