Nine organizations were approved for funding in Texas Historical Foundation's Winter 2025 grant cycle. We can't wait to share future progress on these important projects!

USS Stewart at the Galveston Naval Museum

"Los Socios" (The Partners) by artist Tom Lea

Artifacts housed at the Tales 'N' Trails Museum in Nocona

The Stones Are Speaking, a documentary by Olive Talley chronicling the effort to save the Gault archeological site in Central Texas, is coming to PBS!  The documentary, partially funded by a THF grant, follows archeologist Michael Collin's efforts to preserve the once-looted site while uncovering one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Americas. His journey involved meticulous research, personal and financial risk, and determination. What Dr. Collins accomplished at Gault changed the historical record and provided evidence that humans were present in the Americas much earlier than previously believed. 

This powerful documentary will air on Texas PBS stations between March 17-24 as the final episode of the Made in Texas series. The film will also be available on the PBS app.

Meetinghouse Revival, Corsicana - funding will assist with the National Register of Historic Places designation for the Wesley Chapel AME Church, originally established in 1916 to serve enslaved congregants in rural Corsicana. This will allow the endangered site to participate in Preservation Texas' Texas Rural African American Heritage project, providing funding and technical assistance in its restoration.

First Independent Baptist Church, Corsicana - funding will assist with the National Register of Historic Places designation of the 1918 building, home to a congregation founded in 1868 by a group of freed slaves led by Simon Perry. This will allow the site to participate in Preservation Texas' Texas Rural African American Heritage project, providing funding and technical assistance in its restoration.

Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center, Comstock - funding supports Shumla’s ongoing archival and curation projects, including the creation of a dedicated archive. Shumla focuses on documenting and preserving the pictographs of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands, among the oldest in America, while educating the public about these ancient paintings.

Dallas Mexican American Historical League - funding supports production of a documentary detailing the history and impact of Mexican American culture in shaping the city of Dallas. With oral histories from some of Dallas' oldest Mexican American residents, the documentary will capture the recollections and spirit of these early Dallas communities from those who experienced it firsthand.

Join us for the 2025 Star of Texas! Get your tickets now for this prestigious event that recognizes individuals and businesses for their exceptional contributions toward preserving Texas history and culture while inspiring its future. This year, Dale Sellers and Phoenix 1 Restoration and Construction will be recognized as the 2025 Star of Texas Award recipient. Their incredible work spans over 500 historic preservation projects across Texas, including the state capitol building.

THF's board is growing! Three new directors were approved during our Winter 2025 board meeting. We welcome Liz Grindstaff of Corsicana, who brings 25 years of experience in municipal government and historic preservation, including as the former supervisor of THF President & CEO, David Preziosi. Curtis Jaska, also of Dallas, is a former sales executive who serves his community through volunteer work and is passionate about Texas history. Finally, psychologist and Texas history enthusiast Sylvia Middlebrook is joining us from Nacogdoches and following in the footsteps of her late husband and former THF board member, Tom. We welcome each of our new board members and look forward to the unique contributions they will bring to THF. 

Liz Grindstaff
Corsicana

Curtis Jaska
Dallas

Sylvia Middlebrook
Nacogdoches

Vanessa Baker, Dallas
Patrick Biggins, Corpus Christi
Catherine Blair, Dallas
Carlos Cantu, Houston
Joanie Haley, Houston
Henry Mayo, College Station
Steven Parshall, Wimberly
Diane Sherman, Dallas

Inelda & Mike Carlisle, Corpus Christi
Elizabeth & Robert Gunby, Dallas
Pat & Cecil Rousseau, Rockport

Allen County Public Library - Genealogy Periodicals, Ft. Wayne, IN
Baylor University Library, Waco
buildingcommunityWORKSHOP, Dallas
Dr Pepper Museum, Waco
Faison Preservation Society, LaGrange
Galveston & Texas History Center, Galveston
Houston Public Library
North Texas Masonic Historical Museum & Library Foundation, Plano
Schreiner University, Kerrville
SMU DeGolyer Library, Dallas
UNC Davis Library, Chapel Hill, NC
View all Institutional Partners

Rudy Hernandez, Houston
Pat Rousseau, Rockport