County Historical Commission Outreach

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) recognizes that County Historical Commissions (CHC) play a vital role in our efforts to save the real places that tell the real stories of Texas. The CHC Outreach Program creates opportunities for CHCs to build the capacity of their organizations. The CHC Outreach Program has been serving Texas counties since April 2008 by providing services that accomplish the following for CHCs.

  • Empower through training and assistance 
  • Educate public officials and strengthen public policy concerning preservation
  • Expand partnerships and communication network
  • Elevate the social and economic benefits of preservation
  • Establish sustainable organizations
  • Explore additional funding opportunities for projects

More About the CHC Outreach Program

Fast
Facts

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Counties that provide money and/or in-kind services to their County Historical Commission

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What's New

Success Stories

Individuals and organizations can post projects to the Statewide Preservation Plan website. This interactive plan enables Texans to share ideas and celebrate preservation achievements. CHCs can use the website to promote projects and learn from others. Photo courtesy of the Atascosa CHC.

Search by CHC or project type

Lessons Learned

CHC Outreach provides regional workshops that bring together professionals who have a track record for solving problems. You can access highlights from these discussions on Texas' Statewide Preservation Plan website. Photo of Fort Davis workshop panel. 

Lessons from preservation workshops

CHCs are Positive and Proactive Organizations

People pose for a photos under a treeCHCs are made up of non-paid, county-appointed individuals. They are preservation leaders for their county and a primary point of contact for the Texas Historical Commission when discussing local preservation matters. 

CHC appointees continue to serve year after year because they are passionate volunteers who take pride in their heritage. The most productive CHCs initiate positive preservation activities that engage their county and their region.

It is important to keep in mind that CHCs vary in size and workload, which affects the number and type of projects pursued by each CHC. The capacity of a CHC depends on the amount of monetary and in-kind support, input of county officials, appointee skillsets, and appointee interests. Seasoned CHC appointees are a valuable reference resources for county history and wonderful partners for area organizations. Photo courtesy of the Van Zandt CHC.