Museum Services Bulletin Header




*December 2025*






Photo of two doors flanking a fireplace that are being repainted
Under Construction: Growing Forward Together

We are excited to share that the Museum Services Program of the Texas Historical Commission is entering a new chapter––one built on a strong foundation and focused on expanding the ways we support the people and places doing history across Texas. For more than 30 years, this work has been shaped with dedication and vision.

Now, with a newly expanded Museum Support & Statewide Services department, we are deepening that commitment. Our team––including *Inez Wolins, Ellen Cone Busch, Emily Hermans, and Danielle Christian––*will be working together to enhance our existing programs and introduce new opportunities, services, and resources designed to meet the needs of history doers across the state.

But we don’t want to grow in a vacuum. *Your voice will help write our next chapter.*  In the coming months, we’ll be conducting surveys and hosting focus groups to better understand what you value, what challenges you face, and how we can support you better, whether you are a small community museum or a large institution. Your experiences and insights will help shape the programs and partnerships ahead.

This is just the beginning––and we’re excited to grow forward "with you."

*Stay tuned for more in the New Year!*






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*Draft Mission of Museum Support & Statewide Services*

To inspire, support, and connect the people who do Texas history by providing them with innovative resources and strategic partnerships that advance museum excellence, foster public engagement, and strengthen community-centered stewardship.

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Hearty Congratulations!

Photo of Rayanna Hoeft

Museum Services Program Specialist *Rayanna Hoeft* accepted a new position within the agency as the THC’s first *Site Manager of the Slaton Harvey House State Historic Site *near Lubbock.

In her nearly two years with THC Museum Services, Rayanna supported important projects like the LEAD: Leadership, Engagement and Development Program for Rural Museums, offered guidance to hundreds of Texas museums, and has become a trusted resource. Rayanna will be an outstanding addition to the THC's exceptional team of site managers and we’re thrilled she will remain part of the broader agency team. The search to fill this position is underway.



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Who is Doing History?

This past spring, the American Association for State and Local History conducted a survey of history practitioners throughout the country, and has gathered a detailed look at just who is doing history in America and how they feel about their work.  *Preview AASLH’s National Survey of History Practitioners. [ [link removed] ]*

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December Webinar
LEAD Webinar: Stronger Together (square)

Balancing the shifting realities of cultural heritage with the desire to serve your community is no small task. Collaboration is key, but museums, historical sites, and other cultural heritage stewards face real challenges in finding the time and resources to develop those relationships. This webinar explores the process for developing communities of practice during challenging times to help organizations break down silos, pool resources and build resilience.

Attendees will hear from leaders of Lubbock, Texas’ cultural heritage sector, who developed a practice of bringing institutions together to problem solve and proactively plan. Laura Casey, museum consultant and former coordinator for Texas Historical Commission’s Museum Services program, will provide practical insight and inspiration for creating your own network of support within your community.

This webinar is part of a collaborative project between Texas Association of Museums (TAM) [ [link removed] ], Texas Plains Trail Region [ [link removed] ], and Texas Historical Commission's Museum Services [ [link removed] ].

The LEAD: Leadership, Engagement, and Development project was generously funded by The Summerlee Foundation [ [link removed] ] and Humanities Texas. [ [link removed] ]

Register Here: *[link removed]* [ [link removed] ]

*All webinars are free of charge, but pre-registration is required.* *All registrants receive a link to the recording within 24 hours of the live presentation.*

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Online Learning

*Museum Career Maintenance: Winterize Your Job Search [ [link removed] ]* *December 10 *@ 1 to 2 p.m. (CT) - Online: Your Museum Career Coach - Join career coach and museum professional Alli Schell for practical guidance on navigating the museum job market with confidence. Learn strategies to refine your search, strengthen applications, and stay motivated during slower hiring seasons. Cost: Free. 

*Workshop: Strengthening History Communication: Reframing the Value of History and Your Institution [ [link removed] ]* *December 11 *@ 12 p.m. (CT) - Online: American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) - Learn strategies for communicating the relevance of history more effectively and framing your institution’s work to connect with contemporary audiences and community needs. Cost: $100 members/$150 nonmembers. 

