The Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318, instructs the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to provide orientation and preservation training material to County Historical Commissions (CHC). To fulfill this statutory responsibility, the THC provides a variety of publications on history-related and preservation topics. In addition to the educational material featured on this page, there are review and compliance web pages that will connect you with information, reference material, and THC staff assigned to these matters.
More About Review and Compliance for CHCs
CHC Handbook
The primary source of CHC orientation and preservation reference material is provided in the CHC Handbook. The handbook provides information about the mission and structure of the THC, the role and organization of CHCs, and general preservation guidance. Updated in 2010, this handbook provides the basic information necessary to build a foundation for an effective body of CHC work. The CHC Handbook is also a useful resource for anyone interested in expanding their understanding of preservation work in Texas. This handbook is currently being updated; changes will be issued as soon as possible.
Download the CHC Handbook (PDF)
CHC Brochure
CHCs requested that the THC create a publication for CHCs to use in local outreach and partnering efforts to explain a CHC's purpose and connection to the THC. In response to this request, CHC Outreach produced the first CHC Brochure in 2010 and then updated the publication in November of 2012. The brochure covers the mission of CHCs, the appointment process, and notable highlights of CHC efforts across the state.
Download the CHC Brochure (PDF)
CHC information featured in The Medallion
The Medallion is a THC publication that has continually featured CHC articles and accomplishments. More on this publication is found here.
CHC Corner Articles
- Cultivate Support in Tough Economic Times (Winter 2013)
- Groups Doing More with Less (Fall 2011)
- CHCs Provide Opportunities to Educate and Influence (Winter 2012)
- Online Tool Helps Highlight Significant Accomplishments (Fall 2012)
- Compelling Stories Will Promote Your CHC’s Work (Spring 2012)
CHC Tips & Tools Articles
- What to consider when providing local preservation events (March/April 2011)
- Cultural and historic resource surveys are preservation tools (January/February 2010)
- How to deal with difficult people (July/August 2010)
- Determining CHC volunteer hours (September/October 2010)
- Pursuing partnerships with colleges and universities (July/August 2009)
- Protection of resources as it relates to historic designations (September/October 2009)
- National Register of Historic Places designations (November/December 2009)
Documentation from THC Annual Historic Preservation Conferences
The THC gathered digital documents associated with our 2011 Annual Historic Preservation Conference. Due to legislative budget cuts, the THC does not currently have the staff or funding required to provide this conference. However, CHCs can still benefit from the information gathered from conference speakers and activities.
2011 Annual Historic Preservation Conference Resources
