History of CHCs

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The 1966 Texas State Historical Survey Committee Annual Meeting. (Credit: Odessa American)

The Texas Centennial Advisory Boards and County Historical Survey Committees laid the foundation for county-level historic preservation in the 1930s and the 1950s. Each had a formal relationship with the State of Texas and contributed to the celebration of the 1936 Texas Centennial and the goals of the Texas Historical Survey Committee. Their work to preserve Texas’ historic resources led to the establishment of County Historical Commissions in 1973.

Texas Centennial Advisory Boards, 1936

Planning for the 1936 Texas Centennial began as early as 1923, when counties organized local advisory boards and committees to commemorate 100 years of Texas independence. These boards worked to identify historic sites, collect historical information, and propose local projects to honor the Texas Centennial.

In 1934, the state legislature created the Texas Centennial Commission, which coordinated with county advisory boards through a broader structure known as the Texas Centennial Advisory Board. Each county had its own advisory board that submitted applications for memorials, monuments, and celebrations. These county boards also helped locate sites and, in some cases, draft inscriptions for historical markers.

To oversee funding and coordination, the Texas Legislature created the Commission of Control for Centennial Celebrations in 1935. Meanwhile, the Advisory Board of Texas Historians, composed of L. W. Kemp, J. Frank Dobie, and the Reverend Paul J. Foik, was tasked with evaluating the historical accuracy of proposed projects. This board reviewed all county applications and consulted with Texas Centennial Advisory Boards before issuing recommendations.

One of the earliest references to Texas Centennial Advisory Boards appeared in the December 1935 edition of the Texas Centennial Review. The journal reported that the Val Verde County Centennial Advisory Commission organized a celebration commemorating the founding of Val Verde County, including a large parade.

The February 12, 1936, edition of the Texas Centennial Review reported that county-level boards were responsible for coordinating the Walter Woodul Historical Essay Contest, which awarded prizes to top student essays submitted by the end of the month. The February 19 edition noted strong student participation in La Salle County, adding that the contest was organized by the La Salle County Advisory Board, chaired by Mrs. H. P. Gaddis.

The April 29, 1936, edition highlighted efforts by the Leon County Commissioners, who coordinated with other local organizations to construct a replica of Fort Boggy.

The Texas Centennial Advisory Boards and the Texas Centennial Commission established an early model for state and local partnership in historic preservation matters.

County Historical Survey Committees, 1953-1973

In 1953, the Texas Legislature created the Texas State Historical Survey Committee (TSHSC), the predecessor to the Texas Historical Commission. The agency’s purpose was to lead, coordinate, and support historic preservation in Texas. The TSHSC was authorized to prescribe uniform markers, verify historical inscriptions, and certify the historical significance of properties.

James E. Wheat was appointed the first president of the TSHSC. In 1955, Wheat sent a letter to county judges across Texas urging them to establish local County Historical Survey Committees (CHSCs) to help identify and preserve sites of historical importance.

Following Wheat’s 1955 letter, county commissioners courts began formally organizing their CHSCs. A letter from George W. Hill, director of the TSHSC, dated December 18, 1956, stated that nearly 200 counties formed CHSCs. Hill outlined a clear vision for CHSCs to form working committees, raise awareness of historic resources, advise on historic preservation matters, and coordinate with local organizations. 

Montgomery and Hays counties were among the first to respond. In Bexar County, a CHSC was formed with about 25 appointed members who worked on mapping sites, identifying graves, and placing historical markers.

The TSHSC supported the establishment of CHSCs by creating training resources and guidelines. In 1964, the TSHSC adopted a formal strategy called the RAMPS program (Recordation, Appreciation, Marking, Preservation, and Surveys.) The program encouraged CHSCs to document historic properties, engage the public, and maintain heritage sites. RAMPS also introduced a system of annual check-ins with TSHC staff to assist CHSCs in meeting their goals.

One goal of the TSHSC was to install 5,000 official markers in five years. Texas Gov. John Connally urged residents to “Display History along Texas Highways,” further boosting local enthusiasm for marker projects. CHSCs competed to meet their county’s yearly marker goals.

County Historical Commissions, 1973-1976

County Historical Commissions (CHCs) were established with the passage of Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318.001 in 1973. This legislation was passed with Senate Bill 353.

The new requirements included appointing at least seven members, holding at least one meeting annually, and conducting surveys to identify historic sites and buildings. CHCs were given the responsibility to review historical marker applications and promote heritage tourism. The statute made CHCs a body of county government, allowing county commissioners court to appropriate funds from their general budget to support historic preservation, erect markers, and operate museums.

The Medallion featured CHC efforts in its “County Committee Communiqués” section starting in June–July 1970. Counties like Angelina, Bowie, and Jack were recognized for educational events, publishing historical booklets, and commemorating local figures. This section continued until early 1976, after which CHC accomplishments were recognized through statewide historic preservation awards.

The November–December 1976 issue of The Medallion listed counties and individuals honored for their contributions. Awards included Outstanding County Chairman, Best Program Work, and Outstanding Commission Member. 

Conclusion

The Texas Centennial Advisory Boards and County Historical Survey Committees provided a model for state and local partnership in historic preservation. Local volunteers dedicated to preserving their county’s historic resources contributed to the establishment of County Historical Commissions in 1973. 

About the Project

The CHC Outreach Program, and Friends of the Texas Historical Commission Preservation Scholar, Jose Sparling Garcia, conducted archival research and organized the information for publication.