Per the Texas Historical Commission’s most current count, there are at least 16,000 cemeteries that dot the Texas landscape. These are unique cultural spaces that reflect the ethnic diversity and unique population of an area, and they tell stories about historic events, religions, lifestyles, genealogy, and more, that cannot be found elsewhere. Cultural influence in gravemarker design, cemetery decoration, and landscaping all contribute to telling the full story of Texas history. And yet, even though they are among our most sacred places, cemeteries are under constant threat—by development and expanding urban areas; by natural forces such as severe weather and uncontrolled vegetation; and through neglect or outright abandonment.
All is not lost, however, and there is good news to share! Working collaboratively and building communities of cultural caretakers, Texans across the state are stepping up to reclaim historic cemeteries, restoring dignity to these spaces and to the memories of people buried in them. Join the Texas Historical Commission’s Cemetery Preservation Program staff to hear these stories and find inspiration to set your own cemetery preservation story in motion.
PRESENTERS:
Jenny McWilliams is coordinator of the Texas Historical Commission’s Cemetery Preservation Program, a position she’s held since 2013. Prior to her work at the THC, Jenny was an archeologist for cultural resource management firms in Texas. As part of her 20-year archeological career, Jenny traveled extensively throughout Texas, often excavating graves for relocation for clients such as TxDOT, lignite mining companies, and a reservoir project. Jenny earned a master’s degree in Archeology from Texas Tech University.
Carlyn Copeland Hammons joined the staff of the Texas Historical Commission in 2005. She’s held several positions within the agency, including as a field services technician for the Museum Services Program, as a historian with the National Register of Historic Places, and as a program specialist for the Cemetery Preservation Program. A native of Victoria, TX, she earned a master’s degree in public history from Texas State University-San Marcos.
Alan Garcia is a program specialist with the THC’s Cemetery Preservation Program, with a focus on community outreach in support of underrepresented cemeteries. He is a community archivist with a professional career in museums and cultural programming in historic East Austin, having previously worked for the French Legation State Historic Site, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, and Oakwood Cemetery.