The Texas Legislature authorized counties to establish County Historical Commissions (CHC) to assist county commissioners courts and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) in the preservation of our historic and cultural resources. The responsibilities of a CHC are set forth in the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318. The statute is fairly broad, leaving latitude for CHCs to organize and undertake activities appropriate to their county’s size and resources. However, the statute does include minimum requirements to which CHCs must adhere. Photo of county history essay contest sponsored by Travis CHC.
CHC contact information is submitted to our office by county officials during the early months of odd-numbered years. For this reason, contact information for CHCs will change on a weekly basis. We will update our CHC chair list every few weeks and post the spreadsheet on this page so that these local preservation contacts are available for your reference.
CHC Chairs of record as of April 29, 2013
Frequently Asked Questions for CHCs
Training and Workshop Information for CHCs
What Work Should CHCs Pursue?
CHC state statutes provide parameters for the type of work CHCs should pursue. These statutes also direct CHCs to align their planning efforts with Texas' Statewide Preservation Plan. CHCs should review the statewide goals outlined in this plan as they consider work to pursue on a local level. As CHC work progresses, consider contributing information to the plan's website to show how your county is helping to preserve the history of our state. Posting your accomplishments to the Statewide Preservation Plan website is an effective way to promote and affirm your CHC's efforts.
Developing Organizational Goals
Each CHC should pursue organizational planning, making short-term and long-range goals that lead to a well-balanced program of work. Be sure to consider what preservation work has already been accomplished and what stories have yet to be documented or celebrated in your county.
To encourage ownership, appointees should be involved in CHC planning efforts. Educate CHC appointees on their role within the organization and technical aspects of preservation, so that they are equipped to fulfill their responsibilities, as well as provide informed input when participating in goal-setting activities.
Be sure to keep your county officials and partners informed and involved in the planning process. Maintaining open communication in this way contributes to healthy relationships within your community and region. Photo courtesy of Lubbock CHC.
Developing an Annual Program of Work
After establishing organizational goals, CHCs should put together a calendar of work to track projects and progress throughout the year. Many CHCs find that a productive way to start this process is to have each CHC committee break down existing projects--schedule, deadlines, needs, and budget--and then come together to discuss merging all information into an annual/bi-annual workplan.
The program of work should consider realistic timeframes and allow for flexibility in unexpected circumstances or to redirect efforts. It also should note ongoing community and regional activities so that your CHC can support partner programs and partners can support CHC efforts.The CHC that does this will have no difficulty in gaining community support for its historic preservation program.
CHCs that Thrive Using THC Programs
Historical Marker Program 
- Atascosa CHC
- Denton CHC (at right)
- Van Zandt CHC
Cemetery Preservation Program
- Austin CHC
- El Paso CHC (below)
- Milam CHC
National Register of Historic Places
- Bexar CHC
- Fayette CHC
- Galveston CHC
Certified Local Government 
- Comal CHC
- Tarrant CHC
- Travis CHC
Archeology
- Burleson CHC
- Calhoun CHC
-
Hamilton CHC
