Daniel Valenzuela

This strategic plan outlines the Texas Historical Commission's (THC) direction to strengthen its role as a cultural leader and economic catalyst. The vision is to establish the THC as the premier agency for experiencing history, driving economic vitality, community identity, and sustainable growth through historic preservation. Key strategic goals include refining and amplifying the THC's core identity, expanding strategic partnerships, transforming historic sites into immersive experiences, expanding economic revitalization impact, leading in place-based learning statewide, reaching and engaging a broad public spectrum, championing historic assets as community anchors, and sustaining the vision by making the THC's value visible and undeniable. Operational goals focus on protecting and preserving historic resources, encouraging economic development, tourism, and education, identifying and evaluating historic resources, and maximizing the quality and effectiveness of services.

The Go Texan program is a comprehensive initiative designed to promote various aspects of Texas. It primarily focuses on promoting Texas agricultural products, supporting rural communities through grants for events, and featuring restaurants that utilize Texas products. A recent addition is the 'Wildlife Initiative Program,' created to assist in the promotion of fishing and wildlife outfitting operations, acknowledging their significant economic impact on the state.

The meeting commenced with the Antiquities Advisory Board (AAB) conducting procedural requirements, including confirming a quorum and welcoming a new member. Key discussions involved the approval of the AAB minutes from the January 30th, 2024 meeting. The primary agenda item was the nomination of the University Junior High School for State Antiquity Landmark (SAL) designation due to its listing on the National Register under Criteria A (Education) and Criterion C (Architecture), and concerns regarding proposed demolition. Following testimony from the applicant, the board voted to recommend approval of the SAL nomination to the commission. Division reports followed, with the Archaeology Division noting a significant year-over-year jump in permit issuance, highlighted by data recovery projects in South Texas due to rare stratified sites. The Architecture Division reported on six historic building permits issued, showcasing completed masonry cleaning and repointing work on the Leland Museum (a Carnegie Library). The meeting concluded with a recess before convening jointly with the UT Commission.

This document details the Memorial Day 2021 Virtual Commemoration. The program included an opening prayer, a thank you for service members of all branches, and remarks by the Guest of Honor, General John Kelly, US Marine Corps. Key discussion points included the history of Decoration Day, the cumulative sacrifice of over 42 million service members throughout US history, and the specific sacrifices made in recent conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan. General Kelly shared personal reflections on comforting Gold Star families and emphasized that fallen service members were heroes committed to defending the nation against threats like those seen on 9/11. The event also featured the annual reading of names for the Memorial Day wreath program, listing numerous ships, units, and individuals being honored in 2021. The organizers expressed hope to return to an in-person ceremony in the memorial courtyard in 2022.

The meeting commenced with the Antiquities Advisory Board meeting, which was held in conjunction with the main Texas Historical Commission meeting. Key discussions included a report from the Archaeology division detailing 159 archaeological permits issued in the previous quarter, primarily intensive surveys, and an update on the relocation of the Thomas Jefferson Chambers House, a State Antiquities Landmark, due to the construction of a new Justice Center in Chambers County. The Division of Architecture reported issuing 12 permits, predominantly Rehabilitation permits. Public comments featured updates from the Texas Brazos Trail Region regarding heritage tourism and partnership engagement, an update on the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site's interpretive master plan and visitation statistics, and testimony from Wise County regarding their ongoing restoration of the Wise County Courthouse. Additionally, Freestone County expressed gratitude for their grant reconsideration for a full restoration project.