The Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Preservation Fellows Program is a diversity initiative designed specifically for students of underrepresented ethnic backgrounds

THC Preservation Fellows Program

The Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Preservation Fellows Program is a diversity initiative designed specifically for students of underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Ethnic communities are traditionally not strongly represented in preservation organizations and the goal of the program is to engage a wider range of populations in supporting efforts to protect and preserve the complete history of the state.

The THC identified the need for greater representation of Texas’ diverse populations in interpretation and representation of historic buildings and sites in its 10-year plan, Preserving our Heritage – A Statewide Plan for Texas, published in 2002. Since then, the THC has made many attempts to reach out to underrepresented populations and include them in the agency’s preservation efforts. These efforts have been publicized extensively in The Medallion and other publications. It is not only an identified goal of the THC, but the agency also encourages county historical commissions and Friends of the Texas Historical Commission to include a greater representation of our state’s diverse cultures in its programs and staffing.

Programs such as the Preservation Fellows help us not only to preserve and promote Texas history within these populations, but also to gain valuable insight into their contributions. Preservation is a cooperative effort, and the tale of Texas includes stories from countless cultures. To recognize and tap into divergent populations helps to maximize the preservation potential in all of us.