Whether you're staying cool indoors, soaking up the sun on one of Texas’ beautiful beaches, or enjoying yourself on a shaded porch swing, reading lists can be one of the best things about the long days of summer. We asked historian and THF Scholar Director Frank de la Teja for a few non-fiction suggestions. Check out these titles and get ready to learn something new about the fascinating history of our great state! 

Author: James Aalan Bernsen

“Bernsen's book has won awards from the Texas State Historical Association and the Texas Institute of Letters, and is the most thorough, balanced, and deeply researched account of what remains an underappreciated period in Texas history." Read more

College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2024

Author: Stephen L. Hardin

“Although widely known and included among the principal events of the Revolution, little scholarly work has been done on the Runaway Scrape. I recommend Hardin's book because it is written with the layperson in mind, even though it is top-notch research and writing.” Read more

Austin: University of Texas Press, 2024

Author: William J. Chriss

“If you want to understand the roots of Texas conservative identity, this book is a good place to start. Chriss does not hold back in engaging the racial and socio-economic ideologies that underpin our state's constitutional order.” Read more

College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2024

The Museum of the West Texas Frontier in Stamford will use its grant funds for its “History Alive” program, which has experienced significant growth over the past two years. Many local schools utilize the program as a resource for teachers, catering to grades Pre-K through 12. See more photos.

The Midland Historical Society’s Brown-Dorsey House will get routine maintenance, such as repairing and painting damaged siding and trim, with its grant funds. Built in 1899, the Folk Victorian style house is thought to be the oldest standing residential structure in Midland. See photos of the Brown-Dorsey House. 

buildingcommunityWORKSHOP's grant was awarded to create a series of 3-D models depicting Dallas' historically black 10th Street Historic District at critical junctures in its history. The models serve to illustrate the negative and positive impacts that urban planning can have, as well as fostering community engagement in preservation. 

Dr Pepper Museum’s grant will help fund state-of-the-art archival storage equipment for their expansive collections. Since opening its doors in 1991, the museum has served visitors from every U.S. state and has been a leading advocate for reinvigorating Waco's historic downtown district. More photos.

The Red River Valley Museum received funding to complete a redesign of the Waggoner Gallery, enhancing exhibits on local ranching history with interactive, state-of-the-art displays to provide engaging educational experiences for visitors and foster a deeper understanding of Waggoner Ranch.

THF is excited to announce the 2026 Michael C. Duda Preservation Awards, paying tribute to the legacy of architect and former board member Michael C. Duda by recognizing outstanding contributions to the preservation of Texas architecture with monetary awards up to $100,000. Nominations submission for the awards are open from June 9 - August 8. 

July 24-25, 2025
Preservation Texas and MINDPOP presents the Creative Spaces Summit: Revitalizing Old Buildings through Art and Culture on Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. This event will bring together preservationists, artists, and community leaders to explore how historic structures can be revitalized. Sessions will include discussions of funding models, incentive programs, and collaborative partnerships. Learn More

Andrea Christman, Castroville
Elena Dabova, Allen
Daniel Elder, Temple
Lori Maloy, Sherman
Robert Uzzel, Corsicana

Van Massirer, Crawford 

Curtis and Gina Frisbie, Dallas

Chandler Historical Society & Museum
Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, Cuero
Dallas Historical Society
Dealey Family Foundation, Dallas
Excelsior Foundation, Inc, Jefferson
Friends of Wooldridge Square, Austin
Houston Public Library
Meadows Foundation, Dallas
Neill-Cochran House Museum, Austin
Pioneers Rest Cemetery Association, Fort Worth
Rosenberg Railroad Museum
Taylor County History Center \ Buffalo Gap Historic Village
Texas Cotton Gin Museum, Burton
Texas State University - Wittliff Collections, San Marcos
View all Institutional Partners

Ann McDonald, Lubbock, in memory of her husband Craig McDonald