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*July 3, 2024*
courthoues building in a square [ [link removed] ]
Historic Mason County Courthouse Restored to its Glory
The Mason County Courthouse will be rededicated on July 13, 2024, following an extensive restoration project after a devastating arson fire in February 2021. Built in 1909-1910, this neoclassical courthouse has been a focal point of Mason's central square for over a century. The Texas Historical Commission's (THC) Courthouse Preservation Program [ [link removed] ] was crucial in the building's revival, providing funding and expertise to ensure its authentic restoration adhered to historical preservation standards and met modern safety and accessibility requirements.
This celebration showcases the importance of preserving Texas' architectural heritage. The restored courthouse will once again serve as a focal point for the community in Mason's downtown area.
The rededication ceremony is part of Mason County's 59th annual Round Up Weekend, which includes a parade, rodeo, and other events. Stay at a historic overnight [ [link removed] ] accommodation to fully immerse yourself in Mason's rich history.
*EVENT INFO* [ [link removed] ]
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Plantation house [ [link removed] ]
Celebrate 200 Years of History at Varner-Hogg Plantation
Join the Varner-Hogg Plantation [ [link removed] ] on Saturday, July 6 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Martin Varner's settlement on the site in 1824. They will honor the people who have lived and worked on the site throughout its fascinating history with various engaging activities and demonstrations.
Enjoy a day of living history, hands-on activities, and celebrating the rich heritage of the Varner-Hogg Plantation. Admission is free.
*LEARN MORE* [ [link removed] ]
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Woman standing at podium talking [ [link removed] ]
Real Places Conference 2025: Call for Proposals
Share your expertise and contribute to the preservation of Texas history! Our Real Places conference welcomes professionals and volunteers from various fields, including preservation, restoration, museum work, government, tourism, and engaged citizens passionate about local history.
Session formats include lightning rounds, traditional panels, nuts & bolts workshops, round tables, guided discussions, and intensive workshops. Academic and research poster submissions are also welcome.
Need assistance putting together a proposal? Email
[email protected] before July 31 for suggestions on the topic, potential collaborators or co-presenters, and other feedback from the 2025 Program Committee. Submitters may then complete or refine proposals using the online form below by the September 2 deadline.
Don't miss this chance to shape the future of historic preservation in Texas!
*LEARN MORE* [ [link removed] ]
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Photo of a small town with a truck passing through. In the corner it says Crossroads.
The Smithsonian Is Coming to Texas this August
Texans are proud of their small towns, but what does rural America look like today and how has it changed over the last century? This is the central question posed in “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” a Smithsonian exhibit traveling to seven small towns across the state starting in August.
The exhibition aims to highlight rural America's unique culture and history while also addressing the opportunities for economic revitalization in small towns. It will feature engaging displays, interactive components, and locally curated content encouraging visitors to reflect on the importance of preserving small-town heritage and the potential for future growth.
Seven communities in Texas have been selected to host the exhibition for six weeks each from August 2024 through August 2025:
* San Augustine, August 24–October 6, 2024
* Clifton, October 12–December 1, 2024
* Brenham, December 7, 2024–January 19, 2025
* Rockport, January 25–March 9, 2025
* Buffalo Gap, March 15–April 27, 2025
* San Elizario, May 3–June 15, 2025
* Bandera, June 21–August 2, 2025
*LEARN MORE* [ [link removed] ]
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Upcoming Events
Independence Day Events:
* July 4: Independence Day Guided Tour [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
* July 5-6: Ich bin ein Amerikaner: Independence Day on the Bluff [ [link removed] ], Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill, La Grange
Public Meetings:
* July 18: Architecture Committee Meeting to Consider Round XIII Courthouse Grants [ [link removed] ]
* July 25-26: Summer Quarterly Commission Meeting [ [link removed] ]
State Historic Sites Events:
* July 6: Campaign Briefing: The Marshalls [ [link removed] ], National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg
* July 9: Kenneth Anderson Memorial Ceremony [ [link removed] ], Anderson
* July 9-12: Texas Heroes: Life in the Villa de Austin Summer Camp [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
* July 10-12: Camp Cattalo Family Camp: Cowboys & Cattle Drives [ [link removed] ], Goodnight Ranch, Goodnight
* July 12-13: Caddo Artist Series: Jackie Bullard Talk [ [link removed] ] and Basket Maker Workshop [ [link removed] ], Caddo Mounds, Alto
* July 13: Fulshear 1824 Festival at San Felipe de Austin [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Ausitn, San Felipe
* July 13: Bastille Day Celebration [ [link removed] ] and Concert [ [link removed] ], French Legation, Austin
* July 13: Cultures of the Pacific [ [link removed] ], National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg
* July 17: Brain Trust Brown Bag Lecture: The Salt Wars [ [link removed] ], Magoffin Home, El Paso
* July 18-20: Growing in Garden Camp [ [link removed] ], Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Columbia
* July 19-20: Weaving in Nature Family Camp, Caddo Mounds [ [link removed] ], Alto
* July 20: Cooking in the Quarter, Barrington Plantation [ [link removed] ], Washington
* July 21: Notla Community Historical Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Perryton
* July 22-24: Experience San Jacinto Summer Camp [ [link removed] ], San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
*MORE EVENTS* [ [link removed] ]
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Markers [ [link removed] ]
State historical markers can be found in all 254 Texas counties. Find the one closest to you in our Texas Historic Sites Atlas.
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Main Street [ [link removed] ]
Nearly 90 cities are part of the Texas Main Street program. This powerful tool revives local economies and brings communities together.
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Friends of the THC [ [link removed] ]
The Friends partners with the THC to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of Texas through private philanthropic resources.
*Get More Updates About Texas History!*
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