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The Administration Division is responsible for oversight of division programs, operations, agency and statewide planning, and works closely with commission members to develop policies and goals. In addition, the executive director represents the agency at various meetings of preservation organizations and stakeholders. The executive director serves as Texas' State Historic Preservation Officer, as mandated by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The office includes the deputy executive director, the agency planner, the development officer, human resources, communications, and executive and administrative assistant. The deputy executive director also serves as the equal employment opportunity officer.

The development officer works closely with the executive director and the Friends of the THC board of trustees to develop and execute fund-raising strategies for programs and initiatives of the agency. Support from the Friends comes from grants and contributions from corporate, foundation, and individual donors.

This division works to identify, protect, and preserve Texas' irreplaceable archeological heritage. The division is made up of these programs and projects:

• Historic Texas Lands Plaque Program
• Marine Archeology Program
• Regional Archeology Program
• State and Federal Review
• State Antiquities Landmarks
• Texas Archeological Stewards Network
• Texas Archeology Month
• Texas Historic Sites Atlas

This division works to preserve and protect Texas’ diverse architectural heritage. Regional staff members review projects and administer grants for the following programs, as well as provide technical preservation guidance to individuals and organizations:

• State and Federal Review
• Federal and State Tax Credits
• Texas Preservation Trust Fund
• Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program
• Disaster Assistance

This department promotes the agency's projects and programs, and develops outreach strategies to increase awareness of the agency's mission and purpose. The staff:

• Develops and implements marketing communications campaigns.
• Coordinates public and media relations and staffs the public information office.
• Designs and produces promotional materials such as brochures, invitations, programs, ads, and flyers.
• Produces content and maintains the agency's web site.
• Assists with developing and implementing heritage tourism promotions.
• Plans and executes special events, grand openings, and press conferences.
• Publishes the agency's quarterly newsletter, The Medallion.
• Creates information and maintains the agency's social media presence.

This division works in partnership with communities and regions to revitalize historic areas, stimulate tourism, and encourage economic development through the use of preservation strategies.

• The Texas Main Street Program
• Heritage Tourism
• Texas Heritage Trails Program
• Certified Local Government Program
• Education and Outreach
• Economic Impact Study

This division is responsible for:

• Receipt and deposit of all revenue
• Accounting for all revenue and expenditures
• Grant management and oversight
• Maintaining property records and inventories
• Preparing the payroll and reports
• Preparing financial and budget reports
• Processing vouchers for vendor payments

This division is responsible for overseeing the agency’s 38 historic attractions located throughout the state. Staff members welcome visitors, provide educational opportunities and exhibits, preserve historic structures and artifacts, and work with partner organizations in their communities. The attractions range from Native American ceremonial mounds to grand Victorian mansions to expansive frontier forts.

Each historic site has its own website with information on the history, special events, and details for heritage travelers.

See our State Historic Sites landing page for details on our individual sites.

This division works with citizens, county historical commissions, museums, cemetery associations, local governments, state and federal agencies, and other interested parties to identify, evaluate, and interpret the historic and cultural resources of Texas. The Division includes these projects and programs:

• State Historical Marker Program
• National Register of Historic Places
• Historic Cemetery Preservation
• County Historical Commission Outreach
• Museum Services
• Public Project and Tax Credit Reviews
• Military History Program
• Historic Resources Survey
• Historic Texas Highways

Human Resources manages the employee life cycle (recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and offboarding) and administering employee benefits. 

In addition, the Human Resources staff manages the agency's Wellness Program, Risk Management, Time and Leave, Performance Management, Professional Development, Unpaid Interns, Volunteers.

This division is responsible for:

• Purchasing and contracting for all goods and services
• Management of the agency's Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program
• Maintaining the agency vehicles

THGAAC Commissioners and staff members connect with thousands of Texans across the state each year by promoting Holocaust education, raising awareness about genocide, and educating Texans.

The THGAAC:

• Partners with community organizations and museums on programs, events, and outreach.
• Supports schools with resources for Holocaust Remembrance Week and other curriculum needs.
• Provides opportunities for Texans to volunteer, host or speak at events, or become a Friend of the THGAAC.
• Supports public officials to call out hate, fight for policies that combat antisemitism, and attend or speak at community events.
• Provides grants to Texas nonprofits that offer services or programs related to or in support of THGAAC’s mission.

Learn more at the THGAAC website.

The Cemetery Preservation Program administers the Historic Texas Cemetery Designation; maintains a statewide cemetery inventory; and offers training and guidance to individuals and organizations working to protect and preserve historic cemeteries.

The Certified Local Government Program is a local, state, and federal partnership designed to help cities and counties develop high standards of preservation.

The County Historical Commission (CHC) Outreach Program administers Distinguished Service Awards and CHC annual reports; maintains CHC contact information; and offers training and guidance to CHC appointees, elected officials, and partner organizations working to preserve Texas' historic and cultural resources.

The Courthouse Preservation Program administers the nationally renowned, award-winning Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program and provides technical assistance, regulatory review, and stewardship training and support for current and former county courthouses.

