It's a saga with all the elements of a Hollywood script — missing diplomatic files, unsuspecting heirs, natural disaster — but it's the true story of the Texas Legation Papers. During Preservation Houston's 2013 Preservation Month Lunch, hear the dramatic account of the recovery of the Republic of Texas' lost diplomatic papers, a tale that includes the descendants of both Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin and the unlikely story of how Hurricane Carla helped bring these invaluable documents to light.

Houston oil executive and Texana collector J.P. Bryan will discuss his role in recovering the documents and making them available to the public. Kenneth R. Stevens, professor of history at Texas Christian University and editor of the new book The Texas Legation Papers, 1836-1845, will share previously untold stories that his studies of the papers have revealed. Bryan and Stevens will sign copies of The Texas Legation Papers, 1836-1845 after their presentation. The book will be available for purchase for $50.