Eight Texas preservation groups received grant support in the Texas Historical Foundation's Fall 2024 grant cycle, with funds aiding in archaeological research, architectural restoration, and history education initiatives across the state. Congratulations to the following grantees.
Dr Pepper Museum, Waco, was awarded grant funding to upgrade management and facilities for their sprawling artifact collection telling the story of the iconic Texas soft drink. The grant carried them over the fundraising finish line to complete an expansive museum-wide update they hope will secure American Alliance of Museums accreditation.
Archer County Museum & Arts Center, Archer City, is one step closer to completing restorations at the 1901 Jail Building, which will serve as the museum’s new home. Their THF grant will be used to restore this local landmark’s emblematic clay barrel tile roof to its period of historic significance before its opening as a museum of local history and art.
Texas Folsom Fluted Point Survey, sponsored by the Gault School of Archaeological Research, will use granted funds to expand their pivotal explorations into the lives and pathways of some of Texas’ earliest residents into Northern Mexico and West Texas, providing datasets that allow future researchers to compare and contrast Folsom and Clovis period peoples.
Museum of the West Texas Frontier, Stamford, won grant support to expand its “History Alive” program, bringing Texas history to life in rural classrooms. Since pivoting efforts to center educational outreach, MWTF has brought interactive education modules to thousands of West Texas students.
Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center, Comstock, received funding to establish a public archive of documents, photographs, and maps of the ancient cave paintings of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands. The archive will be located at Shumla’s San Marcos outpost, and include items and ephemera collected over the group’s decades of pioneering research.
Texas Heritage Project of AITSCM, San Antonio, will use grant funds to continue building interactive digital maps illuminating the cumulative history of First Peoples from the 1600s onward in present-day South Texas and Northern Mexico.
Rancho Alegre, Austin, was awarded a grant to prepare hundreds of hours of oral histories with Tejano and Conjunto musicians for public release. Since its founding in 2008, Rancho Alegre has brought national notice to these beloved but overlooked music movements with distinctly Texan roots.
Dallas Historical Society, Dallas, was awarded funding to pilot their Republic of Texas Card Game, which will see 500 decks of the educational tool distributed to Texas classrooms at no cost.
For more information on THF grants, visit texashistoricalfoundation.org.
Above: Museum of the West Texas Frontier speaks to visiting school children
Above: Dallas Historical Society's Republic of Texas card game
Above: A Rancho Allegre volunteer performs an oral history interview
