Singing historian here Tuesday night

McDonald Dr. Archie P. McDonald, noted historian and entertainer of Nacogdoches, will travel to Kilgore with his guitar and a song in his heart.

The Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation invites the public to enjoy his “Musical History of Texas,” Tuesday, May 24, 5:30 p.m. at the Kilgore College Devall Student Center. Admission is free.

McDonald’s program is part of Kilgore’s observation of National Preservation Month promoted each May by the National Trust. It is sponsored by KHPF and Humanities Texas, the state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

McDonald has taught history at Stephen F. Austin State University for 41 years and serves as director of the East Texas Historical Association and editor of the Association’s Journal.

He grew up in Beaumont where he graduated from high school and Lamar University. His masters degree is from Rice University and he holds a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

He is past president of the Texas State Historical Association and past vice chair of the Texas Historical Commission. He has authored or edited over 20 books on historical topics.

McDonald writes regular columns for East Texas newspapers, including “Not So Long Ago,” which has appeared weekly in the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel since 1991. His weekly commentary can be heard on Red River Radio, KDAQ 89.9. These are collected in three CDs.

He is the recipient of many honors including recognition for his teaching career and for his historical preservation advocacy within the public realm.

“Dr. McDonald has many fans and former students in this area. KHPF hopes they will all come to hear him on Tuesday night. The program will be over by 7 p.m. and we will serve light refreshments to tide you by until dinner,” said Gem Meacham, chair of the KHPF event.

KHPF will turn on the derrick Christmas stars downtown to honor McDonald and will leave them on until the end of May in observation of National Preservation Month.

For more information about Kilgore historical project, call Meacham, 903-983-2554.