by Katie Lang
Academic Services Librarian, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
I must admit whenever I think of Houston, Texas, this cultural catchphrase from the infamous Apollo 13 mission always comes to mind. And perhaps fittingly, this iconic phrase is actually a popular misquote. Likewise, my impression of Houston was just a little amiss as I have discovered that Houston is far more than just being the home of the famous NASA Space Center.
I was honoured and delighted to be awarded a 2025 IALL Non-Members Grant to attend the International Association of Law Libraries Annual Course in Houston, Texas. Although I had previously spent time in the United States both as a visitor and as a student, I have never had the opportunity to visit the Southern States. So, it was with much excitement I packed my bags, leaving plenty of room for souvenirs, and began the 19-hour journey to Houston from Melbourne, Australia.
As an Antipodean, long travel times are the norm rather than the exception; we are used to lengthy airplane journeys and terrible jet lag. I made sure to arrive in Houston a few days before the start of the conference, which allowed me time to visit the Museum of Fine Arts. As one of the largest museums in the United States, the collections span an impressive 5,000 years of history and was a lovely way to spend an afternoon before diving into the world of international law and space law.
Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Left: James Turrell, “The Light Inside”—installation in underground light tunnels. Right: Yayoi Kusama, “Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity.” Photographs by Katie Lang and used with her permission.
The Conference
I enjoyed every session over the four-day conference. The Local Arrangements Committee hosted an excellent and enlightening program at the South Texas College of Law, filled with fantastic speakers and informative sessions.
Joseph Gutheinz’s presentation on Operation Lunar Eclipse and his time working for the NASA Office of the General Counsel was like a pitch for a Hollywood movie, complete with props! NASA’s criminal investigation into stolen and missing moon rocks involved years of meticulous research, undercover agents and sting operations. Joseph’s session was highly entertaining and very educational, providing a passionate insight into an era of space history I was not aware of.
Professor Josh Blackman’s keynote talk on the latest issues affecting constitutional law, Cherie O. Taylor’s presentation on current trends in international law and Aimee Maldonado’s address on the recent changes in US immigration laws all provided illuminating and often deeply moving insights into both state and federal law in the USA. These talks provided diverse points of view on the changes in law and policy that have occurred over the past decade in the United States and were a fantastic introduction to the current state of play as it stands today.
One of the most memorable sessions for attendees was a joint presentation on the Houston Riot of 1917 and the resulting trial of the Buffalo Soldiers by Debbie Harwell, Terri Zimmermann and Heather Kushnerick. Sparked by racial discrimination and police brutality in Houston, Texas in 1917, the Houston Riot resulted in the deaths of 19 people, including civilians and soldiers, and led to the largest court-martial in U.S. military history. 110 Buffalo Soldiers were prosecuted, with 19 executed and many others sentenced to life imprisonment, highlighting deep racial injustices within the military and American society at the time. In 2023, the U.S. Army officially cleared the convictions of all 110 Buffalo Soldiers court-martialed, acknowledging the trials were fundamentally unfair and marred by racial bias.
Social Activities
The conference agenda didn’t just include learning—it also included laughter, snacks, and the occasional dance move. While the sessions sparked deep conversations, the social events brought those ideas to life in more relaxed settings. From the opening reception at the Heritage Society (complete with a fantastic mariachi band) to the formal annual dinner closing the conference at the historic Julia Ideson Building in Downtown Houston, the social outings organised by the Local Arrangements Committee added a vibrant layer of community and fun. There was even the opportunity to participate in line dancing, a Southern tradition that added a touch of local charm and brought attendees together in a fun, relaxed way.
The Space Center
Of course, a trip to Houston could not be complete without a visit to the NASA Space Center, so on the final day of the conference I found myself looking forward to a day in space. Following an excellent presentation on space law by Charles Lee Mudd, Jr., a leading space and Internet law attorney, we had the chance to spend the rest of the day exploring the Center and immersing ourselves in its fascinating exhibits.
Space Center Houston offered plenty to explore, from touching an actual moon rock to stepping inside a space shuttle replica. The NASA Tram Tour was a highlight, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at Mission Control and Rocket Park—an experience that made the day both fascinating and memorable. It was a perfect end to an amazing trip.
Left: exterior of Space Center Houston. Right: Saturn V rocket. Photos by Katie Lang and used with her permission.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend this conference. The experience was both enriching and professionally rewarding. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to connect with inspiring professionals and exchange ideas. Networking with such a diverse and talented group has been invaluable, and I look forward to continuing these conversations and collaborations. It was truly enriching to meet welcoming and friendly people from all over the world, making the experience both memorable and meaningful.
A heartfelt thank you to the grants committee for their invaluable support in making this trip possible. The insights I gained and connections I made will continue to shape my work and perspective for years to come.
Left: Mr. Super A, “Little Red Riding Hood”—one of the many amazing murals dotted around the city. Right: University of Houston Law Center tour charter bus. Photos by Katie Lang and used with her permission.
This Blog contains entries by members of the International Association of Law Libraries on issues germane to the Association’s areas of focus. Views expressed in an individual entry only represent the views of the author, and not those of the International Association of Law Libraries or the author’s employer.