Beginning in 2006, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) established the Undertold Marker Program to address historical gaps, promote diversity of topics, and proactively document significant underrepresented subjects or untold stories.
The THC accepts nominations for 2020 undertold marker funding through the Marker Application Fund starting in the Fall from November 1st to December 15th, 2020.
Beginning September 1, THC is accepting new applications for Undertold Markers. Unlike regular marker applications, these do not require full documentation at first and may be sent directly to THC or submitted through the a local County Historical Commission (CHC).
As a sampling of topics that might score well on applications, 2019 approved undertold topics were Pastores of Bailey County, The Hon. Nathan H. Haller (Brazoria County), Smith Grade High School (Burleson County), Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery (Comal County), Johnny Graham (Dallas County), Dr. Edgar Ewell Ward (Dallas County), St. John’s Community (Denton County), Women Suffragists in El Paso (El Paso County), Booker T. Washington School (Freestone County), Jackson’s Barber Shop & Beauty Salon (Harris County), Alba Ranch (Hays County), Evangelia Settlement (McLennan County), Unknown No Longer: Anadarco Slaves Legacy Project (Rusk County), Aspermont High School (RTHL) (Stonewall County) and St. John’s Industrial Institute and Home (Travis County).
The application form is available online at thc.texas.gov and should be submitted between November 1 and December 15, 2020 to Markers@thc.texas.gov.
The next application window for the regular THC marker program will occur in the spring of 2021.
There are three kinds of regular markers:
• Recorded Texas Historical Landmarks (RTHL): these are awarded to buildings and structures, over 50 years old, that are judged to be historically and architecturally significant. They help with the preservation of such buildings.
• Subject Markers: these deal with people and events rather than structures. 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: In order to apply for a cemetery marker, a cemetery must first be designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery. The HCHC Cemetery Committee assists with the paperwork. Such markers are helpful in preserving small family cemeteries dotted around the county.
Full details, including costs, can be found at thc.texas.gov. For anyone wishing to apply, now is a good time to begin collecting the necessary documentation.
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