2. CHC Orientation—Part 1 Introduction

3. County Historical Commission Orientation

4. 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 Orientation

5. 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 County Historical Commission Outreach Program

6. 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

7. CHCs are stewards of county history Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318, sets forth the duties and responsibilities of CHCs. Initiate and manage preservation programs/projects Meet and conduct business appropriately Identify resources: survey, inventory, review Educate themselves and their county Diversify their membership and preservation efforts Report to county commissioners court and to THC Promote historic and cultural sites of the county

8. Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318, establishes the relationship between the THC, county government and CHCs. County officials have responsibilities in this relationship. Appoint CHCs in January of each odd year Choose appointees that reflect the diversity of your county Suggest programs/projects for CHCs to initiate and conduct Provide technical assistance and fund continuing education Budget for historic resource surveys, markers and designations Protect resources with preservation ordinances and incentives CHCs are established by county government

9. Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318, establishes the relationship between the THC, county government and CHCs. THC has responsibilities in this relationship. Manage list of CHC appointments Receive and use CHC reporting on historic resources Suggest programs for CHCs to initiate and conduct Provide preservation training and technical assistance May make grants available to carry out preservation work Offer statewide preservation plan to help guide CHC work THC provides service to CHCs in many ways

10. County Historical Commission Outreach Program Texas Historical Commission (THC) History Programs Division County Historical Commission Outreach Program (CHC Outreach) Amy Hammons, CHC Outreach Coordinator 512/475-2692amy.hammons@thc.state.tx.usamy.hammons@thc.state.tx.us

11. 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. County Historical Commission Outreach Program

12. CHC Information on THC website—www.thc.state.tx.us Notice the CHC reference info links! Go to the CHC Outreach main page under “PRESERVE” tab.

13. Publications for CHCs web page CHC Handbook is a free, downloadable document; print for your own paper copy.

14. 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.

15. End of Part 1