Texas Historical Commission

In 1999, the Texas Legislature and Gov. George W. Bush created the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) to save our state's treasured landmarks. This initiative came after Texas courthouses were added to the National Trust's 11 Most Endangered Places list in 1998 The THCPP, the largest preservation grant program ever initiated by a state government, has been a game-changer for Texas courthouses. It provides partial matching grants of up to 85% for restoration projects, as well as planning and emergency grants. Over the past 25 years, the program has: ? Facilitated the restoration of 103 county courthouses ? Invested over $360 million in state funds ? Generated more than $290 million in county expenditures ? Revitalized town squares and boosted heritage tourism Learn more about THCPP: https://lnkd.in/gmEHkueC ??: Fannin County courthouse rededication in 2022

??? The holidays are here, and the Texas Historical Commission is excited to unveil our first annual holiday ornament! This year’s limited-edition ornament features the beautiful Fulton Mansion State Historic Site—a perfect addition to your collection! Looking for unique gifts? Check out our online holiday gift guide, featuring a curated selection of products inspired by Texas history, including our inaugural collector’s edition ornament. Shop now at TexasHistoryStore.com and bring a touch of Texas history to your holiday celebrations!

After an extensive restoration process, the THC celebrated the grand reopening of the Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site in Anderson! Originally built in 1834 by English immigrant Henry Fanthorp, this historic inn evolved from a simple two-room cabin into a 17-room inn by 1850, becoming a vital hub for travelers and commerce. It has welcomed notable figures like Sam Houston and features original furnishings, including two armoires that have never left the property. Restorations revealed fascinating hidden writings from its past and archaeological evidence of enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the site. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the reopening festivities, including the ribbon-cutting ceremony and stagecoach rides! As Sam Houston said, “I should be happy to see you at Fanthorp’s!” Plan your visit: visitfanthorpinn.com

The Dunbar Historic District in San Marcos, a significant African American neighborhood, has applied to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its rich heritage and the collaborative efforts of local preservation advocates. Established during the Reconstruction era, the Dunbar district became a vibrant center for Black life in San Marcos, featuring modest homes, historic churches, and notable sites such as the 1912 Calaboose African American History Museum. It served as a hub of community engagement where residents developed a commercial district known as "the Beat" to fulfill their needs amid exclusion from white businesses. The listing of the Dunbar Historic District is part of the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, empowering communities to safeguard their historic resources. Annually, the CLG grant program provides essential funding to local governments for developing effective preservation programs. Despite not imposing restrictions on property owners, this designation acknowledges the area's significance and opens avenues for tax credits and grants for preservation initiatives. This recognition is crucial for ensuring that all citizens see their stories reflected in San Marcos's history. San Marcos has been involved in the CLG Program since 1990, with Hays County participating since 1991. The project also received support from an Underrepresented Communities (URC) grant from the National Park Service, aimed at surveying and designating historic properties linked to underrepresented communities in the National Register. Previously listed as one of Preservation Texas' Most Endangered Places due to threats from flooding and redevelopment, the Dunbar Historic District is now receiving vital attention from the Historic Preservation Commission and community advocates to protect its legacy. The Dunbar district is still pending review by the National Park Service. Learn more about our CLG Program: https://bit.ly/CLGprogram ??: First Baptist Church in Dunbar Historic District, Preservation Texas

After 16 years of dedicated service, General Michael W. Hagee, USMC (Ret.) is retiring as President & CEO of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation - National Museum of the Pacific War. A Fredericksburg native, Hagee had a distinguished military career, serving as the 33rd Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003 to 2006. Under Hagee's leadership, the Museum has achieved national accreditation and Smithsonian affiliation, significantly enhancing its stature and outreach. His commitment to preserving and sharing the history of the Pacific War has left a lasting legacy. Please join us in thanking General Hagee for his exceptional leadership and welcoming Steve Salazar as incoming President & CEO.

