Institute of Texan Cultures

The Source: Payday Lending's Big Influence At The Capitol

Paul Flahive — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:56:40 +0000

In the first segment:

It appears that regardless of what passes or doesn't pass in the legislature this month, the San Antonio city ordinance on payday lenders in San Antonio will remain.

According to Texans for Public Justice, an anti-corruption advocacy nonprofit, payday lenders had more than $3.7 million in donations to state lawmaker campaigns since 2010.

The organization says the payday loan lobby is fueling a "tepid" set of reforms.

See San Antonio History At The Institute Of Texan Culture's Fiesta Medal Mania

Ryan Loyd — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:26:56 +0000

A new exhibit is on display at the Institute of Texan Cultures showcasing 1,200 Fiesta medals from years past, well ahead of this year's Fiesta celebration.

Call it a 'living history' of a beloved pastime for San Antonio's Fiesta celebration, Fiesta Medal Mania is a new partnership between the Fiesta Commission and UTSA.

Raising The Profile Of Irish Heritage In San Antonio

Ryan Loyd — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:04:16 +0000

As members of the Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas began preparations for its annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, including a Saturday "Hooley," President Kevin Dowd reflected on the tradition.

"The Irish will fight to the death for what they believe in," he said as he cut hundreds of sausage links at Beethoven Maennerchor Hall on Pereida St. "Right or wrong, that's just the way we're made."

Historic Pictures Help Rekindle Fire Department Toy Day Drive Of 1930's

Ryan Loyd — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 22:11:37 +0000

Once upon a time, San Antonio firefighters collected toys for children of the city; they even painted and fixed them. They called their drive Toy Day, and gave children who brought toys free movie tickets.

Researchers at the Institute of Texan Cultures found pictures of Toy Day tucked away in archives, and leaders decided to rekindle the old tradition, but give it a new spin. Now in its second year, history has proven to bring back what once was a thriving act of kindness: providing children with happiness.

Famous Texans' Hats and Shoes at ITC Exhibit

Eileen Pace — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:56:01 +0000

If you're looking for a quiet activity to wrap up Spring Break, think about hoofing it downtown to the Institute of Texan Cultures for the "Head to Foot" exhibit. You'll find an array of shoes, boots, hats and spurs of famous — and inspiring — Texans, which tell their unique Lone Star State stories.

There are the mud-caked boots optimistically worn by Kinky Friedman during his run for governor.