The Texas Historical Foundation is proud to announce seven grant recipients in its Winter 2026 funding cycle. Supporting projects ranging from Indigenous heritage and Spanish Colonial history to historic sites, museums, and community landmarks, this round of grants reflects THF’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing the diverse stories of Texas across the state.
- The Mexican American Museum of Texas, Dallas, will use grant funds to develop “Spanish Texas During the American Revolution: Life and Legacy”, a traveling exhibition and panel series highlighting the role and influence of Spanish Texas during the nation’s break from British rule and providing insight into Tejano life in the late 18th century.
- Edwards Plateau Archaeological Research Group, Abilene, in partnership with Abilene Christian University, will embark on a collaborative excavation of Paint Rock archeological site, bringing together academic researchers and Coahuilteco, Camanche, and Lipan Apache members to interpret one of the state’s most significant Indigenous rock art sites.
- San Saba Garden Club, San Saba, received support for ongoing repairs to the Old Mill House, a beloved local landmark and community gathering space. The historic mill suffered extensive damage in the devastating flash floods that swept Central Texas in July 2025.
- Museum of the West Texas Frontier, Stamford, was awarded funds to expand its signature History Alive education initiative, which brings TEKS-based social studies curriculum to rural Title 1 schools at no cost to participating schools. This grant will grow the program’s reach, delivering modules led by accredited teachers and developed by renowned history institutions to an additional 1,300 West Texas students in 2026.
- Villa Finale Museum and Gardens, San Antonio, will address delamination on the original limestone fence at Villa Finale, an 1878 Italianate-style mansion in the heart of the King William Historic District. Now a museum, Villa Finale was the last home of civic leader and historic preservationist, Walter Nold Mathis.
- Latinos in Heritage Conservation, Bastrop, received support for a special installment of their Latinx Preservation Toolkit initiative in partnership with the historic LULAC Council 60. The Houston event will bring together 200 participants for an exchange of history, ideas, and tactics for successful community-led preservation efforts.
- Kay Theater Foundation, Rockdale, will use grant funds to restore the stucco exterior of the historic deco-influenced Kay Theater. Once ubiquitous, the WWII-era Quonset hut theater is now the only one of its kind still operating in Texas.
Since 1954, the Texas Historical Foundation has funded historic preservation and education projects throughout the state, empowering communities to save their own pieces of the Lonestar past. For more information, visit our website.
