Were you in the Rio Grande Valley in 1990? Do you remember the fear over a new insect introduced to the area? The Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH) present “Killer Bees! The Panic over Africanized Honeybees in the Rio Grande Valley” featuring Dr. Jamie Starling. The presentation is part of their Sunday Speaker Series that will be presented online on Facebook Live on Sunday, January 10 at 3 p.m.

 

In October 1990, Africanized Honeybees arrived in the Rio Grande Valley, after decades of anxiety over the spread of this subspecies from Brazil to the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. This presentation examines the origins of the “Killer Bee” panic, the dreaded arrival of the bees in Hidalgo County, and the unexpected outcomes of this event. Starling will discuss more on the destructive, but less noticed, invasive pest that had far more devastating consequences for honeybees and agriculture in North American during this period.

Starling is an associate professor of History at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and an affiliate in the Mexican American Studies Program. He has published articles on the Rio Grande Valley, El Paso, and New Mexico on topics ranging from the colonial period through the Civil War. He also teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on American history with a focus on Texas, the American Southwest, and Borderlands.

This program is made possible by the generous support from the Carmen C. Guerra Endowment. Mrs. Guerra was committed to educational causes in the Rio Grande Valley. This named endowment was created by her family to honor her memory and to continue providing educational opportunities for the community.

The presentation will broadcast at facebook.com/MOSTHistory/live. Guests are encouraged to interact with panelists with questions and comments posted on the live chat. The presentation will also be recorded and posted for public access on the Sunday Speaker Series Online portal at mosthistory.org.

MOSTH is currently open with timed ticket admissions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. You must make a reservation and purchase a ticket for admission. Visit their website for more details or call (956) 383-6911.