September Newsletter
SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS
Welcoming Stephen Siwinski as West Texas Heritage Center Director
Preservation Texas has hired Stephen Siwinski as Director of the West Texas Heritage Center, located at 201 E. San Antonio Ave in downtown El Paso. Stephen brings more than two decades of experience in communications, historic preservation, and public history, with a career focused on connecting communities, scholars, and artists with the stories embedded in historic places, artifacts, and archives.
Stephen’s professional experience includes leadership roles with the Missouri Secretary of State, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, and the Neon Museum in Las Vegas. Throughout his career, he has developed award-winning programs, exhibitions, digital experiences, and public engagement initiatives that make history more approachable, relevant, and compelling.
Stephen is working toward expanding the West Texas Heritage Center’s retail offerings, exhibitions, and public programming while strengthening its role as a hub for historic preservation in West Texas. We’re excited for all that’s ahead for the Center and look forward to bringing new programs, events, and opportunities to El Paso!
Preservation Texas Seeks Part-Time West Texas Heritage Center Associate
Under the direction of the West Texas Heritage Center Director, the Heritage Center Associate is a part-time, hourly position that supports daily operations, assists with programs and exhibit preparation, and provides visitor engagement at the West Texas Heritage Center in El Paso. This role requires familiarity with El Paso County and the broader West Texas region to effectively share its history and significance. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required to engage with diverse audiences.
Visit preservationtexas.org/elpaso-news/jobs to learn more and apply by September 11, 2026.
Preservation Texas’s West Texas Heritage Center.
Preservation Texas extends our congratulations to former Heritage Center Associate Paulina Valdez-Tena, who has moved to New York City to pursue a Master of Arts in Design Research, Writing, and Criticism at the School of Visual Arts. We’re grateful for her contributions to the Heritage Center and wish her the very best in this exciting next chapter!
Apply to Join the Board of Directors of Preservation Texas
Preservation Texas is seeking motivated individuals from across Texas with a background or interest in historic preservation to join our volunteer Board of Directors.
Board members attend quarterly meetings at historic locations throughout the state, make an annual financial commitment of at least $2,000, and serve on at least one committee. Board members serve three-year terms. Learn more and apply at preservationtexas.org/join.
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
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.
Award recipients at the 2025 Honor Awards Ceremony, held at the historic Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio.
The 2027 Honor Awards will be presented in Austin on February 16 ahead of our Preservation Day at the Capitol. Further details coming soon!
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, where coffee and refreshments will be available. Stops on the tour include:
6th Avenue Baptist Church
First Independent Baptist Church
Wesley Chapel CME Church
Bethel AME Church
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.
Join us in Tehuacana on Saturday, October 10, for the first annual College Hill Festival, a free event that is open to the public! 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.
FESTIVAL OVERVIEW:
8:00 am–11:00 am: Rummage Sale
Browse a selection of treasures and bargains inside the 1933 Westminster College Gymnasium. All proceeds support the Preservation Texas Institute.
Do you have non-clothing items you’d like to donate to the sale? Please email hunick@preservationtexas.org
10:00 am–3:00 pm: Cultural Heritage Exhibitor Booths
Visit outdoor booths featuring local history, culture, and heritage organizations. Plus, shop exclusive Preservation Texas merchandise, and purchase raffle tickets.
Exhibitors Include: Brazos Valley Museums Collective, Cindy Walker Foundation, Fort Parker State Park, Limestone County Historical Commission, Limestone County Historical Museum, Old Fort Parker Historic Site, Tehuacana Heritage Society, and the Wichita Tribe.
Interested in becoming an exhibitor? Please email hunick@preservationtexas.org
10:00 am–3:00 pm: Tehuacana History & Handmade Texana Exhibits
Explore the history of Tehuacana and view handmade Texas furniture from the Preservation Texas collection inside Louisiana Hall, the former women’s dormitory built by Westminster College in 1914.
11:00 am–2:00 pm: Live Heritage Trades Demonstrations
Watch and participate in traditional building crafts in action with live demonstrations of timber hewing by Timber Framers Guild member Roy Clay, and limestone carving by craftsman Rick Wood.
11:30 am–1:30 pm: Texas Bluegrass Concert
Enjoy live music by Deanna and Andrew Wilson on the outdoor stage. Pack a lawn chair or blanket!
11:30 am–2:30 pm: Food Trucks & More
Purchase lunch from local food trucks, including Burgertology, Mejias’s Hotdogs, and Chuy’s Gourmet Ice Cream, or pack a picnic. Complimentary cobbler and cowboy coffee will also be served from an authentic chuck wagon from the legendary 6666 Ranch.
1:30–2:00 pm: Wichita Tribe Presentation
Learn about Wichita history and culture during a presentation by the Wichita Tribe, affiliated with the Tawakoni tribe, for which the city of Tehuacana is named.
2:00 pm: Raffle Drawing
Purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win donated prizes supporting the College Hill rehabilitation project.
SUPPORT THE FESTIVAL:
We are currently seeking monetary sponsorships and raffle prize donations to help make this year’s festival a success! Sponsorship opportunities start at $100. Your tax-deductible contribution will help offset the costs of event operations, promotional and printed materials, and live music. We are also seeking donated items for the raffle. All proceeds support the Preservation Texas Institute!
Please visit savetexashall.org/festival#sponsor for more information, including sponsor benefits.
