April Newsletter
Remembering Janet Francis
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Janet Wheat Francis at the age of 83 on April 5th at her home in San Antonio.
Janet played a pivotal role in shaping Preservation Texas. With a long-standing commitment to historic preservation, Janet was one of three initial trustees who incorporated the organization in 1985. She served as president in 1997, and remained a steadfast supporter and generous donor through the years. Janet was also a founding member of our Past Presidents Circle earlier this year.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Christ Episcopal Church of San Antonio (510 Belknap Pl).
Preservation Texas is accepting donations to the Janet Wheat Francis Memorial Fund, which will honor her legacy and support our ongoing preservation advocacy programs.
20th ANNUAL MOST ENDANGERED PLACES LIST
Preservation Texas invites you to nominate endangered historic buildings and resources anywhere in Texas to the 2024 Most Endangered Places List! Nominations will be accepted through April 30, 2024, and the list will be announced in late May.
Sites eligible for this year's list are Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks and buildings individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places or that contribute to a National Register Historic District.
The Most Endangered Places List provides statewide visibility and publicity for imperiled places and serves as a tool for local advocates to leverage in their efforts to raise awareness and funding. The list also informs our own PT programming and initiatives.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Hands-On Adobe Preservation Workshop in El Paso June 4th & 5th
This unique, two-day adobe workshop will be held in El Paso on June 4th & 5th at Abara House, the mid 19th century adobe home of Simeon Hart on the Rio Grande (which had more recently been La Hacienda restaurant).
Attendees will learn how to create adobe bricks and repair damage to adobe structures from adobe building expert, Pat Taylor. Pat is an adobe conservation specialist and co-author of Adobe Conservation, A Preservation Handbook.
Registration for this workshop is $75 per person. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Undertold Historical Marker Dedication in Kosse June 7th
Preservation Texas has been awarded an Undertold Historical Marker from the Texas Historical Commission recognizing the use of Chinese labor in the construction of the Houston & Texas Central Railroad in 1870. These skilled and experienced workers were the first known group of Chinese laborers to come to Texas.
A dedication ceremony will be held in Kosse on Friday, June 7th, 2024 at 3:00 pm near the W Washington St. railroad crossing (behind Branded Market). This event is free and open to the public.
Historic Log Building Preservation Summit in Nacogdoches October 10th & 11th
Save the date for our Historic Log Building Preservation Summit on Friday, October 11th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Fredonia Hotel Conference Center in Nacogdoches. A separate pre-Summit field session to visit several log structures in the Nacogdoches area is being planned for Thursday, October 10th.
This event will focus on the heritage and craftsmanship of historic log buildings in Texas. Participants will examine the history and use of log buildings, uncover the processes and building techniques associated with log construction, and explore ways that Texans can preserve these iconic structures, which are critically endangered.
Business sponsorships are available for this event! Contact Conor Herterich at conor@preservationtexas.org for more information.
WE’RE HIRING!
West Texas Heritage Center Site Manager in El Paso
Preservation Texas seeks a dynamic, motivated, bilingual, and outgoing Site Manager for a new West Texas Heritage Center in El Paso.
Made possible in part by the support of El Paso County, the Center will anchor historic preservation and cultural resource interpretation and education in the region. The Site Manager will have an exciting opportunity to work in collaboration with PT staff to develop the Center and ensure its success. A detailed job notice can be found online at preservationtexas.org/west-texas.
Applications are due by 5:00 pm M.S.T. on Friday, May 24, 2024.
Student Intern in San Marcos
Preservation Texas seeks a part-time summer intern to help research and develop a comprehensive history of our organization. As PT’s 40th anniversary approaches, we want to have a better understanding of the organization’s past and the people who have shaped it. Work will be part-time in our office on the square in downtown San Marcos.
Applications are due by 5:00 pm C.S.T. on Monday, May 6, 2024.
