On April 10, 1986 Mayor Tom Reid wrote a letter to C. V. “Vic” Coppinger urging the formation of a Pearland Historical Society. Vic Coppinger, who later also served as Pearland’s Mayor, called a meeting of Pearland citizens on June 9, 1986 and from that meeting the Pearland Historical Society was born. In July of that year a set of by-laws were adopted and 119 charter members joined the Society. The by-laws state the purpose of the organization “shall be to preserve and perpetuate the heritage of the Pearland, Texas community.”
Today the Society has around 200 members. Members are not only Pearland citizens but there are members in many other communities in Texas as well as in several other states. The highlight of the year is the annual “Reunion Luncheon” held the fourth Saturday in October each year. The luncheon is an opportunity for long time Pearland citizens and former citizens to get together at a luncheon, and renew old friendships and reminisce about days past.
The Historical Society strives to work with our City and our School District to keep Pearland history alive. There are five historical markers in Pearland. They are “Old Settlers Cemetery”, “Old Pearland Depot”, “First Methodist Church of Pearland”, “The Old Pearland High School” and “Zychlinski Park”. A time capsule was set in Zychlinski Park on September 22, 2007 at the dedication ceremony for the historical marker for the Park. The time capsule will be opened September 22, 2057.
The Society in partnership with the Pearland Parks & Recreation Department refurbished the “Old Settlers Cemetery” and planted oak trees in memory of old time Pearland families. We will be working with the Parks Department to put historical information at kiosks which will be along the future walking trails. We work with the Pearland School District to provide Pearland history during Pearland history week in October of each year.
A quarterly “Historical Society Newsletter” is sent to all members during the first month of each quarter of the year. Quarterly meetings are held at our headquarters on the 3rd Thursday of the first month of each quarter. Meeting time is at 7:00 PM, with refreshments, snacks, and visitation time afterwards.
Membership in the Pearland Historical Society is open to anyone who is interested in preserving the history and heritage of the town of Pearland.
Membership dues are only $15 per year.