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Montgomery County Historical Commission Preserving History for Montgomery County Texas Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " America250 Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Grants Grants Instructions: Links are available on the title of the grant, click the title of the grant, and the grant website will open in a new page. Texas Historical Foundation (THF) Grants Programs Eligible recipients are 501(c)(3) organizations with a current project related to Texas history. Proposals for the following types of projects are considered quarterly for micro-grants up to $8,000 and annually for grants up to $25,000: Historic property preservation Events or programs promoting state history to the public Preservation of artifacts, archival materials, collections, or legal documents Texas history curriculum and educational programming Museum programming Publications and scholarly research in Texas history Archeology Cultural heritage and the arts The Texas Rural African American Heritage Grants Program Provides matching grants of up to $75,000 to support the rehabilitation of historic rural African American institutional and commercial buildings in towns with populations under 50,000. Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Encourage preservation at the local level by supporting ongoing preservation work and by providing seed money for preservation projects. Only Organizational Level Preservation Leadership Forum Members , Main Street America Community Members, and Main Street America General Members are eligible to receive funding from the National Trust Preservation Fund. Applicants must be either a public agency, 501(c) (3), or other nonprofit organization. Texas Historical Commission, Certified Local Government Division (CLG) Architectural, historical, and archeological surveys/inventories, Preparation of nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, Preparation of a local preservation plan, Writing or amending a preservation ordinance, Development of local design guidelines, Research and development of a local preservation incentive program, Travel/training expenses for hosting a regional preservation-related workshop. Matching grant 50:50 funds from $5,000 to $45,000. National Trust Preservation Fund With funds ranging up to $5,000, these grants help stimulate public discussion, enable local groups to gain the technical expertise needed for preservation projects, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, and encourage financial participation by the private sector. The National Fund for Sacred Places Provides matching grants of $50,000 to $500,000 to congregations undertaking significant capital projects at historic houses of worship, along with wraparound services including training, technical assistance, and planning support. March 3 deadline. Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors Assists in the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic interiors. March 3 deadline. National Trust for Historic Preservation Conserving Black Modernism Grant Program A program that focuses on preserving modern architecture by Black architects and designers. March 14 deadline National Trust for Historic Preservation National Trust Preservation Funds An umbrella group of grant funds intended to encourage preservation at the local level by supporting ongoing preservation work and by providing seed money for preservation projects. There are three deadlines per year in February, June, and October. Grants from this fund are generally between $2,500 and $5,000. Out-of-round funding can occur (when available) in the case of an emergency. Email the Grants Office for more information. Battlefield Preservation Fund Grants from the Battlefield Preservation Fund will serve as a catalyst to stimulate efforts to preserve battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures and to leverage fund-raising activities. Grants from this fund range from $2,500 to $10,00 National Park Service Hart Family Fund for Small Towns Intended to encourage preservation at the local level by providing seed money for preservation projects in small towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These grants help stimulate public discussion, enable local groups to gain the technical expertise needed for particular projects, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, and encourage financial participation by the private sector. Grants from the Hart Family Fund for Small Towns generally range from $2,500 to $15,000. The selection process is very competitive. National Trust for Historic Preservation Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation The fund aims to save historic environments in order to foster an appreciation of our nation’s diverse cultural heritage and to preserve and revitalize the livability of the nation’s communities. Grants from the Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation generally range from $2,500 to $15,000. National Trust for Historic Preservation Moe Family Fund for Statewide and Local Partners The fund provides funding to current dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network (NPPN) with grants focused on priority issues for the preservation field. Applicants are encouraged to embark on projects and activities outside the existing scope of their work, but the Fund also will support initiatives that take existing programs to a new level. National Trust for Historic Preservation The Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund The purpose of the fund is to support the leadership and effectiveness of staff and board members of preservation organizations to fulfill their mission and to create a stronger, more effective preservation movement. Grants from the Peter H. Brink Leadership Fund reimburse travel costs and provide an honorarium for the mentor up to a maximum total of $2,500. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. National Trust for Historic Preservation African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Grants from the fund are designed to advance ongoing preservation activities for historic places such as sites, museums, and landscapes representing African American cultural heritage. Grants made from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund will range from $50,000 to $150,000. National Trust for Historic Preservation Preserving Black Churches Annual grants from are intended to preserve historic Black houses of worship—either with active congregations and nonactive congregations—and advance ongoing preservation activities while strengthening capacity for historic congregations, and preservation and community organizations to steward, manage, and better utilize their historic structures. Grants from Preserving Black Churches range from $50,000 to $200,000. National Trust for Historic Preservation HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship Initiative Grants from the provide funding to HBCUs to