The Texas Supreme Court Historical Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of the history and work of the Texas Supreme Court and the appellate courts of Texas. Through research and scholarship, the Society educates the public about the judicial branch 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, Justice Jack Hightower, 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. The Society does not endorse candidates for any Texas judicial office.