To preserve historic and cultural resources, we must first know they exist. Architectural and archeological surveys identify significant properties in neighborhoods, communities and entire counties. Published inventories of such sites can be indispensable in raising a community's awareness of its cultural heritage and in its planning efforts. The most important resources identified through surveys have potential for state and national landmark designation. Moreover, the information and photographs generated by a survey create an irreplaceable record of the present state of that heritage.

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Survey photo of commercial area

The Texas Historic Sites Inventory forms a central archive for local survey efforts throughout the state. The inventory contains information, photographs and negatives on more than 100,000 historic resources in Texas. Information on above-ground structures that are a part of the Historic Sites Inventory can also be accessed through the Texas Historic Sites Atlas.

Through the coordination and sponsorship of numerous regional, county and local surveys, the THC has gathered survey data for 40 years. This data is used for preservation planning efforts and is available to researchers. There are still large portions of Texas yet to be surveyed. Additionally, updates to existing surveys are necessary to keep current information on file. We are constantly striving to expand our survey data holdings.

The THC’s Survey Coordinator is responsible for maintaining survey files, as well as encouraging survey activity statewide. A list of Historic Resources Survey Report collection can be found on the THC’s Historic Resources Survey Library Catalog. For additional information on a local historic and cultural resource survey in your community, or to utilize our survey files, contact the Historic Resources Survey Coordinator, Leslie Wolfenden

Historic Resources Survey Library Catalog

Historic Resources Survey Contact

Contact Us

If you have questions about the Historic Resources Survey Program, please contact the program administrator using the information listed here.