Congratulations to Denison’s Main Street team for receiving the prestigious 2025 Great American Main Street Award! Just the third Texas town to receive the honor, Denison was recognized for its exceptional efforts in revitalizing its downtown area through preservation-based economic development.
Their impressive achievements include:
- 200% increase in downtown property values over the past 15 years
- 2.6 million+ more annual visitors in the last three years
- 681 events hosted annually in a vibrant district with over 200 independently owned businesses
Learn more about how the Texas Main Street Program supports towns like Denison:
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., La Porte
Experience the roar of history and cannons as the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site comes alive with the 189th anniversary celebration of the Battle of San Jacinto. This action-packed event will feature reenactments, living history activities, and interactive experiences that transport you back to the pivotal moments of 1836. Join in the excitement with historical presentations, hands-on activities, and a vendor market, all set against the backdrop of one of the most decisive military victories.
This summer, embark on an unforgettable journey through time at the Texas Historical Commission's state historic site summer camps! Our programs will offer young historians a unique blend of education and adventure, bringing the past to life.
Campers will spend their days as cowboys on the frontier, soldiers at San Jacinto, lighthouse keepers, and more! Each historic site becomes a classroom, fostering a deep appreciation for our state's unique history.
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Submit Your Marker Applications
Applications for Texas Historical Markers are open until May 15! Commemorate significant sites and stories across Texas!
Interested individuals and groups can submit their applications through their local county historical commissions. This program allows communities to highlight their rich history and cultural heritage, ensuring that important Texas stories are preserved for future generations. Apply now!
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Read the Newest Issue of The Medallion
Learn about major projects at many of the THC’s popular historic sites and discover the Texas legacy of Juneteenth as its 160th anniversary approaches.
Read the latest issue of The Medallion, a quarterly THC publication about preservation projects, historic sites, and heritage tourism opportunities.
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The Smithsonian is Heading West
"Crossroads: Change in Rural America" is leaving Buffalo Gap soon. Until April 26, explore the Gap's hunting history, its role as the first county seat, and much more.
Starting May 3, West Texas will have the opportunity to experience the Smithsonian! San Elizario will begin hosting the traveling exhibition. Mark your calendars for an exploration of rural America and this historic border town.
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Real Places is where ideas and inspiration for preserving Texas history are born. Real Places 2025 will feature over 100 expert speakers and more than 50 sessions, workshops, and tours all about historic preservation and heritage tourism.
Can't make it to Austin? Virtual registrations are still available! Virtual attendees will be able to stream all the conference sessions, and the recordings will be archived for viewing up to 60 days after the conference. Virtual registration will remain open up until the conference.
Real Places is presented by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission and Phoenix I Restoration and Construction, LLC.
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