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*February 19, 2025*
Mural of African American musicians
"Rhapsody" mural on E. 11th Street, Charles E. Urdy Plaza, in Austin
Preserving the Past: Honoring Black History in Texas
As you stroll through East Austin, colorful murals [ [link removed] ] leap from the walls, telling powerful stories of African American history and culture. These tributes honor the legacy of a community that once thrived here as a vibrant hub of Black culture and entrepreneurship.
The history in East Austin is just one piece of a larger story. This Black History Month, explore other significant African American landmarks and experiences across Texas, such as Freedmen's Town in Houston [ [link removed] ] and the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum [ [link removed] ]. As we mark the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth [ [link removed] ], consider visiting historic sites like Ashton Villa [ [link removed] ], where the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in Galveston.
Immerse yourself in the Black history stories that have shaped Texas and the nation. Our state is home to numerous sites [ [link removed] ] that honor the struggles, triumphs, and enduring legacy of African Americans.
*BLACK HERITAGE SITES ACROSS TEXAS* [ [link removed] ]
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The Smithsonian is coming BACK to town!
We’re looking for six lucky small towns across the state to host the largest museum complex in the world! Our Heritage Tourism Program is relaunching our partnership with the Smithsonian [ [link removed] ] to bring traveling exhibitions to rural Texas as part of the Museum on Main Street initiative. If selected, communities will receive training and consultation from THC staff to prepare their local heritage tourism landscapes for the arrival of the exhibit in May 2026.
Interested in applying? We’re seeking museums, tourism organizations, public libraries, and other groups—especially in Texas Main Street Program cities—interested in developing heritage tourism in towns with a population of 20,000 or less.
*Applications are open until April 15*. The application and more information about the Museum on Main Street initiative are available below:
*APPLY TO HOST THE SMITHSONIAN* [ [link removed] ]
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A man in period clothing addressing a crowd of visitors
Save the Date: A Toast to Texas Festival
Saturday, March 1, 10a.m.–6p.m., Washington
On March 2, 1836, Texas formally declared its independence from Mexico with the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence at Washington-on-the-Brazos.
To commemorate the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence, join us for a spirited celebration of Texas history at the "A Toast to Texas to Texas Family Festival" on March 1 at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site [ [link removed] ].
Highlights include period performances, historical reenactments, the 2nd Annual Republic of Texas Chili Cook-off, and cannon and musket firings. Don't miss this opportunity to step back in time and experience the rich heritage of the Lone Star State!
*FULL EVENT INFORMATION* [ [link removed] ]
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RP25 Header
Join us at Real Places 2025!
Real Places [ [link removed] ] is where ideas and inspiration for preserving Texas history are born. Presented by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission and Phoenix I Restoration and Construction, LLC, Real Places 2025 will feature over 100 expert speakers and more than 50 sessions, workshops, and tours all about historic preservation and heritage tourism.
New this year are “Basic” and “Premium” registration options. Sign up this month to save on registration! The final rate increase will occur on *March 21*.
*REGISTER AND SAVE* [ [link removed] ]
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Texas Historical Marker for the Waco Suspension Bridge
Marker Applications Now Available! [ [link removed] ]
Applications for Texas Historical Markers [ [link removed] ] are now available. Commemorate significant sites and stories across Texas!
Interested individuals and groups can submit their applications through their local county historical commissions between March 1 and May 15. This program allows communities to highlight their rich history and cultural heritage, ensuring that important Texas stories are preserved for future generations.
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Fishing boats tied to a pier
Smithsonian in Rockport Until March 9
Explore Rockport's [ [link removed] ] transformation from cattle shipping hub to charming coastal town through the Smithsonian's traveling exhibit, "Crossroads: Change in Rural America." The Smithsonian exhibit examines the evolution of rural America, highlighting how community, identity, and development have changed over the past century. For more details, click here [ [link removed] ].
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Upcoming Events
* Feb 22: Hollywood comes to the Panhandle [ [link removed] ], Goodnight Ranch, Goodnight
* Feb 22: Brutality and the Battle of San Jacinto [ [link removed] ], San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
* Feb 22: Public Guided Tours: Black History Month [ [link removed] ], Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Columbia
* Feb 22-23: Rice University Excavations [ [link removed] ], Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Columbia
* Feb 27: ¿Qué es eso? What is it? [ [link removed] ], Magoffin Home, El Paso
* Feb 27: Travis' "Victory or Death" Letter - A Deep Dive [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
* Feb 28: Navarro's 230th Birthday [ [link removed] ], Casa Navarro, San Antonio
* Mar 1: Texas Independence Fun Run [ [link removed] ], San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
* Mar 1-2: Rice University Excavations [ [link removed] ], Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Columbia
* Mar 1-2: Women of the Bluff [ [link removed] ], Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill, La Grange
* Mar 2: St. John's United Methodist Church Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Rockdale
* Mar 2: Idalou Cemetery Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Lubbock County
* Mar 8: Guided Oral History Tour [ [link removed] ], Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Columbia
* Mar 8-16: Spring Break on the Bluff [ [link removed] ], Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill, La Grange
* Mar 11-15: Spring Break at the House [ [link removed] ], Bush Family Home, Midland
* Mar 12: Anniversary Dinner Party [ [link removed] ], Fulton Mansion, Rockport
* Mar 15: Beasts of Burden [ [link removed] ], Barrington Plantation, Washington
*MORE EVENTS*
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.
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*Get More Updates About Texas History!*
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