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*December 2025*
Holiday banner for gift shop
Deck the Halls with Texas Spirit
Celebrate Texas this holiday season with hand-picked gifts inspired by our state's rich history!
From our 2nd annual collectible ornament [ [link removed] ] honoring Fort Griffin and the Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd to the Culinary Journey Through Texas History Cookbook [ [link removed] ], featuring over 125 recipes from our 42 state historic sites, discover unique treasures perfect for every Lone Star State lover.
Shop now for these and more Texas heritage gifts at texashistorygifts.com [ [link removed] ] or visit your nearest state historic site gift store. To get your gifts before Christmas, place your order before December 15.
*START SHOPPING NOW* [ [link removed] ]
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Crowd watching ceremony
Bush Gallery Reopens at National Museum of the Pacific War
Earlier this month, the National Museum of the Pacific War [ [link removed] ] celebrated the grand reopening of the newly renovated George H. W. Bush Gallery! This major update transforms the visitor experience with new artifacts, interactive exhibits, and immersive storytelling, vividly conveying the courage and leadership of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz and all who served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony in Fredericksburg drew a full crowd, featuring remarks from museum leadership, a keynote address by former Texas General Land Office Commissioner George P. Bush, and a standing ovation honoring World War II veterans.
*PLAN YOUR VISIT* [ [link removed] ]
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Group of students posing for photo
Preservation Scholar Applications Now Open
Are you a college student interested in an exciting internship in historic preservation? Do you know someone else who might want the opportunity? Applications are open for 2026 Preservation Scholars!
The Preservation Scholars program [ [link removed] ] is a paid, 10-week summer internship that offers undergraduate and graduate students hands-on experience working across various divisions of the Texas Historical Commission.
Applications are *due February 20, 2026*. For details, requirements, projects, and how to apply, follow the link below.
*PRESERVATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM* [ [link removed] ]
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Crowd of people in downtown district
Downtown Killeen
Killeen and Borger Introduced as New Members of Texas Main Street Program
Congratulations to the cities of Killeen and Borger, the newest official Texas Main Street communities! This designation recognizes their commitment to preserving local history and reinvesting in vibrant downtowns. Through the Texas Main Street Program (TMSP) [ [link removed] ], they’ll receive specialized support in downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and economic development.
Learn more about how the program supports communities like Killeen and Borger by visiting our website [ [link removed] ].
*LEARN MORE ABOUT TMSP* [ [link removed] ]
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Banner for real place conference
Join Us at Real Places 2026
The Real Places conference [ [link removed] ] is where ideas and inspiration for preserving Texas history are born and nurtured. Presented by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission and Phoenix I Restoration and Construction, LLC, Real Places 2026 will feature over 100 expert speakers and more than 50 sessions, workshops, and tours all about historic preservation and heritage tourism.
Join us in celebrating our 10th anniversary—register this month to secure your spot and save!
*REGISTER NOW* [ [link removed] ]
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2025 Duda Forum Celebrates Texas Courthouse
Group of people listening to speaker in court house
Over 90 preservation enthusiasts packed the third annual Duda Forum in Austin and New Braunfels for electrifying discussions on Texas' historic courthouses! Highlights included a captivating keynote by author Brantley Hightower, insights into THC grants for over 100 restorations, presentations on community impact and fire recovery, as well as a Comal County Courthouse tour.
Holiday Events at State Historic Sites
Walkway lit with Christmas lights
Experience the magic of the holidays at Texas' state historic sites! Celebrate with time-honored Texas traditions, create your own festive ornaments, and marvel at enchanting holiday light displays. Enjoy seasonal activities that bring Texas history to life for the whole family. Click here [ [link removed] ] to find the perfect festive event at a site near you!
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App promotion [ [link removed] ]
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Upcoming Events
* Dec 12-13: Trail of Lights: Festival Night [ [link removed] ], Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill, La Grange
* Dec 13: Foraging with Dr. Mark “Merriwether” Vorderbruggen [ [link removed] ], San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
* Dec 13: Christmas at San Felipe de Austin [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
* Dec 13: Candlelight Christmas [ [link removed] ], Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Columbia
* Dec 13: A Very Merry Birthday Celebration [ [link removed] ], Sam Bell Maxey House, Paris
* Dec 17: Leaving Their Mark: The Historic Inscriptions of Hueco Tanks [ [link removed] ], Magoffin Home, El Paso
* Dec 19: Lights at the Legation [ [link removed] ], French Legation, Austin
* Dec 20: 190th Anniversary of the Goliad Declaration of Independence [ [link removed] ], Presidio La Bahía, Goliad
* Dec 20: Victorian Christmas Fair [ [link removed] ], Fort McKavett, Fort McKavett
* Dec 20: Smoking Bishops and Charles Dickens [ [link removed] ], Washington-on-the-Brazos, Washington
* Dec 27: Bleigießen (Lead pouring) [ [link removed] ], Fanthorp Inn, Anderson
*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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