The Yanaguana Society was formed in 1933 by a group of San Antonio, Texas, residents to, according to its charter, "encourage historical research into the earliest records of San Antonio, especially those relating to the period or periods previous to 1855." The organization, named for the Payaya Indian word for the village located at the site of San Antonio, was the brainchild of San Antonio historian Frederick C. Chabot, who first raised the idea in 1931. A primary function of the group was to be the publication of source documents related to the city's history.
The first meeting of the Yanaguana Society in 1933 October drew about 100 people to the Gunter Hotel, where by-laws and resolutions were adopted, setting membership categories and electing members. Most of the first members were prominent San Antonians, though others from around Texas and from other states were active throughout the life of the organization.
One of the group's first projects was an exhibit of San Antonio artwork, held at the Witte Museum in 1933 December. Also under the charge of its Art Committee, the society acquired thirteen paintings by San Antonio artist Theodore Gentilz and later obtained other works of art. The publication program began with the release of the thesis of Carlos E. Casteneda, A Report on the Spanish Archives in San Antonio, Texas, in 1937. A total of seven volumes were published by the Yanaguana Society, including a special release of Chabot's With the Makers of San Antonio .
Though the society continued to attract new members, activity declined during the early 1940s and practically came to a halt with Chabot's death in 1943. In 1946, an effort was made to reorganize and revive the society, but a lack of adequate interest led the directors to dissolve the Society on 1947 March 14. The Yanaguana Society's remaining publications and funds were transferred to the San Antonio Historical Society, while its paintings, Texana collection, and records were given to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library at the Alamo.
From the guide to the Yanaguana Society (San Antonio, Tex. ) Records Col 924., 1931-1960, (Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library at the Alamo, San Antonio, Texas)
