Nominations Open for Champions of Texas History, Heritage

May 14, 2018 - The Texas Historical Commission (THC) offers awards to recognize worthy accomplishments and exemplary leadership in the preservation of Texas history and heritage. The THC is now accepting nominations for the following historic preservation awards: Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation, John L. Nau, III Award of Excellence in Museums, Ruth Lester Lifetime Achievement Award, John Ben Shepperd County Historical Commission Leadership Award, George Christian Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award, Curtis D. Tunnell Lifetime Achievement Award in Archeology, Anice B. Read Award of Excellence in Community Heritage Development, THC Award of Excellence in Preserving History, THC Award of Excellence in Historic Architecture, and THC Award of Excellence in Media Achievement.

The deadline for submissions for the 2018 THC Preservation Awards is July 13, 2018. Winners of the awards will be decided at the Commission's October 2018 Quarterly Meeting, and all nominees will be notified of their status shortly afterward.

Most of the awards will be presented at the THC’s Real Places conference January 16–18, 2019. The THC’s most prestigious award, the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation, is presented at a special ceremony arranged with the staff of the Governor’s Office. A wide variety of projects and volunteer efforts may be recognized through the Governor’s Award.

Anyone may submit a nomination in accordance with the guidelines presented below each award as listed at thc.texas.gov/awards. The THC also offers the Award of Merit, which recognizes the efforts and contributions of a group or individual involved in preserving Texas’ cultural and historic resources. Nominations for this award may be submitted anytime throughout the year. For more information, contact the THC’s History Programs Division at 512-463-5853.

Help Preserve Undertold Stories of Texas

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is currently accepting applications for undertold Texas historical markers that address historical gaps and promote diversity of topics and cultures. The deadline for submission is June 15.

The THC utilizes general marker application funds to sponsor these markers that represent an untold or undertold aspect of Texas history. Previous undertold markers honor significant individuals and places like Mina Ward school in Bastrop, the site of the first Mexican-American integration into white public schools and the murals of Hannah Hall at Texas Southern University in Houston that were painted by students of the renowned artist Dr. John Biggers.

The THC can assist local sponsors and County Historical Commissions with selected topics by paying for the foundry cost of a historical marker, or by assisting with the research necessary to submit and complete a qualified application.

For more information about the Undertold Markers Program, contact the THC’s History Programs Division at 512-463-5853 or visit thc.texas.gov.

Registration Open for 2018 Development Seminars

Registration is open now for the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission’s Development Seminar Series.

The Development Seminars will focus on elements of successful philanthropy. The program is designed to teach volunteers and staff how to secure philanthropic support for their organization. The series highlights best practices and facilitates lively group interactions to help teach fundraisers how to achieve their goals. The Development Seminar Series is especially suited for small organizations with limited staff such as historic preservation organizations, small museums, County Historical Commissions, or other nonprofit organizations.

The first seminar will take place June 27–28 at Landmark Inn State Historic Site in Castroville. The cost for full two-day registration is $169. The deadline to register for the Castroville series is June 6.

The second seminar will take place September 26–27 at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site in Alto. The cost for full two-day registration is $169. The deadline to register for the Alto series is September 5.

Limited space is available. Light refreshments and boxed lunches will be provided on both days at both locations. For more information or to register for the seminar, visit thcfriends.org/development-series

Marker Program Offers Free Summer Workshops Online

Join the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and learn how to research and apply for an Official Texas Historical Marker for your community. Free THC online workshops provide an overview of important historical research fundamentals as participants walk through a sample historical marker application and sample narrative. The online workshops encourage consideration of the elements comprising successful marker applications. Topics include conducting historical research, how to navigate the application process, how markers contribute to heritage tourism, and the roles of the THC and County Historical Commissions in the application process.

Historical Marker program staff is offering the following online workshops in the remainder of 2018:

  • May 31, 2–3:30 p.m.: Historical Research
  • June 29, 2–3:30 p.m.: Role of Marker Chair
  • July 25, 2–3:30 p.m.: Application Process
  • August 15, 2–3:00 p.m.: Markers and Heritage Tourism

Visit thc.texas.gov/learn/training-consulting for full details, locations, and to register. For more information, contact the THC’s History Programs Division at history@thc.texas.gov.