Texas Historical Commission

Texas Historical Commission. The Texas Historical Commission is a state agency dedicated to preserving the history of Texas, including its Texas Revolution, Mexican-American War, and American Civil War heritage. The commission was established in 1953 by the Texas Legislature to protect and promote the state's historic resources, such as the Alamo, San Jacinto Monument, and Washington-on-the-Brazos. The agency works closely with other organizations, including the National Park Service, Library of Congress, and Smithsonian Institution, to achieve its goals.

● History

The Texas Historical Commission was created in response to the growing concern about the preservation of Texas history, particularly in the aftermath of World War II. The commission's early efforts focused on marking historic sites, such as the Battle of the Alamo and Goliad Massacre, and developing Texas State Parks, including Balmorhea State Park and Big Bend National Park. The agency also collaborated with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Sons of the Republic of Texas, and Texas State Historical Association to promote the state's rich cultural heritage, including its Native American and Tejano roots. Notable figures, such as Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett, played important roles in shaping the state's history, which is commemorated through various Texas Historical Commission programs and initiatives.

● Mission and Responsibilities

The Texas Historical Commission's mission is to protect and preserve the state's historic and cultural resources, including its archaeological sites, historic buildings, and museums. The agency is responsible for administering the National Register of Historic Places in Texas, as well as the Texas Historic Landmark program, which recognizes significant sites, such as the Johnson Space Center and Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. The commission also works with the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to develop and implement preservation strategies, including the Texas Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. Additionally, the agency collaborates with the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Rice University to promote historical research and education.

● Programs and Initiatives

The Texas Historical Commission offers a range of programs and initiatives to promote the state's history and cultural heritage, including the Texas Historical Marker program, which has recognized over 16,000 historic sites, such as the Dr Pepper Museum and Bullock Texas State History Museum. The agency also administers the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation program, which has helped to restore and preserve numerous historic courthouses, including the Gonzales County Courthouse and Fayette County Courthouse. Furthermore, the commission supports the Texas Archeological Society, Texas Folklore Society, and Texas State Genealogical Society in their efforts to promote the state's cultural heritage, including its music, art, and literature. The agency also partners with the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Dallas Museum of Art, and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to develop and implement educational programs.

● Historic Sites and Properties

The Texas Historical Commission is responsible for managing and maintaining numerous historic sites and properties, including the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, and Fannin Battleground State Historic Site. The agency also oversees the Texas State Cemetery, which is the final resting place of notable Texans, such as Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston. Additionally, the commission works with the National Park Service to manage and preserve historic sites, such as the Big Thicket National Preserve and Waco Mammoth National Monument. The agency also collaborates with the City of Austin, City of Dallas, and City of San Antonio to develop and implement historic preservation plans, including the Austin Historic Preservation Plan and Dallas Historic Preservation Plan.

● Preservation Efforts

The Texas Historical Commission is committed to preserving the state's historic and cultural resources through a range of preservation efforts, including the Texas Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, which provides financial incentives for the rehabilitation of historic buildings, such as the Adolphus Hotel and Menger Hotel. The agency also administers the Texas Courthouse Preservation program, which has helped to restore and preserve numerous historic courthouses, including the Harris County Courthouse and Bexar County Courthouse. Furthermore, the commission works with the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to develop and implement preservation strategies, including the Texas Historic Bridge Preservation program. The agency also partners with the Texas Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to promote the preservation of historic bridges and roads.

● Governance and Funding

The Texas Historical Commission is governed by a nine-member board of commissioners, who are appointed by the Governor of Texas and confirmed by the Texas Senate. The agency is funded through a combination of state appropriations, federal grants, and private donations, including support from the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Texas Commission on the Arts. The commission also receives funding from the Texas Legislature, which has provided significant support for the agency's programs and initiatives, including the Texas Historic Preservation Fund. Additionally, the agency collaborates with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Agriculture, and Texas Department of Insurance to develop and implement programs and initiatives that promote the state's history and cultural heritage. The agency's funding also supports the work of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Texas Historical Foundation, and Texas Heritage Society in their efforts to promote the state's history and cultural heritage. Category:Texas state agencies