We’re thrilled to announce Real Places 2026 keynote speakers; also, hotel room blocks are nearly sold out.





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"You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to Texas Historical Commission (THC) email updates [ [link removed] ]. The THC manages 42 state historic sites, the Texas Heritage Trails Program, Texas Main Street Program, Historical Markers Program, and many more historic preservation and heritage tourism initiatives across the state."

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?? Announcing Real Places 2026 Keynote Speakers

*Real Places 2026 is just two months away!*

Texas’ premier historic preservation and heritage tourism conference—presented by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission in partnership with Phoenix 1 Restoration and Construction, LLC—is shaping up to be our most exciting year yet. *Register before the final price increase on March 6.*

We’ve already shared that Real Places 2026 includes 100+ expert speakers, 50+ sessions and workshops, and renowned featured presenters. Now, we’re thrilled to unveil this year’s *Opening Reception* and *Keynote Speakers*.

*LEARN MORE & REGISTER* [ [link removed] ]


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?? Opening Reception: A Night on the Sites

On Wednesday evening, the THC’s *state historic sites roll out the red carpet* with:


* Tasty bites from A Culinary Journey Through Texas History: A State Historic Sites Cookbook
* Hands on demonstrations and activities, including:
* Letterpress printmaking from San Felipe de Austin
* Ambrotype photography from Fort McKavett
* German Texan games from Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill
* Living historians from across Texas eras

Experience the breadth of Texas’ rich history represented at the *42 THC state historic sites—all in one place*.

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?? Featured Keynote Speakers

Candacy Taylor

A National Geographic Explorer and bestselling author, Taylor will present the story of Green Book sites, highlighting the strength, ingenuity, and resourcefulness of Black Americans during the Jim Crow era. She is the nation’s leading expert on the Green Book, with a bestselling book on the topic that has landed on several prestigious lists, including The New York Times’ most notable books of the year, Oprah Magazine’s top 26 travel books, and National Geographic’s top 10 books by women. Her work has been featured in over 80 media outlets, including The Atlantic, CBS Sunday Morning, The Economist, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Newsweek, Fortune, and Time.

Carolyn Boyd, Ph.D.

Internationally known for her groundbreaking research on the 5,000 year old rock art of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands, Boyd has been recognized by the THC for her significant body of work with the Curtis D. Tunnell Lifetime Achievement Award in Archeology. She will share breakthroughs in our understanding of the people who created the prehistoric rock art, the significance of the stories they tell, and efforts to preserve these ancient visual manuscripts.

✨"And stay tuned—we have more keynote announcements coming soon!"

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⭐More Event Highlights

Meet Up: Deep Dive into THC Programs and Partnerships

Your first official conference event (after the pre-conference workshops, tours, and special events) is a networking activity. Use this time to connect with fellow attendees, ask questions of THC program coordinators and our nonprofit partners, and browse the marketplace (not to be confused with the Exhibit Hall).

New this Year: The THC Store

Just outside the Exhibit Hall will be a mini version of a state historic site gift shop. Your one-stop shop for unique merch and gifts inspired by the historic sites of Texas will be open all conference long.

Poster Showcase and Next Gen Happy Hour

Stop by for a drink and connect with students and professionals while exploring innovative preservation research. It will be an opportunity for networking with different generations—including students looking for professional preservation opportunities, professionals seeking mentees or advice on attracting younger audiences, and fellow preservationists seeking to meet others in their generation and field. Stay for the *Preservation Awards Banquet* afterward.

Cowboy Boots Day (Friday)

Yee haw! Start planning your best boots/getup now!

Closing Coffee, Texas Trivia, and Primo Prizes

Join us for our closing session, the perfect blend of closure, caffeine, and friendly competition to send you off looking forward to next year. Put your knowledge to the test with Texas Trivia, hosted by Bob Brinkman of the Historical Markers Program. Compete for bragging rights, get in some final networking, and stick around until the end for a chance to win one of our exciting door prizes (must be present to win).

*REGISTER NOW!* [ [link removed] ]


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⌛ Discounted Hotel Rooms Are Almost Gone

Act now if you haven’t secured your room at the conference rate:


* *Renaissance Austin Hotel*—only a few discounted rooms left
* *Embassy Suites Austin Arboretum*—this nearby overflow hotel is also running low

➡️ Book through our *Plan Your Trip page [ [link removed] ]* for discounted rates.
Once room blocks sell out, we’ll share additional nearby options on that page.

*BOOK YOUR ROOM* [ [link removed] ]






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