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The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission partners with the Texas Historical Commission to preserve and promote the real places and real stories of Texas, including our state historic sites.?
A Note from the Executive Director
?These trees which he plants, and under whose shade he shall never sit, he loves them for themselves, and for the sake of his children and his children?s children, who are to sit beneath the shadow of their spreading boughs.? ?French theologian Hyacinthe Loyson, 1866
In the last few days, you may have received a letter in the mail from THC Commissioner Jim Bruseth, on behalf of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission. In this letter, Jim shares his story of how a childhood experience led him to a half-century-long career in archeology?uncovering, exploring, and preserving the past for posterity. This is Jim?s legacy, his work preserving Texas history for future generations. It was this connection that led Jim and his wife Toni to their decision to leave yet another legacy, with a future gift (through their will). This legacy gift will support the work and career growth of future archeologists in Texas, something Jim and Toni are passionate about.
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The Bush Family Home State Historic Site in Midland became part of the Texas Historical Commission on May 23. This unique site tells the stories of two governors, two presidents, and a First Lady. It provides a glimpse into the life of the family as they moved to West Texas after WWII and began a life of public service.
The future for the site holds great promise. Thanks to a generous gift from THC Chairman John Nau III, the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission was able to acquire the two properties adjacent to the Bush Family Home so that more space for educational programming, exhibits, and offices can be created. Plans for relocation and expansion of the museum store are underway, and enhanced collaboration with partner organizations is already being developed by new site manger Troy Gray.
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Meet the 2023 Preservation Scholars
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 Join us in welcoming the Preservation Scholars Class of 2023! Each year, the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission places college and graduate students from underrepresented communities in internships with the Texas Historical Commission. This program, now in its 15th year, seeks to engage a wider range of communities, perspectives, and voices in the effort to discover and share Texas? historical narrative. Our goal is to build interest in historic preservation among students, and to build awareness about the breadth of academic backgrounds that are involved in the work?of preservation in Texas.
For 10 weeks, these students will learn new skills, build relationships with professionals, and take on projects designed to challenge and inspire them. We invite you to learn more about this year?s Preservation Scholars.
 Mark your calendars for the Texas Historical Commission?s 2024 Real Places Conference. We are excited to announce a new date and a new location for this premiere historic preservation event. Join us on April 3-5, 2024 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. To stay up to date on the latest conference news, sign up to receive updates by clicking the link below.
From Hope Chests to Museums: How Women Saved the West
From hope chests to museums, and everything in between, women played a crucial role in saving the West. This unique presentation focuses on how women were originators, caretakers, and stewards whose efforts helped retain important parts of history. From the establishment of historical societies to preserving critical documents and objects of historical value, we will see how the work of dedicated women has collectively resonated through the historical narrative. Renea Dauntes, archivist and research assistant at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, leads this fascinating discussion drawing on her professional and personal experience to examine the role that women in the West played in saving information and artifacts from the past.
Date: Thursday, June 29, 6 p.m. Central
Platform: Zoom (Registrants will receive the link to attend closer to event date. Please check spam/junk folder for email updates.)
Cost:?Free (Donations?in support of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission are welcome and appreciated!)
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