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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260819T150000
DTSTAMP:20260801T094123
CREATED:20260707T205218Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T143036Z
UID:2880-1787148000-1787151600@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Build Your Legacy Through Planned Philanthropy
DESCRIPTION:This free webinar aims to demystify planned giving and provide practical\, easy-to-understand examples that attendees can apply in their own lives. We’ll cover common strategies\, such as: \nCharitable bequests | Beneficiary designations | Charitable trusts | Gifts of appreciated assets | Potential tax benefits | Planning considerations \nWhether you’re just beginning to think about your giving legacy or looking to make your charitable giving more intentional\, attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of available options and the impact these gifts can have on both your family and your community. \nWe hope you’ll join us! \nDate and Time\nAugust 19th\, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CDT \nPlatform\nZOOM (details will be sent via email to those who register) \nPresenter Vanessa McElwrath\, CPA\, CFP ®\, is a wealth advisor and financial planner who assists individuals\, families\, and non-profits to develop long-term investment strategies based on Nobel-prize winning research. Vanessa sees her role as her clients’ chief financial officer–someone who can view their financial situation with the perspective needed to help them make smart financial decisions that are aligned with their goals and values.  Her passion for economic security leads her to frequently speak on topics including the science of investing\, the women’s retirement gap\, and the value of conflict-free financial advice. Vanessa is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. Vanessa is a Wealth Manager at Creative Planning in Austin and currently serves as Treasurer on the Board of the FTHC.
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/planned_philanthropy_webinar/
CATEGORIES:Workshops & Training
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260825T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260826T153000
DTSTAMP:20260801T094123
CREATED:20260611T163547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T190538Z
UID:2644-1787666400-1787758200@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:Every Place Has a Story: Communications that Inspire Support
DESCRIPTION:Every Place Has a Story:\nCommunications that Inspire Support\n \nStories help people care\, and trust helps people act. In this two-part virtual workshop\, attendees will learn how to uncover compelling stories within their organizations and turn them into compelling communications that build relationships\, inspire support\, and sustain their mission. Through practical exercises and real-world examples\, attendees will leave with tools they can immediately use in newsletters\, fundraising appeals\, social media\, and direct donor communications. \nThis Two-Day workshop will explore and include: \n\nStory Identification and a Framework to use\nTrust-Building Communications Checklist\nIdentifying Common Pitfalls\nTurning Stories into Communications\nMultiple Breakout Sessions putting lessons into practice\n\nDay One (08/25) will focus on finding and building your organization’s story. \nDay Two (08/26) will focus on building trust as a communicator and inspiring action through your content. \nPresenter Lorelei Gonzalez\, MPA\, Development Manager of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission\,  is a nonprofit leader based in Austin\, Texas. She has over 15 years in the sector\, from communications and fundraising to program execution. Lorelei enjoys people-centered advocacy\, public speaking\, and all things tea-related. \nDates and Times\nAugust 25\, 2026 – August 26\, 2026\, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Central time each day. \nPlatform\nZOOM (details will be send closer to the date of the workshop) \nRegistration\n$119 (early bird – until 8/09 at 11:59 PM); $139.00 (regular – registration closes on 8/23 at 11:59 PM).\nFees cover both days of the workshop. \n 
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/every-place-has-a-story-communications-that-inspire-support/
LOCATION:ZOOM – VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
CATEGORIES:Workshops & Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260827T193000
DTSTAMP:20260801T094123
CREATED:20260506T133049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T193739Z
UID:2530-1787853600-1787859000@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:All the Bells and Whistles Revisited: How Texas Women Turned Homecoming Mums into a Lone Star Phenomenon
DESCRIPTION:When Texans think of homecoming mums\, two images come to our minds: the style of mums popular during our own high school years\, and the gigantic mums we see today in social media. \nThe forces driving the evolution of homecoming mums are complicated and intertwined with the history of the state itself. The most important influencers by far are Texas women. Women are taste-makers and tradition-keepers\, proud parents and serious entrepreneurs\, and by focusing their superpowers through the lens of school spirit\, they have created a niche industry that well exceeds $500 million annually. When it comes to homecoming mums\, you might say that “Everything’s bigger in Texas” is both a statement of fact and a call to action. \nPRESENTER:\nAmy J. Schultz is the owner of Unplain Jane Studio\, which blends her enthusiasm for photography\, writing\, people\, and\, as she puts it\, “stories that hide in plain sight\,” which perfectly describes the Texas homecoming mum tradition. \nAmy’s interest in mums began as a photography study\, which she turned into a multi-media art exhibit during her time as Artist-in-Residence at the Arlington Museum of Art. She continued her research and photography until MUMENTOUS became her first book\, published by Atmosphere Press (Austin\, TX) in 2023\, and the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission was thrilled to feature her book at the Real Places 2024 conference. Amy’s book has since been adapted into a cultural heritage panel exhibit by the Texas Lakes Trail Region of the Texas Historical Commission. In early 2026\, her original MUMENTOUS photography collection traveled to San Antonio as a part of the grand reopening for the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures in its new location. \nIn her free time\, Amy is writing her second book based on photographing nativity yard art in all fifty states. She also enjoys spending time spoiling her golden retriever Bentley and her husband Brian\, in that order.