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Funding Opportunities

Bolder Foundation [ [link removed] ] – Spring Applications open November 1, 2025–February 1, 2026

Kids Gardening.org [ [link removed] ] – Applications open November 2025 and January 2026

FAIC/Kress Conservation Publication Fellowships [ [link removed] ] – Applications due January 22, 2026

FAIC/Kress Foundation Conservation Fellowships [ [link removed] ] – Applications due January 22, 2026

Robert Lehman Foundation [ [link removed] ] – Spring cycle deadline February 1

American Historical Association Research Grants [ [link removed] ] – Applications due February 15, 2026

Mosaic Scholarship by The Society of American Archivists [ [link removed] ] – Applications due February 28, 2026

Industrial Heritage Preservation Grants [ [link removed] ], Applications due March 1, 2026

Organization for American Historians Graduate Student Grants [ [link removed] ] – Deadlines vary by award

Rural Technology Fund [ [link removed] ] – Rolling deadlines, provides an opportunity to collaborate with teachers

Ben and Jerry’s Foundation [ [link removed] ] – Rolling deadlines for Grassroots Organizing Initiatives

Mellon Foundation [ [link removed] ] – Rolling deadlines for Humanities in Place Grant

Wells Fargo Philanthropy and Community Impact Grants [ [link removed] ] – Rolling deadlines

Wikimedia Foundation Grants [ [link removed] ] – Deadline contingent upon grant offered

The Shubert Foundation [ [link removed] ] – Deadlines vary by award

T-Mobile Hometown Grants [ [link removed] ] – Applications open on quarterly basis

*Federal Grants*

NEH Disaster Recovery Grants [ [link removed] ] – Applications accepted on a rolling basis for six months. Last date to apply is January 26, 2026.

IMLS [ [link removed] ] – Various grants now available, check website for most current updates






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Bolder Foundation [ [link removed] ] – Spring Applications open November 1, 2025–February 1, 2026

Kids Gardening.org [ [link removed] ] – Applications open November 2025 and January 2026

FAIC/Kress Conservation Publication Fellowships [ [link removed] ] – Applications due January 22, 2026

FAIC/Kress Foundation Conservation Fellowships [ [link removed] ] – Applications due January 22, 2026

Robert Lehman Foundation [ [link removed] ] – Spring cycle deadline February 1

American Historical Association Research Grants [ [link removed] ] – Applications due February 15, 2026

Mosaic Scholarship by The Society of American Archivists [ [link removed] ] – Applications due February 28, 2026

Industrial Heritage Preservation Grants [ [link removed] ], Applications due March 1, 2026

Organization for American Historians Graduate Student Grants [ [link removed] ] – Deadlines vary by award

Rural Technology Fund [ [link removed] ] – Rolling deadlines, provides an opportunity to collaborate with teachers

Ben and Jerry’s Foundation [ [link removed] ] – Rolling deadlines for Grassroots Organizing Initiatives

Mellon Foundation [ [link removed] ] – Rolling deadlines for Humanities in Place Grant

Wells Fargo Philanthropy and Community Impact Grants [ [link removed] ] – Rolling deadlines

Wikimedia Foundation Grants [ [link removed] ] – Deadline contingent upon grant offered

The Shubert Foundation [ [link removed] ] – Deadlines vary by award

T-Mobile Hometown Grants [ [link removed] ] – Applications open on quarterly basis

*Federal Grants*

NEH Disaster Recovery Grants [ [link removed] ] – Applications accepted on a rolling basis for six months. Last date to apply is January 26, 2026.

IMLS [ [link removed] ] – Various grants now available, check website for most current updates

About Us

The Texas Historical Commission’s Museum Services [ [link removed] ] Program provides support, resources, and training to history museums in Texas. Museum Services staff are available to provide individual consultations to museum staff and supporters. We encourage museums to contact us <[email protected]?subject=Museum%20Services%20Information%20Request> with questions or to schedule a phone consultation.








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