Greetings, and the very best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2024!

Over the last few months, I have had the opportunity to be in multiple conversations about what it means to be a Texan, especially as we continue to broaden our community of folks that are passionate about and interested in preserving Texas history. How do people see themselves in Texas history, or do they? As an immigrant to this country, who made Texas my home thirty years ago, I am taking the liberty to offer some of my story here and share with you why I do the work I do and love every minute of it!

Supporting the Varied and Complex Stories of Texas

By Sally Anne Schmidt, Chair

I support the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission because I am passionate about Texas history and Texas places! The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission is an organization dedicated to supporting the Texas Historical Commission as it does the work to tell the real stories of the real places of Texas. The Friends works to promote inclusive and proactive collaboration without shying away from the varied and complex stories of Texas. I appreciate that the Friends operates with authenticity, dependability, and trust. The staff and volunteers of this worthwhile organization work tirelessly to promote these values and our vision that everyone finds a place in the history of Texas.

Seeing Ourselves in Our State's History

By Donna Carter, Vice-Chair

First and foremost, I love history and I love places. Helping to ensure that history, the places and artifacts, are available to everyone is what the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission works hard to achieve. Each of us can see ourselves in the richness, breadth, and depth of Texas? historic stories. Yet, I am constantly reminded that for every person who is drawn to the narratives of past generations, there are others who do not care to listen to these critical stories and feel it is a waste of time and resources to preserve them, and there are still others who think of restoration as a luxury that only affluent communities can afford.

Help us spread the word! The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission?s Preservation Scholars Program is now accepting applications. This 10-week, paid summer internship placement with the Texas Historical Commission offers undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented ethnic and cultural backgrounds the exciting opportunity to work hands-on in the historic preservation field. Please visit HERE for more details on the program.

"This internship was eye opening and inspirational and a truly valuable experience for those of us just starting out on our career paths." ~ N.R., Summer 2022

The deadline to apply is February 20, 2024.

Uncover the Hidden Stories of Route 66

Join the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, the Abuelas Project and Latinos in Heritage Conservation on a groundbreaking VIRTUAL road trip! We?ll delve into the forgotten narratives of Latinx communities along legendary Route 66, celebrating the places that hold cultural significance and revealing the contributions of nuestras abuelas, our grandmothers. Why Route 66? This iconic highway witnessed the journeys of countless Latinx families, shaping their experiences and fostering vibrant communities. Yet, their stories often remain hidden.

Presenter: Former Preservation Scholar Sehila Mota Casper is the inaugural executive director for Latinos in Heritage Conservation, where she works to ensure that the preservation field is inclusive, equitable, and rooted in community.

The Texas Historical Commission?s eighth annual Real Places conference, presented in partnership with our title partner,?Phoenix I Restoration and Construction LLC,?is scheduled for April 3 ? 5, 2024 in Austin.

Real Places is where ideas and inspiration for preserving Texas history are born. Real Places 2024 will feature over 60 sessions, workshops, and tours; five keynote presentations; more than 100 expert speakers from across Texas and the U.S.; several fun networking events; and new activities such as the short ?lightning sessions.? Recordings will be available to all attendees, whether joining us online or in person, so you?ll be able to watch all the great presentations you missed due to concurrent sessions.

Sign up this month to save up to $100 with regular registration pricing. The final rate increase will occur on March 1.

Presented by support from CAPTRUST, Anjali Zutshi, executive director of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission will host a conference workshop on Nonprofit Fund Development-The Numbers, The Ask, and Stewardship.

As any Texan knows, the way to our hearts is to ask where we're from. We'll regale you with stories of Texas till the cows come home. The stories of Texas are rich, multicultural tales of resilience, creativity, and grit. Helping the Texas Historical Commission tell these stories is what we do here at the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission.

We'd love for you to join us in this work. Please visit our Support Us page today. Whether you are inspired to support a specific historic site, our flagship Preservation Scholars Program, or our Spirit of Texas program, your kind generosity ensures that the stories of our state's one-of-a-kind past endure for generations.