Texas Administrative Code › Title 13 - CULTURAL RESOURCES › Part 2 - TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION › Chapter 21 - HISTORY PROGRAMS › Subchapter B - OFFICIAL TEXAS HISTORICAL MARKER PROGRAM › Section 21.9 - Application evaluation procedures

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) The
				  commission adopts the following
criteria
governing evaluation
				  for approval or rejection of applications for Official Texas Historical
				  Markers, Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks (RTHLs), or Historic Texas Cemetery
				  designations.
(1) Age: Structures eligible
				  for the RTHL designation and marker must be at least 50 years old. Older
				  structures may be awarded additional weight in evaluation and
				  scoring.
(2) Historical
				  significance/Architectural Significance: The Texas Historical Commission's
				  Division of Architecture evaluates applications for RTHL designations, which
				  are awarded to properties which demonstrate architectural and historical
				  significance and architectural and historical integrity. Architectural
				  significance alone is not enough to qualify a structure for the RTHL
				  designation. It must have an equally significant historical association, and
				  that association can come from an event that occurred at the site; through
				  individuals who owned or lived on the property; or, in the case of bridges,
				  industrial plants, schoolhouses and other non-residential properties, through
				  documented significance to the larger community. Structures deemed
				  architecturally significant are outstanding examples of architectural history
				  through design, materials, structural type or construction methods. In all
				  cases, eligible architectural properties must display integrity; that is, the
				  structure should be in a good state of repair, maintain its appearance from its
				  period of significance and be considered an exemplary model of preservation.
				  Architectural significance is often best determined by the relevance of the
				  property to broader contexts, including geography. Any changes over the years
				  should be compatible with original design and reflect compliance with accepted
				  preservation practices, e.g., the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards
				  for Rehabilitation
.
(3)
				  State of repair/Integrity: Structures not considered by the commission to be in
				  a good state of repair are not eligible for RTHL designation. The commission
				  reserves the sole right to make that determination relative to eligibility for
				  RTHL markers. Subject marker topics placed at the appropriate site help
				  maintain site integrity. Topics properly documented and understood by the
				  public also help maintain a high degree of integrity.
(4) Diversity of topic for addressing gaps in
				  historical marker program. This criterion addresses the extent to which topic
				  relates to an aspect or area of Texas history that has not been well
				  represented by the marker program.
(5) Value of topic as an undertold or untold
				  aspect of Texas history. This criterion addresses the extent to which topic
				  addresses undertold facets of Texas history and increases the diversity of
				  history and cultures interpreted through the marker program.
(6) Endangerment level of property, site or
				  topic. This criterion addresses the extent to which the property (RTHLs), site
				  or story is in danger of being lost if its history and significance are not
				  documented through the marker program.
(7) Available documentation and resources.
				  This criterion addresses the quality and balance of the research and
				  documentation for the application.
(8) Diversity among this group of candidates.
				  This criterion addresses the extent to which this topic represents an undertold
				  story of Texas history among the applications received during that year's
				  marker cycle.
(9) Relevance to
				  other commission programs. This criterion addresses the extent to which the
				  topic coordinates with other significant programs and initiatives of the
				  agency.
(10) Relevance to the
				  commission's current thematic priorities. This criterion addresses the extent
				  to which the topic coordinates with the thematic priorities set by the
				  commission each year (varies by year).