 Lea, T. (1956) Southwest Mural [Oil on canvas] El Paso Public Library. Copyright Catherine Lea Weeks
We’ve partnered with the Tom Lea Institute to provide travelers with a new way of exploring Texas history—through the life and work of El Paso artist, Tom Lea. Travelers can now experience the Tom Lea Trail via mobile tour, featuring GPS-enabled maps, photo galleries, and short video and audio clips of the artist, who recorded hours of oral history before his death in 2001.
Though a 20th-century artist, Lea’s subject matter spanned centuries, from the explorer Cabeza de Vaca and the legacy of the mounted Comanche that roamed early Texas to the experiences of soldiers in the South Pacific during World War II. With a brush or pen in his hand, Lea was determined to capture the world around him and, lucky for us, his favorite part of the world was Texas.
 2023 Archeology Fair at the French Legation State Historic Site in Austin
Each October, the Texas Historical Commission celebrates Texas Archeology Month by helping organize, host, and publicize events across the state, distributing free activity kits, and developing educational resources. Hands-on pinch-pot kits allow participants of all ages to experience one of the oldest pottery techniques in the world.
Order free kits and materials, learn how to get involved, and find an event near you at our state historic sites. Several events continue into November, including the Foundations of the Republic archeology tours taking place Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 11 a.m. at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site through November 9.
 Cologne Community historical marker in Goliad County
It’s time to send in your best undertold topics! For 15 years, the Texas Historical Commission has selected up to 15 special topics each year to receive a free historical marker through the undertold program. Initially funded through application fees collected for historical markers, and now supplemented with private donations, undertold markers address historical gaps, promote diversity of topics, and proactively document significant underrepresented subjects or untold stories.
We are accepting nominations for this year’s undertold round through November 15.
 Barrington Plantation State Historic Site in Washington, Texas
Get into the spirit of the fall season at the Texas Historical Commission's state historic sites. Explore the art of coffin building at The Final Nail – Coffin Building at Washington-on-the-Brazos on October 27-28. Experience the construction of a coffin using the same materials and methods used in the 1860s, where educators will describe some of the mourning rituals of the Victorian Era. As the weather continues to cool down, don't miss more exciting fall events: Night Tour of the Magoffin Home on October 27, Ghosts Along the Brazos at Varner-Hogg Plantation on October 28, Spooky Stories and Bonfire Night on the Bluff at Kreische Brewery on October 27, and Tales from the Tombstone at San Jacinto Battleground on October 27-28. Unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the past await.
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