By Sahar Chmais
HAYS COUNTY – Individual and group historical marker applications for the Texas Historical Commission (THC) open March 1 and will go through May 15.
“These markers are visible reminders of the rich history of the State of Texas,” said J. Marie Bassett, Historical Marker Chair with the Hays County Historical Commission (HCHC). “They serve as a valuable aid for education and heritage tourism.”
If approved, the markers are the property of the THC. Currently, Hays County has about 150 markers. Those who want to submit an application must go through the HCHC. Applications are available through the state’s website: www.thc.texas.gov. More information about the process, including costs, is available through the website.
Bassett recommended that applicants contact the HCHC as soon as possible and preferably before the end of April.
“By contacting us earlier than later,” Bassett said, “the Historical Marker Committee can help with the process and assure that the application is in order and has the best chance of success.”
Available applications online include:
Recorded Texas Historical Landmarks, which are awarded to buildings and structures over 50 years old, that are judged to be historically and architecturally significant.
Subject Markers are for people and events. Most topics must date back 50 years, but historic events may be marked after 30 years. Individuals may be mentioned 10 years after their deaths.
Historic Texas Cemetery Markers, which is basically a subject marker, must first be designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery. The HCHC Cemetery Committee assists with the process.
Each year, the THC grants 15 markers. But there will be an application window for Undertold Story Markers which opens in the fall of 2021. Undertold Story Markers address historical gaps, promote diversity of topics and proactively document significant underrepresented subjects and untold stories.
Applying for Undertold Story Markers does not require full documentation at first and may be sent directly to the THC, or submitted through the Hays County Historical Commission.
For more information about Texas’s historical marker program, please visit thc.texas.gov or contact the Hays County Historical Commission via email [email protected] or phone 512-393-2277.
