The Texas Historical Commission (THC) developed a vision for historic preservation in Texas. An integral part of that vision is the relationship between the THC and the citizens of Texas.
To help define that relationship, the THC has developed this “Compact with Texans.” Webster's dictionary
states that a compact is an agreement, understanding or covenant between two or more parties. The following is a covenant between the THC and the citizens of Texas that will provide an understanding of how the THC will answer citizen inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
The mission of the THC is to protect and preserve the state's historic and prehistoric resources for the use,
education, economic benefit, and enjoyment of present and future generations. Our philosophy at the THC is
based on the recognition that the unique cultural heritage of Texas is owned and shared by all citizens. The
protection and preservation of this heritage is a partnership between Texans and their government. As public
servants we accept our role in this partnership and we are committed to the highest standards of ethics,
accountability, efficiency, competency, and openness.
Services Offered
The main functions of the Texas Historical Commission are to identify, preserve, interpret, and maintain historic and archeological sites. The agency:
• Provides leadership and training to county historical commissions, heritage organizations, and
museums in Texas' 254 counties.
• Offers preservation consultation to the public.
• Works with communities to help protect Texas' diverse architectural heritage, including historic county
courthouses and other public buildings.
• Administers the state's historical marker program.
• Acts in partnership with communities to stimulate tourism and economic development.
• Operates 20 historic properties throughout the state.
• Assists Texas cities in the revitalization of their historic downtowns through the Texas
Main Street Program.
• Works with property owners to save archeological sites on private land.
• Consults with citizens and groups to nominate properties as Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks, State
Archeological Landmarks, and to the National Register of Historic Places.
• Ensures that archeological sites are protected as land is developed for highways and other public
construction projects.
• Publishes a wide range of educational materials on preservation topics.
A goal of the Texas Historical Commission is to be recognized for the pursuit of excellence in the area of
customer service.
Formal Written Inquiries and Complaints
The objective of the Texas Historical Commission is to respond to each formal written inquiry or complaint
within 10 days of receipt. These should be directed to: Customer Service Representative
Texas Historical Commission, 1511 Colorado St. P.O. Box 12276, Austin, Texas 78711-2276
Phone: 512.463.6100 Fax: 512.463.8222
The customer service representative will then direct each formal written inquiry or complaint to the appropriate division director. If the division director is unable answer the inquiry or resolve the complaint in 10 working days, that division director will indicate to the one filing the inquiry or complaint, in writing, when they expect to provide the answer or resolution. If the answer to the inquiry or the resolution of the complaint is not satisfactory to the one making the complaint, that person should contact the customer service representative for an answer or resolution. If that answer or resolution is not satisfactory, the one making the inquiry or complaint should take it to the members of the Texas Historical Commission at their next quarterly
commissioner's meeting for resolution.
Other Inquiries and Complaints
It is the policy of the Texas Historical Commission to respond to all customer requests, inquiries or complaints in a reasonable and timely manner. All informal inquiries or complaints should be submitted to the appropriate division director or program manager for an answer or resolution. All customers who make a request, inquiry or complaint shall be contacted every 10 days by the division director or program manager until the inquiry is answered or the complaint is resolved.
