Texas Historical Commission

The Texas Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, initiated in January 2015, incentivizes property owners to rehabilitate historic buildings by offering government rebates. As of July 2024, the program has supported 453 projects, resulting in over $3.56 billion in qualified expenditures. Texas boasts one of the nation’s strongest state tax credit programs, offering a robust 25% tax credit on eligible projects, which can be combined with a federal 20% credit, significantly enhancing the financial feasibility of ambitious rehabilitation efforts. One notable project is the Merchants Ice and Cold Storage Company complex in San Antonio, which faced numerous challenges due to its structural issues and unique design. After several failed development attempts, a new team proposed converting the site into scientific lab and office spaces, aiming to revitalize it as a key part of an innovation corridor in East San Antonio. The project has successfully utilized state and federal historic tax credits to address financial hurdles, transforming a vacant property into a hub for job creation and attracting innovative firms to the area. Read more about the Merchants Ice and Cold Storage Company complex in the newest edition of the Medallion, a quarterly THC publication: https://lnkd.in/g6tK4wUf

Join the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site for Caddo Culture Day, an event celebrating the rich history and vibrant contemporary culture of the Caddo people. On November 2, enjoy various activities, including traditional cooking, storytelling, and cultural demonstrations. The day kicks off with a welcome message, followed by traditional cooking with Chase Kahwinhut Earles, and then Caddo stories with Kricket Rhoads-Connywerdy. Throughout the day, explore Caddo artist booths, geocaching, outdoor loom activities, seed saving, and more! Food will be available from Tacos Perez. Admission is free, but donations to the Friends of Caddo Mounds are appreciated. Please remember to respect Native American regalia and personal space. Event: https://lnkd.in/gKQkufBN

Clifton is gearing up to host the Smithsonian's traveling exhibit, "Crossroads: Change in Rural America," which will offer a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of rural America right in Bosque County. The area's fertile soil and abundant water from the Bosque River attracted early settlers, including Norwegian immigrants who established the largest Norwegian colony in the Southwest. In 1997, the state legislature designated Clifton the "Norwegian Capital of Texas." Visitors can immerse themselves in Clifton's heritage by exploring the Bosque Museum, the “Crossroads” home base. The museum houses artifacts from the area's Native American and Norwegian settlers. Additionally, the town's well-preserved Norse Historic District showcases the rural lifestyle of early Norwegian settlers. Clifton has a thriving arts scene, recognized as one of the nation's top 100 small art communities. Central to this vibrant culture is the Bosque Arts Center, a hub for visual and performing arts. Public art initiatives and its hometown members of the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America make the town a dynamic destination for art enthusiasts. Don't miss this opportunity to discover Clifton and its connection to rural America's past, present, and future. The Smithsonian exhibit will be on display at the Bosque Museum from October 12 to December 1. For more information: https://lnkd.in/g8RXHc3s 📸: Hog on display at Fair, Bosque County Historical Commission via Portal to Texas History

Celebrate the beginning of fall the German way. Join Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site on October 5 for its annual Hogg-toberfest! From 12-9 p.m., enjoy food trucks, beer, a vendor market, games and activities for all ages, and live music featuring The Brazoswood German Club, The Lizards, and Jeff Arionus. Tickets are just $5 and available to purchase at the gate! Event info: https://lnkd.in/gkPQB-5W 📸: Ima Hogg with a polka band

We’re thrilled to announce that the City of Mercedes is Texas’ newest Certified Local Government (CLG)! CLGs are communities that act independently to develop and maintain a successful local preservation program. This certification highlights Mercedes’ dedication to historic preservation and opens funding and resources for local initiatives. Founded in the early 1900s, Mercedes became an agricultural hub thanks to the St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico Railway. Irrigation projects transformed the region’s arid land into fertile fields. The annual Mercedes Livestock Show, introduced in the late 1930s, further enhanced its agricultural reputation. Mercedes’ significant population growth in the mid-20th century fostered a diverse community that celebrated its cultural heritage. Its multicultural history is reflected in its built environment, featuring architecture that blends Mexican, Spanish, German, and French influences. The THC’s CLG coordinator, Kelly Little, and local government specialist, Ericca Espindola, met with the city’s Historic Preservation Commission to discuss program requirements, opportunities, and preservation best practices. Today, Mercedes celebrates its agricultural roots while fostering community and economic development through events and public art, showcasing its vibrant traditions and resilience. Learn more about the Certified Local Government: https://bit.ly/CLGprogram 📸: 1. City of Mercedes’ Historic Preservation Commission and staff with Ericca Espindola in front of the historic City Hall (Recorded Texas Historic Landmark), 2. Irrigation district canal that reshaped the landscape in the Valley, 3-6. Local architecture

