Texas Historical Commission

Texas Historical Commission Main Office Phone: 512-463-6100 Email: thc@thc.state.tx.us Staff Directory

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 12276 Austin, TX 78711

Physical Address

1511 Colorado St. Austin, TX 78701

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is the state agency for historic preservation. We save the real places that tell the real stories of Texas.

THC staff consults with citizens and organizations to preserve Texas' architectural, archeological, and cultural landmarks. The agency is recognized nationally for its preservation programs.

The THC is composed of 17 citizen members appointed by the governor to staggered six-year terms. Agency employees work in various fields, including archeology, architecture, history, economic development, heritage tourism, public administration, and urban planning.

The Texas State Legislature established the agency in 1953 as the Texas State Historical Survey Committee with the task to identify important historic sites across the state. The Texas Legislature changed the agency's name to the Texas Historical Commission in 1973. Along with the name change came more protective powers, an expanded leadership role, and broader educational responsibilities.

Our Mission

To protect and preserve the state’s historic and prehistoric resources for the use, education, enjoyment, and economic benefit of present and future generations.

Our Philosophy

The THC is in the business of preserving and leveraging Texas’ diverse history for the social and economic benefit of its citizens. We are committed to:

Empowering our local, state, and national partners to effectively preserve the resources that keep Texas history alive. Teaching Texas communities to use historic assets to help create economic opportunities and foster a sense of place. Cultivating a culture of creativity and excellence for our employees. Serving the residents of Texas and our diverse clients with the highest standards of professionalism, responsiveness, consistency, accountability, and ethics. The Texas Historical Commission offers a wide range of programs that help preserve the past for future generations of Texans, stimulate economic development across the state, and educate students and professionals alike about historic preservation.

Our programs include:

Cemetery Preservation, County Historical Commission Outreach, First Lady's Texas Treasures Award, Certified Local Government, Curatorial Facility Certification, Heritage Tourism, Historic Resources Survey, Historic Texas Highways, Historic Texas Lands Plaque, Marine Archeology, Military History, Museum Services, National Register of Historic Places, Preservation Tax Incentives, Project Review, Regional Archeology, State Archeological Landmarks, State Historical Markers, Texas Archeological Stewards, Texas Archeology Month, Texas Courthouse Stewardship, Texas Heritage Trails, Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation, Texas Main Street, Texas Treasure Business Award, THC Preservation Awards and THC State Historic Sites.

More information can be found at Texas Historical Commission site.