Do you know a college student seeking an inspiring summer internship with the Texas Historical Commission? Applications for the 2025 Preservation Scholars Program are now open! Run by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission , this program provides students from underrepresented backgrounds with internship experience and the opportunity to explore the field of historic preservation at the THC. Scholars will have the opportunity to grow skills in key areas conducive to career success, develop relationships with professionals working in and around the field, and gain experience with and exposure to a range of ideas, projects, and people in the real-world environment of historic preservation. Applications are due February 21, 2025. Learn more and how to apply: https://lnkd.in/gsdckDCw ??: Preservation Scholars 2024 cohort

Thank you to our Veterans. This Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, all Texas State Historic Sites will waive admission for veterans in recognition of their service. It's a perfect time to explore our state's rich history while reflecting on service and sacrifice. The red poppy, immortalized in the World War I poem "In Flanders Fields," has become a powerful symbol of remembrance. These vibrant flowers still bloom in fields where soldiers once fought, reminding us of the courage and dedication of all who served—then and now. An American educator, Moina Michael wrote her poem, "We Shall Keep the Faith," and vowed to wear a poppy every day to honor fallen soldiers. Plan your visit at www.VisitHistoricTexas.com ??: Red poppies at Landmark Inn State Historic Site in Castroville

Named after President John Tyler, the city of Tyler evolved from a small settlement into a key commercial hub. With its roots in agriculture, Tyler is renowned as the "Rose Capital of America," producing one-third of all commercially grown rose bushes in the United States. Later, bolstered by the discovery of oil in the 1930s, Tyler became a thriving center for industry and culture. In 1990, Tyler made history by becoming the first Urban Main Street program in Texas for cities with populations over 50,000. This milestone began a concerted effort to revitalize the city's historic core while preserving its unique character. The program's success culminated in 2022 when Downtown Tyler was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. The Texas Main Street Program has been pivotal in shaping Tyler's downtown renaissance. Community organizers and city officials are redesigning the downtown area to create a more walkable environment with wider sidewalks and public green spaces, enhancing community engagement and supporting local businesses. Tyler's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing progress is evident in initiatives like Gallery Main Street, which showcases local artists, and Art Alley, which adds creative flair to the urban landscape. The Cotton Belt Depot Museum offers insights into the city’s railroad history, while other spots make Downtown Tyler a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike. Learn more about the Texas Main Street Program: bit.ly/texasmainstreet

Registration is open now for Real Places 2025! Join us April 23-25 in Austin or online for the premier historic preservation and heritage tourism conference in the Lone Star State: https://realplaces.us Presented by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission and Phoenix I Restoration and Construction, LLC, Real Places provides an opportunity for preservationists and officials to network and learn with County Historical Commissions, Main Street managers, historic preservation officers, architects and engineers, historians, archeologists, museum curators and managers, interpreters, as well as THC staff, Texas Heritage Trail Regions, and many partner organizations. The full schedule includes over 100 expert speakers from across Texas and the U.S., more than 50 sessions, workshops, tours, and fun and exciting activities. Whether joining us online or in person, sessions will be recorded and available to all attendees. New this year are our “Basic” and “Premium” registration options. Premium registration is exactly what you’ve come to expect if you’ve attended Real Places before. Basic registration does not include breakfasts or lunches. Save up to $155 on registration with the early-bird rate, which only lasts through December 20. Courthouse Stewards, students, and organizations registering multiple people simultaneously can receive additional discounts. A la carte pricing is also available for single-day registrations and special events. Register now: https://realplaces.us

The Turnverein movement—which promoted good health—originated in Germany in the early 1800s and traveled to Texas with immigrants later in the century. The Bellville Turnverein organized in 1885 and built a new structure in 1897 to replace a smaller facility. A strong symbol of Bellville’s rich German heritage and cultural traditions, it hosted dances, meetings, festivals, concerts, and movies. The Turnverein also played an important role as a community center, fostering much of Bellville’s social and cultural activity into the 1970s, and is considered an excellent intact example of a late 19th-century round dance hall—distinct to rural Texas communities settled by Germans and Czechs. Recently rehabilitated, it received a THC Preservation Award this year. This and many other National Register properties received funding from the National Park Service’s Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund Grant-Hurricane Harvey Disaster Assistance. The Texas Historical Commission’s preservation programs staff members administered 36 subgrants for projects ranging from surveys to rehabilitation, preservation planning, and educational efforts. Read more about these efforts in the latest issue of the Medallion, a quarterly THC publication: https://lnkd.in/g6tK4wUf