develop Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plans to ensure they are equipped to preserve and maintain their historic campuses and historic assets. Grants made from the HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship Initiative will range from $60,000 to $150,000. National Trust for Historic Preservation Descendant and Family Stewardship Initiative Grants from the support project management, capacity-building, grantmaking, and convenings for place-based organizations, in a two-year collaboration. National Trust for Historic Preservation Backing Historic Small Restaurants A partnership with American Express, the Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program help restaurants address critical needs amid ongoing economic challenges. National Trust for Historic Preservation Anice Read Fund Grants are only available to members of Texas Downtown and must have a downtown focus to be eligible. Grant amounts range from $500 to $5,000 and are awarded on an annual basis. A scheduled phone call to Texas Downtown's executive director is required for grant application and must be completed by the end of August. To set an appointment with Executive Director Tania Moody, Text: 512-472-7832 or Email: tania@texasdowntown.org . Applications for the fund are commonly due by midnight on the Friday prior to Labor Day. Preservation and/or Restoration of Southern Heritage Artifacts, physical structures, and locations, including military and personal artifacts and letters, permanent structures and locations such as homes, monuments, cemeteries, battlefields, and historical/interpretive signs. Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Home of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Contact Us Address Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Contact us by using this form: First Name Last Name Email Subject Leave us a message... Submit Thanks for submitting! Join the Mailing List Enter your email here Subscribe Thanks for submitting! Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

About the Montgomery County Historical Commission. Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More About the Historical Commission What is the County Historical Commission? The official state agency for historical preservation, the Texas Historical Commission (THC), was created originally in 1953 as the Texas State Historical Survey Committee by the Texas Legislature. It retained that title until the 63rd Legislature changed it to the Texas Historical Commission. The Montgomery County Historical Commission (MCHC) is a duly constituted organization of the Montgomery County government composed of citizen members who are appointed by the County Commissioners and serve for two-year terms. The Commission reports to the County Judge and the Commissioners Court, and also to the Texas Historical Commission. The County Historical Commission has followed the Texas Historical Commission’s ongoing purpose of surveying, recording, and promoting the appreciation of local history as well as marking those historic sites and structures deemed worthy of preservation for either historical or architectural reasons. The Commission works in various fields, including archeology, architecture, history, economic development, and heritage tourism for the benefit of present and future generations. The agency helps identify and preserve historic sites and helps to preserve the heritage of Montgomery County. Historic preservation is a vital part of a promising future within our community. Misson and Role of Texas Historical Commissions To discover, and as appropriate, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County, Texas, such as the placement of historical markers. To cooperate with other persons, groups, organizations and agencies in preserving the history and heritage of Texas. County Historical Commissions (CHC) are responsible for reviewing all applications for state historical markers before they come to the Texas Historical Commission (THC). They also serve as advisors to their Commissioners Court on matters of historic preservation. In addition, they often operate or promote county history museums, develop archival collections, promote local history celebrations and heritage tourism, publish books and brochures dealing with the county’s history and historic sites, undertake surveys of cultural and historic resources, conduct oral history projects, and all other manner of preservation programs. Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Historic Preservation Cemeteries County Markers Historic Resources Survey Historical Marker THC Historical Markers America250 CLG County Local Govt Events Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Historic Resources of Montgomery County Texas Region. Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Historic Resources Preservation Montgomery County Historic Resources To preserve historic and cultural resources, we must first know they exist. Architectural and archeological surveys identify significant properties in neighborhoods, communities, and entire counties. Published inventories of such sites can be indispensable in raising a community's awareness of its cultural heritage and in its planning efforts. The most important resources identified through surveys have the potential for state and national landmark designation. Moreover, the information and photographs generated by a survey create an irreplaceable record of the present state of that heritage. Preservation Resources Nr_Survey_NrSurv79-DCF MCHC Resource Tracking Log Tx Preservation Handbook_10 National Preservation Act Application for Funding Reimbursement Procedures (Jan 2022) Preservation Projects and Grants Projects 2020 Preservation Projects 2019 Preservation Projects 2018 Preservation Projects Grants 2020 Historic Preservation Grants 2019 Historic Preservation Grants 2018 Historic Preservation Grants Historical Resource Documents Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Education Education Education and Local History for Texas History Standards working with Educators across the county. Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Members of the Montgomery County Historical Commission. Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Members of the Commission Montgomery County Commissioners Court Mark Keough—County Judge Robert C. Walker—Commissioner, Precinct 1 Charlie Riley—Commissioner, Precinct 2 Ritch Wheeler—Commissioner, Precinct 3 Matt Gray—Commissioner, Precinct 4 ByLaws Application for Appointment Historical Commission Committees Research and Historical Marker Committee Historical Cemetery Committee Communications Website and Social Media Committee Endangered Buildings Committee Grants-Budget Committee Youth Advisory Board Committee History Road Rally Executive Committee CLG Committee 250th Anniversary Committee Website-Social Media Committee Historical Commission Bartholet, Robin Beard, Kirsten Fitzner Beaven, Brenda Blanks, Jennifer PhD Canada, Mark Carrel, Jack Carroll, