August Newsletter
AUGUST 5, 2026
ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS
Preservation Texas Receives Major Support from the Still Water Foundation
Preservation Texas has been awarded a $75,000 operating grant from the Still Water Foundation. As our organization continues to grow, we are deeply grateful for the Foundation's ongoing support. This investment strengthens our ability to advance the goals of our Strategic Vision, including the purchase and development of the Preservation Texas Institute campus in Tehuacana, while also sustaining our statewide programs and staff.
Welcoming Rebecca Borchers to the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Preservation Texas has elected Rebecca Borchers to return to the board for a three-year term. She previously served on the PT board in the 1990s. Residing in Yoakum, Rebecca brings more than 25 years of experience in organizational change, strategic planning, fundraising, program development, project management, public relations and communications.
Throughout her career, she has served as Main Street Manager for the City of Goliad, Director of Tourism for the City of Granbury, Executive Director of Victoria Preservation, and Chief Development Officer for the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission. Rebecca's experience in nonprofit leadership, heritage tourism, and historic preservation will be a tremendous asset to our organization!
Are you interested in serving on the Preservation Texas Board of Directors? Visit preservationtexas.org/join to learn more and apply.
Board of Directors Holds Quarterly Meeting in Marfa
Last month, Preservation Texas’s Board of Directors held its summer meeting in Marfa, combining board business with visits to significant historic sites in the region. In addition to exploring Marfa, board members visited Fort Stockton, Presidio, Shafter, Ruidosa, and Fort Davis. We extend our thanks to the Fort Stockton Historical Society, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Blackwell School National Historic Site, Julie and Bruce Webb of Fort Davis, the Judd Foundation, and the International Women's Foundation for their hospitality and informative tours!
Pictured below: Adobe ruins of the oldest house in Fort Stockton, included on the 2024 MEP list (left), and the at-risk adobe officers quarters at Fort Davis National Historic Site (right).
PT PROGRAMS UPDATES
2027 Honor Award Nominations Now Open!
Preservation Texas welcomes nominations for the 2027 Honor Awards, which will recognize outstanding individuals in the field of preservation, as well as recent historic preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and infill projects from across the state.
The Honor Awards are divided into two main categories: Individual Awards and Preservation Project Awards, each with several specialized subcategories. Detailed information about award categories and application instructions can be found at preservationtexas.org/honorawards. The nomination deadline is Friday, October 16, 2026.
Pictured above: 2025 Honor Award Ceremony at the historic Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio. Learn more about the 2025 Honor Award recipients here.
The 2027 Honor Awards will be presented on the evening of Monday, February 22, at The Austin Club in downtown Austin ahead of Preservation Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, February 23. The awards ceremony will include a seated dinner and a silent auction.
We are seeking sponsors, silent auction donations, and volunteers for this event. Further details coming soon!
Preservation Services Update: Preservation Plan Completed for El Paso's Historic Turner Home
Preservation Texas recently completed a comprehensive Preservation Plan for the 1910 Turner Home in El Paso after being contracted by the El Paso County Medical Society. Located at 1301 Montana Avenue, the Classical Revival residence was designed by the renowned architectural firm Trost & Trost and constructed by H.T. Ponsford for Dr. S.T. Turner.
Donated to the El Paso County Medical Society in 1946, the Turner Home has served continuously as the Society's headquarters for the past 80 years. The property is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (1982) and a contributing resource within the Montana Avenue National Register Historic District.
The plan documents the building’s condition, outlines prioritized rehabilitation strategies, and positions future improvements to enhance eligibility for the Texas Historic Tax Credit program, ensuring the long-term stewardship of this important landmark of El Paso’s architectural and medical heritage.
Pictured below: Turner home entryway
Retail Programs Update: Vintage Wedgwood Jewelry Added to Online Store
Did you know that Preservation Texas has an online Etsy shop? Our store features a selection of antique and collectible items, including original 19th-century lithographs, historic maps, and other unique prints. We recently added several 20th-century Wedgwood jasperware jewelry items, including brooches, pendants, and earrings.
Every purchase directly supports Preservation Texas and helps advance our nonprofit mission. Visit etsy.com/shop/preservationtexas to shop the collection!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us in New Braunfels for a one-day Summit exploring the challenges, opportunities, and best practices involved in relocating historic buildings. Featured case studies are all recent projects, including the Tiner-Hendrick House in Sutherland Springs, Dessau Lutheran Church in Austin, the Palm House in Round Rock, and the Buda MoPac Railroad Depot. Presentations will explore the policy, advocacy, planning, and logistics involved in moving historic structures.
The Summit will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the New Braunfels Conservation Society's Historic Old Town, a 3.5-acre heritage village, home to 18 relocated nineteenth-century structures. During the lunch break, attendees will have the opportunity to take a tour. Lunch is included with in-person registration, and a virtual attendance option is also available.
In-person registration is $40 for Preservation Texas members and $50 for non-members, while virtual registration is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. In-person attendance is limited to 50 participants. Visit preservationtexas.org/ctxsummit26 to learn more and reserve your spot!
SPONSORED BY: Dodson House Moving, Hollingsworth House Movers, & The Burdine Johnson Foundation
2026 Historic Log Building Symposium: September 3-4 in Huntsville
The 2026 Historic Log Building Symposium will be held on the grounds of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library in Huntsville on Thursday, September 3, and Friday, September 4. The Symposium begins Thursday evening with an opening reception and keynote presentation by museum director Derrick Birdsall, followed on Friday by a full day of presentations from preservation professionals, craftspeople, and scholars on a variety of topics related to the preservation of historic log buildings. Registration includes lunch and a tour of the museum grounds following Friday’s program.
An optional Pre-Symposium Field Seminar will be offered on Thursday, led by timber framing and log building preservation specialist Jean Becnel. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in traditional hewing and notching techniques while exploring the museum’s collection of log structures. This session is limited to 25 participants. First-come, first-served!
REGISTRATION:
Symposium + Field Seminar: $225
Symposium Only: $150
Field Seminar Only: $75
Visit preservationtexas.org/symposium to learn more and register to attend!
SPONSORED BY: Kate & Bill Johnson
Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event! Learn more.
Historic Black Churches of East Corsicana Walking Tour: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Join Preservation Texas on September 12 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. for a free guided walking tour of East Corsicana's historic Black churches. Led by church leaders, local historians, and preservationists, this special tour will take participants to four different churches to learn about their history, architecture, and enduring significance.
The tour will begin at GW Jackson Legacy Park (700 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd), where coffee and refreshments will be available. Stops on the tour include:
6th Avenue Baptist Church (125 S 5th Street)
First Independent Baptist Church (701 GW Jackson Avenue)
Wesley Chapel CME Church (915 GW Jackson Avenue)
Bethel AME Church (105 N 4th Street)
This event is free and open to the public! The walking route covers approximately three-quarters of a mile and is suitable for most participants.
Pictured below: First Independent Baptist Church sanctuary.
Mark your calendar for the first annual College Hill Festival at the Preservation Texas Institute in Tehuacana on Saturday, October 10! This free event will feature activities for all ages, including live heritage trades demonstrations, a rummage sale, exhibits, food trucks, raffle prizes, live music, and more.
Spend the day exploring our historic campus, originally established in 1869 as the home of Trinity University, and learn about our one-of-a-kind vision for the future Preservation Texas Institute. Visit savetexashall.org/festival to learn more.
