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*November 2025*
Promo for grand re-opening event
Welcome Back to Where Texas Started
The birthplace of Texas is getting ready to reopen on November 8 with a fresh, reimagined experience that brings 1836 to life!
Join us at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site [ [link removed] ] for a full day of celebrating the state’s rich past and bright future. After extensive renovations, visitors can explore the reimagined visitor center, the expanded Star of the Republic Museum with new theaters and interactive exhibitions, and a recreated Washington Townsite. See you there for this historic reopening!
*MORE EVENT INFO* [ [link removed] ]
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Crowd in front of Texas courthouse ceremony
Wise County Courthouse Shines Again
On October 23, Wise County and the Texas Historical Commission celebrated the rededication of the 1896 J. Riely Gordon-designed Wise County Courthouse in Decatur, recently restored to preserve its pink granite masonry, terra-cotta detailing, and historic furnishings.
The success of projects like this highlights the impact of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program [ [link removed] ] (THCPP), which has funded 81 full restorations and assisted 26 other counties. The 89th Texas Legislature allocated $100 million for the 2026–27 Round XIV grant cycle, with applications due by May 8, 2026.
*LEARN MORE ABOUT THCPP* [ [link removed] ]
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Promo for Real Places 2026 conference
Early-Bird Registration Open for Real Places 2026
Registration is now open for Real Places 2026 [ [link removed] ]! Join us April 8–10 in Austin for Texas’ premier historic preservation and heritage tourism conference presented by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission [ [link removed] ] in partnership with Phoenix I Restoration and Construction, LLC.
Celebrate our 10th anniversary [ [link removed] ] with over 50 sessions, workshops, and tours led by over 100 experts. Enjoy premier networking opportunities with preservation and tourism professionals, 60-day replay access to all sessions, and flexible registration options. Early-bird registration ends December 5.
*REGISTER AND SAVE WITH EARLY-BIRD PRICING* [ [link removed] ]
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San Jacinto Monument with candlelights surrounding
Honor Texas Heroes at Candlelight Tribute
San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site's [ [link removed] ] tribute event, Fields of Honor [ [link removed] ], commemorates more than 21,500 Texans who gave their lives in armed conflict. This powerful event will illuminate the battlefield with 21,500 candles symbolizing each fallen hero’s sacrifice.
Volunteers are needed before, during, and after the event December 5–7 to help prepare, place, and collect luminaries, with roles available for individuals, families, businesses, and community groups. Be part of this moving tribute and help bring Fields of Honor to life.
*MORE EVENT INFO* [ [link removed] ]
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Promo for Texas Courthouse Duda Forum
University of Notre Dame Co-Hosts Texas Courthouse Forum
Discover how Texas’ historic courthouses continue to shape our communities at the third annual Duda Forum [ [link removed] ], November 20–21. Co-hosted by the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture, Texas Historical Foundation, and the Texas Historical Commission, this year’s event explores the preservation, economic impact, and cultural legacy of these landmark buildings.
Architects, Main Street managers, urban designers, heritage tourism specialists, preservation professionals, and county historical commissions are invited to join experts in Austin and New Braunfels for in-depth discussions on the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program [ [link removed] ].
*LEARN MORE AND REGISTER* [ [link removed] ]
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Undertold Marker Applications Close November 15
Texas Historical Marker
With more than 17,000 historical markers across Texas, many stories are still waiting to be told. The Texas Historical Commission’s Undertold Markers program [ [link removed] ] highlights overlooked histories by awarding free markers—nominations are open through November 15.
Learn more about undertold markers and how to apply on our website [ [link removed] ].
Celebrate Caddo History, Art, and Community
Women in traditional Caddo dress
Experience Caddo Culture Day [ [link removed] ] at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site [ [link removed] ], a family-friendly celebration of Caddo history, heritage, and contemporary culture on November 15.
Enjoy hands-on activities, cultural demonstrations, exhibitions, and opportunities to connect with Caddo artists and community members.
George H.W. Bush Gallery Reopening at the Pacific War Museum
National Museum of the Pacific War exterior
On December 6, celebrate the grand reopening [ [link removed] ] of the George H.W. Bush Gallery at the National Museum of the Pacific War [ [link removed] ], marking its first major renovation since 2009.
The updated gallery features new artifacts, interactive elements, and immersive storytelling experiences. Admission is free for all visitors throughout the day.
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Upcoming Events
* Nov 4: Sheppard "Shep" Mullens Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Waco
* Nov 5: Victorian Science Fair [ [link removed] ], Fort McKavett, Fort McKavett
* Nov 8: Red, White, and Stew [ [link removed] ], Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill, La Grange
* Nov 8: A Day of Remembrance [ [link removed] ], Levi Jordan Plantation, Brazoria
* Nov 9: The Sikh Center of the Gulf Coast Area, Inc Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Houston
* Nov 15: Pandit Mehar Chand Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Beaumont
* Nov 15: Lipantitlan Lectures [ [link removed] ], Presidio La Bahía, Goliad
* Nov 15: Pacific Valor: William Jennings Bordelon [ [link removed] ], National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg
* Nov 22: Chili Queens Workshop [ [link removed] ], Casa Navarro, San Antonio
* Nov 25: Blanchette Cemetery Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Beaumont
* Nov 29: Courthouse Day [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
* Dec 6: Open Hearth Cooking Demonstration [ [link removed] ], French Legation, Austin
* Dec 6: Tamina Freedom Colony Marker Dedication [ [link removed] ], Conroe
*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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