Before the word Tejano was used to refer to music, it was used to refer to people of mixed Spanish, Mexican and indigenous ancestry living on the Texas frontier. As far back as the early 1700s, Tejanos have been contributing to Texas culture. The Heritage Society exhibit "A Tejano Son of Texas" presents the life and legacy of one such Tejano, Jose Policarpio "Polly" Rodriguez. A collection of photos, artifacts, documents and maps, "Tejano Son" begins in 1821 and follows the Rodriguez family from Coahuila, Mexico, to San Antonio, where Polly worked as a hunter, gunsmith, Army guide, Justice of the Peace and Texas Ranger. By the 1880s, Polly had a ranch that covered more than 4,000 acres and had built a limestone chapel that still stands today. Get a glimpse of one of the most influential Tejanos in Texas history from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. Through July 3. For information, call 713-655-1912 or visit www.heritagesociety.org. Free.
Tuesdays-Saturdays. Starts: April 3. Continues through July 3, 2010