The Curatorial facility Certification Program provide a certification program for institutions in Texas to curate archeological artifacts from state lands or collected under an Antiquities Code archeology permit.

The Curatorial Facility for Artifact Research (CFAR) houses and ensures the preservation and documentation of all historic and archeological collections from the THC's State Historic Sites. Staff at the repository provide access to artifacts held-in-trust by the THC to affiliated researchers, interns, and contractors and support object care for collections at each of the historic sites.

The Disaster Assistance Program oversees administration of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund (HIM-ESHPF) grants and provides guidance on disaster preparedness and recovery, including information on state and federal agencies with disaster assistance roles.

DowntownTX.org is a real estate and building inventory tool developed by the Texas Main Street Program (TMSP) for participating Texas Main Street communities and Certified Local Government (CLG) programs.

The Heritage Tourism Program brings together historic sites and destination management organizations to interpret, develop, and promote communities to heritage travelers through programs like the Texas Heritage Trails Program and the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program, as well as the production of thematic guides, mobile tours, and travel content for TexasTimeTravel.com.

Historic Preservation Tax Credits include both state and federal incentive programs administered by the Texas Historical Commission that offer tax credits in exchange for successful rehabilitations of historic buildings. Program staff provide professional guidance and oversight to potential and current applicants.

The Historic Resources Survey Program helps to identify and document historic aboveground properties in Texas that can raise awareness of cultural heritage and provide a basis for preservation planning; provides training and guidance to organizations and individuals working to identify and document historic resources.

The Historic Texas Highways Program identifies, interprets, and markets historic roads and highways in Texas, which can include surveying historic highways, identifying and documenting road-related resources, and providing research materials and information that can be utilized to recreate the experience of driving along these historic roadways.

The Historic Texas Lands Plaque Program recognizes private landowners who have allowed substantial archeological research on their property, received State Antiquities Landmark designation on one or more sites; obtained a conservation easement that provides for the permanent protection of archeological sites; or donated or sold property for the protection of site(s).

The Marine Archeology Program protects the state’s submerged cultural resources and coastal sites including shipwrecks, submerged aircraft, and inundated terrestrial pre-contact and historic sites through regulatory compliance review, guidance, public outreach, educational initiatives, and fieldwork.

The Military Sites Program serves as a resource to the public, THC divisions, and other agencies for matters dealing with military sites associated with Texas and Texans inside and outside the state; including preservation projects, commemorations, research, and oral history initiatives.

The Museum Services Program provides training, resources, and individualized support to staff and volunteers of history museums in Texas.

The National Register of Historic Places program oversees the federal designation process in Texas, in coordination with the National Park Service; determines eligibility for listing; provides guidance to applicants and property owners; and assists with the preparation and review of nominations.

The Texas Historical Commission oversees preservation easements and covenants resulting from preservation grant programs and on former federal property. Easements and covenants provide protection to significant historic architectural resources.

Regional archeologists provide subject matter expertise on precontact and historical period archeology across the state and respond to public inquiries regarding archeological sites and artifacts.

State Antiquities Landmark designations provide a process for state recognition and protection of significant archeological sites and historic structures and buildings on both public and private property.

The Historical Marker Program coordinates thousands of Official Texas Historical Markers; administers the Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL) designation; provides public access to documentation submitted for markers; and can direct individuals to local archives for research.

The Texas Archeological Stewards Network (TASN) is a select group of experienced avocational archeologists and public historians who work on a volunteer basis to complement the THC in assisting the public on preserving, educating, and contributing to our knowledge of Texas’ archeological and historic heritage.

Every October, the Texas Historical Commission and partners across the state provide hands-on activities and host commemorative events such as archeology fairs, demonstrations, presentations, museum exhibits, and walking tours.

The Texas Heritage Trails Program provides financial, technical, and marketing assistance to 10 independent, non-profit organizations (the Brazos, Forest, Forts, Hill Country, Independence, Lakes, Mountain, Pecos, Plains, and Tropical trail regions) that work to build local tourism partnerships and support the region's attractions.

The Texas Main Street Program (TMSP) provides technical expertise, resources, and support to a network of designated Texas Main Street communities committed to using historic preservation to encourage downtown revitalization.

The Texas Preservation Trust Fund Grant Program offers matching, reimbursable grants for endangered historic properties, archeological properties and collections, and heritage education.

The Texas Treasure Business Award (TTBA) Program recognizes historic Texas businesses (50+ years old) and honors their place in our state’s history through a simple nomination process that results in an award certificate and TTBA insignia.

The THC Preservation Awards Program recognizes worthy accomplishments and exemplary leadership in the preservation of Texas’ heritage through the THC Award of Merit and annual THC Preservation Awards.

The Tribal Partnerships Program provides guidance and assistance to agencies on consultation and outreach with tribal nations; provides assistance to tribal nations on preservation research and designations; maintains a list of tribal contacts; and offers training and guidance on working to protect tribal resources.