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December 19, 2024
Two-story cream building with dark red trimming
Welcome to the THC, Slaton Harvey House!
The Slaton Harvey House [ [link removed] ] located in Slaton is now officially the Texas Historical Commission’s 40th State Historic Site [ [link removed] ]!
Built in 1912, this two-story West Texas structure served as one of Fred Harvey's iconic "eating houses" along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway for over 30 years. Saved from demolition, it now stands as a living museum, events venue, and bed & breakfast. This site preserves aspects of our state's history, including the impact of railroads, women's roles in early 20th-century society, and business innovation during a transformative era.
*PLAN YOUR VISIT* [ [link removed] ]
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Real Places 2025 Banner
Last Chance for Early-Bird Savings
Don’t miss out! Real Places 2025 [ [link removed] ] early-bird registration ends tomorrow, *December 20*, allowing you to save up to $155. Additional discounts are available for Courthouse Stewards, students, and group registrations.
Real Places 2025 [ [link removed] ] is the premier historic preservation and heritage tourism conference, taking place April 23-25 in Austin or online!
*REGISTER AND SAVE TODAY*
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Grab Your Limited-Edition Fulton Mansion Ornament
Get your hands on the THC's inaugural holiday ornament before it's gone! This year’s limited-edition ornament features the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site [ [link removed] ], perfect for starting or adding to your collection.
Still looking for gifts? The THC has created an online holiday gift guide [ [link removed] ] showcasing a curated selection of products inspired by Texas history.
*SHOP NOW*
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Wood cabin with Texas Historical Marker
Henry G. Madison Cabin, Travis County, TPTF FY 23 Architecture – Planning grant recipient for construction document creation for future rehabilitation efforts
Grant Program Applications Open
Applications are open for the Texas Preservation Trust Fund (TPTF) Grant Program [ [link removed] ] for Fiscal Year 2026. This program provides matching, reimbursable grants for historic preservation projects related to archeological, architectural, and heritage education resources.
Special funding opportunities will be available for projects in the Panhandle area and the city of Dallas, allowing applicants in these regions to request larger grants than usual.
Initial applications for the FY 26 grant cycle are due Monday, February 3, 2025, by 5 P.M. CST.
*LEARN MORE AND APPLY* [ [link removed] ]
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White courthouse
Celebrating 25 Years of Courthouse Preservation
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) [ [link removed] ], one of the THC's highest-profile initiatives.
The THCPP’s [ [link removed] ] origins are traced to New Year’s Day 1993, when a tragic fire nearly destroyed the Hill County Courthouse in Hillsboro (pictured). Coincidentally, the program’s most recent rehabilitation project, Mason County Courthouse, restored severe fire-related damage.
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Downtown street
Brenham Hosts the Smithsonian
Brenham [ [link removed] ], a town rich in history and cultural diversity, is hosting the Smithsonian's traveling exhibit, *"Crossroads: Change in Rural America,"* until January 19, 2025. This exhibit will explore the evolution of rural America while highlighting Brenham's own unique story—from its founding in 1844 as a cotton hub to the significant contributions of its German, Jewish, and African American communities. Click here to learn more. [ [link removed] ]
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Ranch house in snow
Upcoming Holiday Events
Immerse yourself in Texas history while enjoying activities that capture the spirit of the season. Experience over a century of holiday traditions, craft your best ornaments, delight in the enchanting holiday lights, and much more! You will find it all at a State Historic Site [ [link removed] ] near you!
*VIEW HOLIDAY EVENTS* [ [link removed] ]
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Other Upcoming Events:
* Dec 21: Until the Sun Set: Brutality and the Battle of San Jacinto [ [link removed] ], San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
* Dec 27: The Yellow Rose of Texas: Myth and Fact [ [link removed] ], San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
* Dec 28: Boom: Cannon Demonstration [ [link removed] ], San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
* Jan 11: San Felipe Teaches Teachers [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
* Jan 13: Leah Moncure, P.E. Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Bastrop
* Jan 14: Threads of the Revolution: Uniforms [ [link removed] ], San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
* Jan 18: Archeology Spotlight [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
* Jan 18: 1836 Camp of Instruction [ [link removed] ], Presidio la Bahía, Goliad
* Jan 18: Preserving Pictures: Photography Presentation & Workshop [ [link removed] ], Levi Jordan Plantation, Brazoria
* Until Jan 19: Villa de Austin Photoquest [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
*VIEW MORE EVENTS* [ [link removed] ]
Marker Icon [ [link removed] ]
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.
Main Street Icon [ [link removed] ]
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.
Friends Icon [ [link removed] ]
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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