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/all-the-bells-and-whistles-revisited-how-texas-women-turned-homecoming-mums-into-a-lone-star-phenomenon/
LOCATION:Zoom – Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260917T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260917T193000
DTSTAMP:20260801T094123
CREATED:20260506T135127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T155039Z
UID:2533-1789668000-1789673400@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:Music That Moved Armies: How Sound Shaped the Battlefield
DESCRIPTION:What if the most powerful force on a battlefield wasn’t a weapon\, but a sound? Across Texas\, historic sites like Fort Lancaster and San Jacinto preserve stories of soldiers who marched\, maneuvered\, and made life‑or‑death decisions guided by music. Instruments didn’t just accompany battle\, they directed it. \nIn our September virtual program\, discover how the rhythms\, signals\, and songs of military musicians influenced the course of history. Experts from Fort Lancaster and San Jacinto State Historic Sites will reveal how music moved troops into formation\, motivated weary soldiers\, and maintained control amid the chaos of combat. \nJoin us to gain a new appreciation for the sounds that shaped history. \nPRESENTERS: \nPamela Kouame is a native Texan\, born and raised in North Texas. She pursued her undergraduate degree at Southern Virginia University\, where she majored in history. She went on to earn her Masters degree in Art History from Syracuse University\, living abroad in Florence for a year and completing her program in December 2019. Upon returning to the States\, inspired by unique educational opportunities provided by the historic sites abroad\, she turned her sights to the field of public history. She soon found her vocational calling in historic interpretation and became a Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation in August 2020. Her first museum job was with the Jackson House Museum in Lexington\, VA – first as a part-time museum assistant\, then ultimately as the full-time Assistant Site Director and head of historic interpretation. She joined THC in November 2023 as the Lead Educator for the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. She and her team at the battleground have implemented several new educational programs at the battleground since then\, including Battle Beats\, a program that explores the martial music of the Texian army at the Battle of San Jacinto. \nDavid Eli Martinez serves as Site Interpreter at Fort Lancaster and Battlefield State Historic Site\, where he develops public programming and conducts research to advance interpretation of the fort and its role on the Texas frontier. His work bridges public history and military history\, with a particular focus on the Battle of Fort Lancaster. \nHe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs\, and is currently pursuing a second Master’s Degree in History at the University of Texas Permian Basin. At Fort Lancaster\, he leads a range of educational initiatives\, including Reveille to Taps\, a music-centered interpretive program that explores the role of military tradition and sound in shaping the soldier’s experience. \nIn recognition of his contributions to public history\, David was nominated for a Rising Star award within the Texas Historical Commission. Beyond his work in the field of history\, he maintains an active interest in music as a pianist and percussionist.
