TITLE: Recognizing February 19, 2025, as Preservation Texas Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing February 19, 2025, as Preservation Texas Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Members of Preservation Texas are gathering in Austin on February 19, 2025, for Preservation Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1985, Preservation Texas is dedicated to empowering Texans to protect their cultural heritage; the organization is headquartered in San Marcos and maintains regional offices in Tyler and El Paso; and WHEREAS, Preservation Texas raises awareness of the state's prehistory and history, fostering understanding of the lives of those who came before us; it also engages in historical and archaeological research and educates both professionals and the general public on issues that impact preservation; and WHEREAS, A steward of significant buildings, collections, and cultural landscapes, PT maintains a number of important sites, including the Bassett Farm in Falls and Limestone Counties; its Texas Rural African-American Heritage Grants Program, made possible through funding from the National Park Service, supports the rehabilitation of historic African-American institutional buildings in small towns; in Falls County, the organization conducts hands-on work to conserve the Hopewell Freedom Colony, which features an official Historic Texas Cemetery and extensive archaeological resources; in addition, PT serves as fiscal sponsor for the Dr. James Lee Dickey House reconstruction project in Taylor, among others; and WHEREAS, Since 2004, Preservation Texas has compiled its signature Most Endangered Places list, which spotlights historic places that are threatened by neglect, impending demolition, inappropriate alteration, or a radical loss of context; the attention garnered assists local advocates across the state, and the organization also offers technical assistance and letters of support; this endeavor has contributed to the survival of more than 90 percent of the nearly 200 sites listed; and WHEREAS, Our state's cultural heritage is a source of tremendous pride to all Texans, and over the course of four decades, Preservation Texas has played a vital role in safeguarding this legacy for generations to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 19, 2025, as Preservation Texas Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Preservation Texas as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Zwiener Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 283 was adopted by the House on February 19, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House