Vision and Goals

Vision

In the year 2020, as a result of our collective work to preserve the state’s historic and cultural resources, we have achieved the following:

  • All cultures and generations in Texas value historic places.
  • We learn the diverse stories of Texas everyday through living, working and playing in historic places.
  • Historic preservation is a fundamental strategy for economically, socially and environmentally healthy communities.

Goal 1: Survey and Online Inventory

Texans undertake a comprehensive survey of the state’s diverse historic and cultural resources resulting in a publicly accessible online inventory.

Statewide Outcomes

  1. 25% increase in historic and cultural resources surveyed statewide by 2020
  2. Functioning map-based web database that links all surveys and inventories (all state agencies, local inventories, National Register eligibility determinations, etc.)
  3. THC Atlas and other relevant inventories are continually updated and managed to keep pace with the increase in survey data and improvements in technology - In progress
  4. New THC website assists customers in locating information quickly and easily - Completed!

Goal 2: Emphasize Cultural Landscapes

Communities are active in the identification, protection and interpretation of cultural landscapes.

Cultural landscapes recognize that historically significant resources may include more than distinct buildings, and that there may even be an absence of buildings. Cultural landscapes can range in size from thousands of acres to a small yard, but all have in common humankind’s imprint on the natural landscape.

Statewide Outcomes

  1. Statewide survey has focus on cultural landscapes
  2. Communities are active in the identification and preservation of their cultural landscapes
  3. Increased tourism partnerships and opportunities through preservation and promotion of cultural landscapes
  4. 50% of counties have cemetery committees
  5. 30 communities participate in the new Historic Texas Highway Program

Goal 3: Implement Policies and Incentives

Cities, counties, the state, federal agencies and tribes implement preservation policies and incentives to effectively protect historic and cultural assets.

Statewide Outcomes

  1. 50 more communities have master plans that include preservation
  2. 50 more restored historic courthouses
  3. Increased community involvement and utilization of Section 106
  4. Main Street cities are Certified Local Governments

Goal 4: Leverage Economic Development Tools for Preservation

Communities leverage preservation-based and traditional economic development tools to revitalize historic areas.

Statewide Outcomes

  1. Increased % of economic development tools being used for historic preservation
  2. Historic preservation is proven conclusively and promoted as an economic engine
  3. Increased visitation statewide at historic sites

Goal 5: Learn and Experience History through Place

Texas residents and guests of all ages learn and experience the state’s diverse history through formal education, recreation, and everyday interactions with historic places.

Statewide Outcomes

  1. 4th and 7th grade kids learn community/regional culturally inclusive history through place
  2. Adults within a community learn local history and value of preservation
  3. Increased visitation at historic sites statewide
  4. Increased participation of underrepresented people in historic preservation

Goal 6: Connect Preservation to Related Fields

We connect and integrate preservation into related fields and activities, building a broader, stronger, and more diverse community.

Related fields include, but are not limited to, archeology, anthropology, geography, architecture, environmental conservation, planning, economic development, tourism, education, museums, and genealogy.

Statewide Outcomes

  1. Historic preservation is a core strategy in sustainability and green building practices
  2. Preservation is a topic at non-preservation conferences/events/trainings
  3. Information clearinghouse developed for historic homeowners
  4. Resources and training provided to real estate professionals

Goal 7: Cultivate Political Commitment

We cultivate political commitment for historic preservation at the state and local level.

Statewide Outcomes

  1. Preservation Caucus in Texas Legislature established by 2013
  2. Texas Preservation Caucus has 50 members in 2015
  3. Legislature supports THC budget requests

Goal 8: Build Capacity of Preservation Community

The existing preservation community develops its organizational capacity to strengthen and expand preservation skills.

Statewide Outcomes

  1. Effective County Historical Commission (CHC) in every county
  2. Increased number of effective local/regional preservation advocacy non-profits
  3. Larger % of preservation organizations/projects securing funding and resources