County Historical Commissions (CHC) are directed by the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318, to initiate and manage preservation programs for their county. These state statutes also establish the relationship between the THC and CHCs. The CHC Outreach Program serves as the THC's main point of contact for CHCs as they promote preservation education throughout Texas.
CHC Outreach receives CHC appointee contact information from county officials and maintains a database of the over 5000 CHC appointees across the state. Program staff field telephone calls and emails on a daily basis from CHCs, county officials, and preservation partners in search of technical assistance. The purpose of the CHC Outreach Program is to build the capacity of CHCs and empower these local level preservationists to preserve and protect the cultural and historic resources that define the character of Texas. CHCs attend Kingsville regional workshop held in a rehabilitated icehouse that currently houses the Henrietta Memorial Center/King Ranch Museum.
Training and Workshop Information for CHCs
Building CHC Capacity Across the State
Tracking CHC Accomplishments
The CHC Outreach Program receives and reviews more than 150 CHC reports each year. CHC Outreach recommends THC programs and services that will address the areas of need and also suggests local, regional, and statewide partners that may enhance the overall outcome of the work. Information submitted in these reports are used to determine Distinguished Service Award (DSA) winners.
CHCs take a bow after touring the historic Majestic Theatre in Eastland.
More About Distinguished Service Awards
Expanding Statewide Preservation Network
CHC Outreach helps CHCs align their work with Texas’ Statewide Preservation Plan. The purpose of the Statewide Plan is to bring preservationists together, broaden the preservation network, and promote preservation solutions. Participating as a stakeholder in the Statewide Plan allows CHCs to access a wide range of technical and practical information from volunteers and professionals.
Visit Texas’ Statewide Preservation Plan
Ways that CHC Outreach Supports CHC Efforts
In the Office
- Create and evaluate annual reports; issue Distinguished Service Awards
- Provide technical assistance via telephone and email, and meet with CHCs in the Austin offices of the THC
- Prepare presentations, write articles, and create templates to address CHC organizational challenges
- Promote CHC accomplishments to the THC and Texas Legislature
In the Field
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Organize and facilitate CHC regional workshops
- Provide presentations for CHC sponsored workshops
- Attend county judges and commissioners conferences to affirm CHC efforts
- Meet with local decision-makers and arrange opportunities for CHCs to thrive
Working with Partners
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Promote CHCs to statewide preservation organizations
- Arranging opportunities for CHC leaders to share their experiences with others
- Work with county officials to increase local support for CHCs
- Connect CHCs to Texas Heritage Trails Regions
Learning from Experts
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Match CHCs with THC programs and preservation specialists
- Use Distinguished Service Award winning CHC projects to educate and inspire others
- Attend volunteer management training and include specialists in CHC trainings
- Secure outside preservation professionals for educational opportunities
