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*September 2025*
Pink building with iron balcony
Manuel Guerra store and residence, historic district of Roma
Hispanic Heritage Is All Around
Over two centuries of Texas borderland heritage surrounds the plaza in the historic river town of Roma. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993, the Roma Historic District [ [link removed] ] features beautifully preserved Spanish Colonial architecture like the Manuel Guerra residence and mercantile.
From historic missions and colonial plazas to cultural landmarks and local businesses, Hispanic heritage is deeply woven into Texas history. Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15, honoring Latin American independence from Spain, including the 1810 "Grito de Dolores", when Father Miguel Hidalgo called for Mexico’s freedom—at a time when Texas was still part of Mexico under Spanish rule.
Texas Time Travel [ [link removed] ] invites you to discover Roma and many other important Hispanic heritage sites across Texas. Use it to explore the richness of Texas’ Hispanic roots, plan your trips, and celebrate this vibrant culture.
*EXPLORE HISPANIC HERITAGE* [ [link removed] ]
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Brick courthouse
Wheeler County Courthouse, rededicated in 2004
Texas Legislature Allocates $100 Million for Historic Courthouse Grants
The Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program [ [link removed] ] (THCPP) will open its next grant cycle in October. Individual counties and municipalities can receive up to $10 million in total assistance during the 2025-26 biennial cycle, funded by a historic $100 million appropriated by the 89th Texas Legislature.
Counties or cities owning a courthouse 50 years or older and serving as the primary seat of county government are eligible. The THCPP offers three types of grants: planning, construction, and emergency. To apply for Round 14, counties or cities must have an approved master plan filed with the THC by March 13, 2026. For more information, visit the THC website [ [link removed] ]:
*MORE PROGRAM INFO* [ [link removed] ]
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Old photo of corpus christi port with two ships
The Port of Corpus Christi opened in 1926
Submit Your Undertold Marker Stories Soon
When the deepwater port of Corpus Christi opened in 1926, dock workers formed two racially segregated labor union locals: ILA Local 1224 for white workers and ILA Local 1225 for African American workers. Despite segregation, both locals became community pillars, building union halls, supporting families, and occasionally coordinating on negotiations and strikes.
Highlighting undertold histories like the Longshoremen's Unions of Corpus Christi is the mission of the THC’s Undertold Marker program [ [link removed] ]. For 15 years, undertold markers have filled important historical gaps and promoted a mix of lesser-known stories. The program will begin accepting nominations for new undertold topics from October 1 through November 15.
*READ MORE ABOUT UNDERTOLD MARKERS* [ [link removed] ]
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October Is Texas Archeology Month
Each October, the THC celebrates Texas Archeology Month [ [link removed] ] (TAM) by organizing and promoting events across the state, providing educational resources for all ages, and distributing free hands-on pinch-pot activity kits. These kits offer a unique opportunity to experience one of the oldest pottery techniques, connecting participants directly with Texas’ archeology.
Join a TAM event, explore state historic sites, and dive into the depth and breadth of Texas archeology. Order free kits, find activities near you, and discover more on the THC website [ [link removed] ]:
*TEXAS ARCHEOLOGY MONTH* [ [link removed] ]
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Digital rendering of historic downtown building
Digital rendering of The Odd Fellows historic building in downtown Sherman
Imagine the Possibilities in Your Downtown
Imagine transforming a historic downtown space into a vibrant hub of opportunity and community. Each year, the "Imagine the Possibilities" tour invites investors, entrepreneurs, developers, and residents to tour historic buildings, engage with property owners, and see firsthand how preservation fuels downtown revitalization.
Stay tuned for more information on tour dates and city stops. In the meantime, visit downtowntx.org [ [link removed] ] to explore a wide range of properties available for purchase or lease across Texas’ Main Street communities.
*EXPLORE HISTORIC PROPERTIES* [ [link removed] ]
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Museum goers looking at WWII plane
National Geographic Ranks National Museum of the Pacific War
Congratulations to the National Museum of the Pacific War [ [link removed] ] for being recognized by National Geographic [ [link removed] ] as one of the world’s most remarkable World War II museums. On the 80th anniversary of the war's end, this honor celebrates the museum’s powerful exhibits and dedication to sharing the stories of everyday heroes of the Pacific Theater.
Read the article: Top 10 WWII Museums [ [link removed] ].
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Promotional banner for app [ [link removed] ]
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Upcoming Events
* Sept 13: Children's Health Fair [ [link removed] ], Bush Family Home, Midland
* Sept 13: Cultures of the Pacific [ [link removed] ], National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg
* Sept 18: Author Talk with Betty Oglesbee [ [link removed] ], Mission Dolores, San Augustine
* Sept 20: Monument Hill Remembrance [ [link removed] ], Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill, La Grange
* Sept 20: Lake Creek Cemetery Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Kennard
* Sept 25: 2026 Friends of the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site Annual Meeting [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
* Sept 27: Sprott Hospital Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Beaumont
* Sept 27: Farming Heritage Day [ [link removed] ], Sam Rayburn House, Bonham
* Sept 30: Roots of Pan Dulce [ [link removed] ], French Legation, Austin
* Oct 4: White Gold: Cotton in Texas [ [link removed] ], Barrington Living History Farm, Washington
* Oct 4: Hogg-tober Fest 2025 [ [link removed] ], Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Columbia
* Oct 5: Walking Tour Through the Garden of Love, Loss and Mourning [ [link removed] ], Fulton Mansion, Rockport
* Oct 10: Sugar Skull Decorating [ [link removed] ], Magoffin Home, El Paso
* Oct 10-11: Living History Days [ [link removed] ], Fort Griffin, Albany
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.
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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.
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