THC News & Updates Header 600px
*October 2025*
Texas flag washington-on-the-brazos reopening banner
Washington-on-the-Brazos Reopens This Fall
Washington-on-the-Brazos [ [link removed] ], the birthplace of Texas, is reopening its doors on *November 8* with a bold new vision that celebrates the state’s rich past and bright future. After extensive renovations, visitors can explore deeper, more immersive stories of the Republic era and the events of 1836.
Be among the first to experience the reimagined visitor center, the expanded Star of the Republic Museum with new theaters and interactive exhibitions, and a recreated Washington Townsite that brings history to life like never before. Mark your calendar and join us for this historic reopening!
*PLAN YOUR VISIT* [ [link removed] ]
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Banner promoting texas archeology month
Dig Into Texas Archeology Month
October is Texas Archeology Month (TAM) [ [link removed] ], a statewide celebration led by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) that shines a spotlight on the state’s rich archeological heritage.
Archeology enthusiasts can explore a variety of events and programs happening across Texas, including at our state historic sites. Find a TAM event near you [ [link removed] ] and discover the fascinating stories that bring Texas history to life.
*EXPLORE TAM EVENTS* [ [link removed] ]
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Group of people unveiling a new Texas Historical Marker
Unveiling of the "Quakertown" Undertold Marker, Denton County, 2013
Undertold Marker Applications Open
Even with over 17,000 official Texas Historical Markers [ [link removed] ], many Texas stories remain untold. The THC’s Undertold Markers program [ [link removed] ] is changing that by bringing hidden histories to light.
Since 2006, this initiative has shared more than 200 important stories by awarding free historical markers that fill in gaps and celebrate often-overlooked chapters. Nominations for new Undertold Markers are now *open through November 15*. Help tell the Texas history that deserves to be remembered.
*SUBMIT AN UNDERTOLD MARKER APPLICATION* [ [link removed] ]
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Black and white photo of 1940s vehicles parked outside store
Early 1940s Saturday afternoon street scene in Killeen
Register Your Community for First Street Initiative
Cities and towns looking to revitalize their historic downtowns can join the THC’s First Street Initiative [ [link removed] ] to gain practical tools, strategies, and peer support. First Street is the ideal first step for communities planning to apply to the Texas Main Street Program [ [link removed] ], but cities can also participate year after year to keep building on their progress. THC staff will help guide communities toward Main Street success when they’re ready to take the next step.
*LEARN MORE ABOUT FIRST STREET* [ [link removed] ]
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Victorian-style commercial building
Restored Moody-Wheeler Building in San Angelo's historic downtown is open for lease
Imagine the Possibilities of a Downtown Space
This fall, the “Imagine the Possibilities” tour invites you to step inside vacant and underutilized downtown buildings and see how historic preservation fuels economic growth and community revitalization. The tour connects investors, entrepreneurs, and residents with property owners and preservation leaders, showcasing the potential of historic spaces to spark new opportunities. Explore available properties across Texas’ downtowns at downtowntx.org [ [link removed] ] and join us in one of three Main Street cities this October:
* San Angelo, October 8
* Kingsville, October 15
* Brenham, October 17
*EXPLORE DOWNTOWN TX* [ [link removed] ]
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Workshop: Repairing Historic Gravestones
Group repairing a gravestone [ [link removed] ]
*October 16–17, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.*
Learn proper techniques for cleaning, leveling, and repairing historic gravestones in this in-depth, two-day workshop [ [link removed] ] led by Texas Cemetery Restoration’s Rusty Brenner and THC staff. Participants will gain hands-on skills in gravestone preservation using a do-no-harm ethic, with support from the Lana Hughes Nelson Endowment Fund for Cemetery Preservation.
It's Time for a Fall Fandango!
Man and woman dancing [ [link removed] ]
*October 25, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.*
The San Jacinto Fall Fandango [ [link removed] ] invites you to relive the lively gatherings of the 1830s, when neighbors from miles apart came together to celebrate. This free family event brings frontier life to the monument grounds with living history activities, saloon games, heritage artisans, cooking demonstrations, vendors, and more.
Congratulations San Marcos Main Street!
Community gathering on San Marcos courthouse lawn [ [link removed] ]
The Great American Main Street Award honors communities that excel in preservation-based revitalization, with only 115 programs recognized since 1995. This year, San Marcos is one of eight semifinalists, celebrated for 40 years of transformation, $40 million in reinvestment, and a thriving cultural and business district! With its strong community partnerships, San Marcos continues to set a high standard for Main Street revitalization [ [link removed] ].
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Upcoming Events
* Oct 10–11: Living History Days [ [link removed] ], Fort Griffin, Albany
* Oct 11: Archeology Day [ [link removed] ], Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill, La Grange
* Oct 11: Inked and Bound: Austin Used Book Collective Market [ [link removed] ], French Legation, Austin
* Oct 11: Ike's Birthday Bash [ [link removed] ], Eisenhower Birthplace, Denison
* Oct 11: Perspectives on the 1874 Red River War [ [link removed] ], Fort McKavett, Fort McKavett
* Oct 12: Admiral Nimitz Homecoming Party [ [link removed] ], National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg
* Oct 17: Ghosts in the Magoffin Home [ [link removed] ], Magoffin Home, El Paso
* Oct 17: Tales from the Tombstone [ [link removed] ], San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
* Oct 18: 2nd Annual El Camino Real Day [ [link removed] ], Presidio La Bahía, Goliad
* Oct 23: Calaveras Poem Workshop [ [link removed] ], Casa Navarro, San Antonio
* Oct 24: Memories of Monument Hill: A Lantern-Led Theatrical Experience [ [link removed] ], Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill, La Grange
* Oct 24-26: Memento Mori: Fanthorp Funeral Practices, [ [link removed] ] Fanthorp Inn, Anderson
* Oct 25: Franz Heimer Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], New Braunfels
* Oct 25: Ghosts Along the Brazos [ [link removed] ], Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Columbia
* Oct 29: 2nd Annual Pumpkin Walk [ [link removed] ], Bush Family Home, Midland
* Nov 1: Father of Texas 2025 [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
*MORE EVENTS* [ [link removed] ]
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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 this email as a forward? Sign up here [ [link removed] ]!**
*Get More Updates About Texas History!*
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