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/music-that-moved-armies-how-sound-shaped-the-battlefield/
LOCATION:Zoom – Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260930T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T143000
DTSTAMP:20260801T094123
CREATED:20260626T181144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260703T182109Z
UID:2805-1790762400-1790865000@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:Preserving the Historic Road Conference
DESCRIPTION:On November 11\, 1926\, American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) adopted the U.S. Numbered Highway system\, ending years of debate\, self-promotion\, and confusion for states and travelers alike. In 1927\, AASHO stated: “Probably there is no single item which shows the value of federal and state co-operation more than the work of the officials of the state highway department and the Bureau of Public Roads in the selection of a limited system of roads to receive national numbers\, so that people may travel across the continent following the same number.” \nThe Preserving the Historic Road conference speakers will discuss highway-related topics ranging from the international viewpoint and national landmarks down to the physical material of road pavements and a drive-in theater. Please join us for two days of presentations. \nSeptember 30 – October 1\, 2026 \n10:00 a.m. CST – 2:30 p.m. CST \nOnline conference \nFree\, but registration is required. \nREGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 16\, 2026 \n2026 Preserving the Historic Road Conference Agenda\n  \nBROUGHT TO YOU BY  \nEocene Environmental Group  |  Friends of the Texas Historical Commission  |  Mead & Hunt  |  Oregon Department of Transportation  |  Texas Department of Transportation  |  Texas Historical Commission \n  \n 
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/historic-road-conference/
CATEGORIES:Conference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261015T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261015T193000
DTSTAMP:20260801T094123
CREATED:20260604T153738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T194104Z
UID:2571-1792087200-1792092600@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:Cemeteries & Community Building: Preservation Stories Across Texas
DESCRIPTION: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. \nAll 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. \nPRESENTERS:\nJenny 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. \nCarlyn 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. \nAlan 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.
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/cemeteries-community-building-preservation-stories-across-texas/
LOCATION:Zoom – Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261104T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261105T160000
DTSTAMP:20260801T094123
CREATED:20260730T183543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T193426Z
UID:2944-1793782800-1793894400@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:Cemetery Preservation Workshop - Covington Cemetery (Wednesday & Thursday)
DESCRIPTION:2-DAY HANDS-ON WORKSHOP. \nHeld at Covington Cemetery on Wednesday November 4th and Thursday November 5th  \nIn conjunction with the Lana Hughes Nelson Cemetery Preservation Fund and Texas Cemetery Restoration\, the Texas Historical Commission will be hosting a 2-day workshop. \nAttendance is capped at 15 registrants. \nRegistration closes October 21st. \nCovington Cemetery November 4th and 5th  \n9AM to 4PM each day \nAgenda \nDay 1 – introductions\, headstone cleaning\, introduction to headstone leveling \nDay 2 – headstone resetting and repair \n  Covington Cemetery is located in Covington TX\, which is northwest of Hillsboro. The cemetery has access to a pavilion and portable toilet. Lunch will not be provided and\, as the locations will be rural\, attendees should bring their own lunches and drinking water.  Participants should plan on wearing gardening-like attire and bring chairs\, gloves\, a hat and other similar items that they might require. \nIn the case of rain\, THC staff will reschedule the workshop to spring 2027.
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/cemetery-preservation-workshop-covington-cemetery/
CATEGORIES:Workshops & Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261106T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261107T160000
DTSTAMP:20260801T094123
CREATED:20260730T185831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T193343Z
UID:2967-1793955600-1794067200@www.thcfriends.org
SUMMARY:Cemetery Preservation Workshop - Covington Cemetery (Friday & Saturday)
DESCRIPTION:2-DAY HANDS-ON WORKSHOP. \nHeld at Covington Cemetery on Friday November 6th and Saturday November 7th  \nIn conjunction with the Lana Hughes Nelson Cemetery Preservation Fund and Texas Cemetery Restoration\, the Texas Historical Commission will be hosting a 2-day workshop. \nAttendance is capped at 15 registrants. \nRegistration closes October 21st. \nCovington Cemetery November 6th and 7th  \n9AM to 4PM each day \nAgenda \nDay 1 – introductions\, headstone cleaning\, introduction to headstone leveling \nDay 2 – headstone resetting and repair \n  Covington Cemetery is located in Covington TX\, which is northwest of Hillsboro. The cemetery has access to a pavilion and portable toilet. Lunch will not be provided and\, as the locations will be rural\, attendees should bring their own lunches and drinking water.  Participants should plan on wearing gardening-like attire and bring chairs\, gloves\, a hat and other similar items that they might require. \nIn the case of rain\, THC staff will reschedule the workshop to spring 2027.
URL:https://www.thcfriends.org/event/cemetery-preservation-workshop-covington-cemetery-2/
CATEGORIES:Workshops & Training
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