October is Texas Archeology Month! Each year, the Texas Historical Commission collaborates with partners all over the state to host in-person and virtual events, such as archeological fairs, lectures, exhibits, demonstrations, and tours. These programs—such as various events at our state historic sites—allow Texans to understand better the depth and richness of the Lone Star State’s heritage. One highlight is the Texas Archeology Fair hosted by the French Legation State Historic Site. This free event will feature hands-on activities, demonstrations, and special exhibits suitable for families. Join the team in Austin on Saturday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.! Visitors can try their hand at atlatl throwing, a prehistoric spear-throwing device, or experience one of the oldest pottery techniques known to humanity with a pinch-pot kit. RSVP to Texas Archeology Fair: https://bit.ly/tamfair2024 Can’t make it to the fair? Attend other archeology events throughout the state all month long! You can check out our Texas Archeology Month calendar for an event near you: https://lnkd.in/gVkFNe3b

American Indian Heritage Day recognizes the contributions of American Indian communities and individuals from the past through the present. The earliest evidence of humans in Texas dates from around 13,000 years ago. Since that time, the state has been home to many different Indigenous peoples, from early Coahuiltecan tribes to the Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, Kickapoo, Caddo, and Tigua. Today, the political headquarters of nearly all of these tribes are located in Oklahoma, due to the US Congress creating “Indian Territory” there in 1834 and forcibly relocating more than 60 tribes over the following decades. Three tribes do have reservations within Texas: the Alabama-Coushatta in Polk County, the Kickapoo in Maverick County, and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo in El Paso County. Additionally, 29 federally recognized tribes maintain historical connections to Texas. We are actively collaborating with these tribes to enhance the sharing of their rich histories in Texas. 📷: Members of the Caddo Nation at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site in Alto, Texas

Join the Admiral Nimitz Foundation - National Museum of the Pacific War for an in-depth look at aviation in the Pacific with their Wings & Wine event, offering a unique blend of artifact exploration and curated wine pairings. Director of Collections Nicole Bagley will guide guests through a walking tour of four iconic aviation artifacts at the museum: the B-25 Bomber, Grumman F4F Wildcat, TBM Avenger, and Type 96 3-Barrel Anti-Aircraft Gun. Each aircraft has been paired with a wine from Wine for the People to enhance your appreciation. Snacks will be provided at the beginning of the tour and a specialty goody bag will be distributed at the event's conclusion. The event is this Saturday, September 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $20. Spots are limited. For more info: https://lnkd.in/gPATjCzG

The Texas Historical Commission’s Cemetery Preservation Program is hosting two hands-on workshops on essential skills, such as headstone cleaning, leveling, and repair. Workshop Details: Davis Cemetery: October 2nd & 3rd (7 miles southeast of Athens) - https://lnkd.in/gAhX6uyC Goshen Cemetery: October 4th & 5th (17 miles northwest of Athens) - https://lnkd.in/g-sT2bG4 Registration: Only $30 per participant, with a cap of 25 attendees per workshop. What to Bring: Please wear gardening attire and bring chairs, gloves, a hat, lunch, and drinking water. Note: This event coincides with Canton’s Trade Days, so make hotel reservations early if needed!

As the Smithsonian wraps up its traveling exhibit in San Augustine, it’s bittersweet to see that “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” has captivated many visitors to explore local and rural history. However, we're excited for what's next. It takes a dedicated crew to dismantle, transport, and reassemble this Smithsonian treasure. While San Augustine says goodbye on October 6, the team in Clifton will be racing to set up for an October 12 grand opening! 📍 Next stop: Bosque Museum in Clifton, TX Mark your calendars for October 12th - December 1st to explore how rural American communities have changed and adapted over the past century. For more information about Clifton: https://lnkd.in/g2JYbBcw