Transcript Visionaries in Preservation Program

CHC Orientation—Part 1
Introduction
County Historical Commission Orientation
County Historical Commission Orientation
County Historical Commissions (CHC)
The Texas Local Government Code (Chapter 318) enables county
commissioners courts to establish CHCs to protect and preserve
historic and cultural resources.
County Historical Commission Outreach Program
Importance of County Historical Commissions
The future of historic preservation in Texas depends
on informed and focused local preservationists. Effectiveness
of CHC and protection of resources depends on having:
• Appointees that willing, able and eager to work
• Appointees that cultivate good relationships
• Appointees that seek out opportunities to learn more
• CHCs that understand stewardship of historic resources
• CHCs that communicate with commissioners court
• CHCs that gain support from commissioners court
Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318
CHAPTER 318. HISTORIC PRESERVATION BY COUNTIES
SUBCHAPTER A. COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Sec. 318.001. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "commission" means the
county historical commission.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
Sec. 318.002. ESTABLISHMENT. The commissioners court of a county may
appoint a county historical commission for the purpose of initiating and conducting
programs suggested by the commissioners court and the Texas Historical
Commission for the preservation of the county's historic cultural resources.
Programs suggested by the Texas Historical Commission must be consistent with
the statewide preservation plan. In suggesting programs, the Texas Historical
Commission shall consider the fiscal and human resources the county has to
conduct the programs.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 2001,
77th Leg., ch. 377, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/LG/htm/LG.318.htm
CHCs are stewards of county history
Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318, sets forth the duties and
responsibilities of CHCs.
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Initiate and manage preservation programs/projects
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Meet and conduct business appropriately
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Identify resources: survey, inventory, review
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Educate themselves and their county
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Diversify their membership and preservation efforts
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Report to county commissioners court and to THC
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Promote historic and cultural sites of the county
CHCs are established by county government
Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318, establishes the relationship
between the THC, county government and CHCs. County officials have
responsibilities in this relationship.
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Appoint CHCs in January of each odd year
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Choose appointees that reflect the diversity of your county
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Suggest programs/projects for CHCs to initiate and conduct
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Provide technical assistance and fund continuing education
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Budget for historic resource surveys, markers and designations
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Protect resources with preservation ordinances and incentives
THC provides service to CHCs in many ways
Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318, establishes
the relationship between the THC, county government and CHCs. THC has
responsibilities in this relationship.
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Manage list of CHC appointments
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Receive and use CHC reporting on historic resources
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Suggest programs for CHCs to initiate and conduct
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Provide preservation training and technical assistance
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May make grants available to carry out preservation work
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Offer statewide preservation plan to help guide CHC work
County Historical Commission Outreach Program
Texas Historical Commission (THC)
History Programs Division
County Historical Commission Outreach Program (CHC Outreach)
Amy Hammons, CHC Outreach Coordinator
512/475-2692 [email protected]
County Historical Commission Outreach Program
CHC Outreach formed in May 2008
Programmatic approach to address the needs of CHCs while
empowering members to maximize their potential as local
preservationists.
Currently, there are two CHC Outreach staff members.
• Amy Hammons (program coordinator) reviews CHC
annual reports, provides recommendations, and plans
educational opportunities for CHCs.
• Maddie Clites (program specialist) tracks CHC appointee
rosters, updates CHC Chair contact information, and helps
CHCs promote their work to the public.
CHC Information on THC website—www.thc.state.tx.us
Go to the CHC Outreach main
page under “PRESERVE” tab.
Notice the
CHC reference
info links!
Publications for CHCs web page
CHC Handbook is a free, downloadable
document; print for your own paper copy.
Publications for CHCs web page—keep scrolling down!
Also located on the
CHC Publications page
are the updated CHC
Brochure and several
Medallion articles
highlighting CHC
interests, needs, and
challenges. These
articles serve as
interesting discussion
topics as your CHC
learns more about the
work for which they
were appointed.
End of Part 1