Austin, TX - The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized Tom Hester, Ph.D., as the 2025 recipient of the Curtis D. Tunnell Lifetime Achievement in Archeology Award.
The award acknowledges an individual for outstanding lifetime accomplishments in archeological research and preservation in Texas. It is one of 10 annual THC Preservation Awards recognizing individuals and organizations involved in various aspects of historic preservation.
Few scholars have had an influence on Texas archeology as extensive as Hester. A native of Carrizo Springs, his interest in archeology began in South Texas and developed into a professional career spanning more than five decades. His early contributions included assisting in the establishment of an archeology program at The University of Texas at San Antonio, followed by his long leadership of the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory at The University of Texas at Austin.
Hester's publications, including books and reference works, are standard resources for the field. These materials inform artifact identification, field methodologies, and archeological interpretation not only in Texas but throughout North and Central America.
In addition to his academic and research achievements, Hester has dedicated significant service to professional organizations. He has held leadership roles within the Texas Archeological Society, including serving as president and directing multiple annual field schools. He has also advised the Texas Archeological Stewardship Network. His collaboration with avocational archeologists, collectors, and landowners has successfully documented numerous archeological sites and collections across Texas.
Perhaps most importantly, Hester has helped develop future professionals through teaching and mentorship. Many archeologists currently employed in universities, museums, government agencies, and cultural resource management firms in Texas and across the United States have studied under his instruction. His contributions have had a measurable and lasting impact on the practice and advancement of archeology in Texas.
About Preservation Awards
The THC Preservation Awards recognize and honor those who have committed themselves to saving the real places and real stories of Texas. The awards celebrate their accomplishments and exemplary leadership in the preservation of Texas’ heritage.
The awards will be presented at the THC’s Real Places 2026 conference, April 8-10, in Austin and online. Presented by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission in partnership with Phoenix 1 Restoration and Construction, LLC, Real Places is the premier historic preservation and heritage tourism event in the Lone Star State. It offers world-class sessions, workshops, tours, special events, entertainment, and networking activities, while bringing together many different audiences under the banners of history, heritage, and preservation.
About the Texas Historical Commission
The THC manages 42 state historic sites, the Texas Heritage Trails Program, Texas Main Street Program, and many more heritage tourism and historic preservation initiatives across the state. For more information, visit thc.texas.gov.