The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is the state agency for historic preservation. We save the real places that tell the real stories of Texas.
Our staff consults with citizens and organizations to preserve Texas history through its architectural, archeological, and cultural landmarks. The agency is recognized nationally for its preservation programs.
The commission is composed of 15 citizen members appointed by the governor to staggered six-year terms. Agency employees work in various fields, including archeology, architecture, history, economic development, heritage tourism, public administration, and urban planning.
The Texas State Legislature established the agency in 1953 as the Texas State Historical Survey Committee with the task to identify important historic sites across the state. The Texas Legislature changed the agency's name to the Texas Historical Commission in 1973. Along with the name change came more protective powers, an expanded leadership role, and broader educational responsibilities.
Our Mission
The mission of the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is to protect and preserve the state’s historic and prehistoric resources for the active use and economic benefit of Texans and visitors while bridging the past with the future.
Our Vision
To establish the THC as the premier agency and trusted source Texans and visitors rely on to elevate their cultural literacy by actively experiencing history—and where historic preservation drives economic vitality, community identity, and sustainable growth.
Our Philosophy
The THC enriches lives through history by saving the real places that tell the real stories of Texas. We are in the
business of preserving and leveraging Texas’ rich history for the social and economic benefit of its residents by:
- Empowering our local, state, and national partners to effectively preserve the resources that keep Texas history alive;
- Teaching Texas communities to use historic assets to help create economic opportunities and foster a sense of place;
- Serving the residents of Texas and our various clients with the highest standards of professionalism, responsiveness, consistency, accountability, and ethics; and,
- Cultivating a culture of creative, engaged, and passionate employees.
Our Values
Values are beliefs that are shared among the staff and leadership of the agency and are woven into our day-to-day work, in the projects we accomplish, and in the decisions we make. We share the following key values with all preservation partners in Texas, as articulated in Preservation Connection: Texas’ Statewide Historic Preservation Plan:
- Quality of Life: Historic places enhance the overall well-being of individuals and communities.
- Authenticity: We focus on telling the real stories of the state’s history through the people, places, structures,
objects, and traditions that convey them authentically. - Cultural Richness: We preserve the places and stories of Texas’ rich cultural heritage and communities.
- Partnerships: We work together across cultures, interests, and disciplines to achieve mutually beneficial goals.
- Communication: We keep people informed and develop strong lines of communication internally and externally with partners and stakeholders.
Historic Preservation Office
The THC serves as the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as required by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), as amended. The NHPA directs all states to administer federal preservation laws and policies. These policies and programs serve as the foundation for all SHPOs and for a unified national historic preservation effort.
Under the NHPA, the THC is required to:
- Survey and inventory historic resources
- Nominate significant historic resources to the National Register of Historic Places
- Identify and mitigate resources potentially affected by federally controlled projects (Section 106)
- Facilitate the federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit program
- Administer the Certified Local Government program
- Prepare and implement a comprehensive statewide preservation plan
- Provide public information, education, training, and technical assistance in historic preservation
- Provide funds to the public for preservation activities
Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission
The Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC) was established by the Legislature in 2021 as a nine-member Advisory Commission to the Texas Historical Commission. Our mission is to combat and confront hatred, prejudice, and indifference by educating all Texans about the Holocaust and other genocides in an effort to dismantle antisemitism and prevent future atrocities.