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*January 2026*
Route 66 sign on road
A Century of Route 66 Through Texas
Route 66 [ [link removed] ] embodies the growth of American road transportation and the nation’s enduring love affair with the automobile as a symbol of freedom and mobility. Established in 1926, the highway connected rural western regions with urban centers, fueling national economic growth and migration. In Texas, Route 66 spanned roughly 178 miles across the Panhandle serving as a vital link for travelers and local communities like Amarillo, Shamrock, Groom, Vega, and Adrian—the midpoint.
This stretch became a showcase of roadside architecture and culture, from classic motels to neon-lit diners. Today, the surviving segments of Texas Route 66 [ [link removed] ] continue to embody the spirit of adventure and the enduring legacy of America’s most iconic highway.
*TAKE A TRIP DOWN ROUTE 66 HISTORY* [ [link removed] ]
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United States and Texas flags flying together by the Capitol building
Let's Celebrate 250 Years of American Heritage
America’s story began long before 1776 and reaches far beyond the original 13 colonies, and Texas is an essential part of that history.
As the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding, the THC is proud to celebrate the real stories of Texas and its lasting contributions to our shared American heritage.
From learning how to properly care for and identify American furniture styles from Ima Hogg’s collection [ [link removed] ] to a Texas-sized celebration of 180 years of statehood at Washington-on-the-Brazos [ [link removed] ], our state historic sites are offering a variety of patriotic events. Explore the full calendar at thc.texas.gov/America250 [ [link removed] ].
*VIEW AMERICA250 EVENTS* [ [link removed] ]
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Holocaust Remembrance Week
Commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Week with the THGAAC
Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week [ [link removed] ] will take place January 26–30. Established by the Texas Legislature in 2019, the observance honors the lasting significance and lessons of the Holocaust.
The Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission [ [link removed] ] (THGAAC) is dedicated to confronting hatred, prejudice, and indifference by educating Texans about the Holocaust and other genocides. Through this work, the Commission strives to dismantle antisemitism and help prevent future atrocities.
Holocaust education and reflection remain vital year-round. The THGAAC offers a variety of resources [ [link removed] ], including approved classroom materials and stories of Texan survivors and liberators, to help all Texans learn, remember, and act against hatred in all its forms.
*LEARN MORE* [ [link removed] ]
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1950s photo of a pickup truck in parade
Recognize a Texas Treasure
Founded in 1935 in Ranger as Greer’s Boot Shop by brothers Holcomb, Chip, and Ben Greer, the business began by making and repairing boots and shoes. More than 90 years later, Greer’s Western Store continues to serve the ranching communities of Eastland and Mineral Wells with a full line of western wear.
Do you know a business in your community with a legacy of 50 years or more? Nominate them for the Texas Treasure Business Award. [ [link removed] ] Nominations are processed quarterly.
*NOMINATE A BUSINESS* [ [link removed] ]
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Promo for Real Places 2026 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.
Help us celebrate our 10th anniversary—register this month to secure your spot and save!
*REGISTER FOR REAL PLACES* [ [link removed] ]
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Get a Free Official State of Texas Longhorn Calendar!
Longhorn in field
Celebrate Texas history all year long with a free Longhorn Herd Desk Calendar when you *spend $25 or more* at the Texas Historic Sites Web Store. [ [link removed] ]
This calendar features striking photography of the Official State Longhorn Herd [ [link removed] ] at the Fort Griffin State Historic Site, perfect for showcasing your Texas pride while supporting historic preservation.
Hurry—offer valid while supplies last!
Apply to be a Preservation Scholar!
Group photo of college interns
Are you an undergraduate or graduate 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 [ [link removed] ]—a paid, 10-week summer internship that offers a hands-on experience in historic preservation. *Applications are due February 20*.
For details, requirements, projects, and how to apply, click here [ [link removed] ].
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Upcoming Events
* Jan 17: A Crash Course on Cast Iron Care [ [link removed] ], Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Columbia
* Jan 17: 1835 Camp of Instruction [ [link removed] ], Presidio La Bahía, Goliad
* Jan 17: Preserving YOUR History: Oral History [ [link removed] ], Casa Navarro, San Antonio
* Jan 17: Pastores of the Texas Panhandle [ [link removed] ], Goodnight Ranch, Goodnight
* Jan 24: Preserving Family Photographs and Documents [ [link removed] ], French Legation, Austin
* Jan 24: Thunder on the Pecos: Presentation and Battlefield Tour [ [link removed] ], Fort Lancaster and Battlefield, Sheffield
* Jan 26: Texas Liberator: Witness to the Holocaust [ [link removed] ], Eisenhower Birthplace, Denison
* Feb 7: March on Fredonia [ [link removed] ], San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
* Feb 7: A Morning Walk Through 1,000 Years of Memory: Guided Tour [ [link removed] ], Caddo Mounds, Alto
* Feb 7: Delegate Election Day [ [link removed] ], Washington-on-the-Brazos, Washington
* Feb 7: Cooking Class: Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings) [ [link removed] ], Magoffin Home, El Paso
* Feb 7: Art Talk with Andrew L. Thompson [ [link removed] ], Levi Jordan Plantation, Brazoria
*Virtual Events:*
* Jan 29: Levi Jordan and Varner-Hogg Plantations Book Club [ [link removed] ]
*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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