THC Preservation Awards

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) offers annual awards to recognize worthy accomplishments and exemplary leadership in the preservation of Texas’ heritage. The THC accepts nominations for the following categories of annual historic preservation awards:

Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation
Ruth Lester Lifetime Achievement Award
John Ben Shepperd County Historical Commission Leadership Award
George Christian Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award
John L. Nau, III Award of Excellence in Museums
Curtis D. Tunnell Lifetime Achievement Award in Archeology
Anice B. Read Award of Excellence in Community Heritage Development
Texas Historical Commission Award of Excellence in Preserving History
Texas Historical Commission Award of Excellence in Historic Architecture
Texas Historical Commission Award of Excellence in Media Achievement
Award of Merit

Most of the above awards are typically presented at the following year's THC’s Real Places Conference. The THC’s most prestigious award, the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation, is presented in a special ceremony arranged with the staff of the Governor’s office, and awards of merit presentations are arranged by THC staff or submitting individuals and organizations as time allows. Current THC staff members, commissioners, advisory board members, or their immediate families are not eligible to receive any award. Nominations can only be submitted for one award at a time.

The 2022 award cycle is closed. Guildines and a cover form for the 2023 awards will be available in spring 2023.

Nominations for the Award of Merit, which recognizes the efforts/contributions of a group or individual involved in preserving Texas’ cultural and historic resources, can be submitted at any time during the year.

Award of Merit (PDF)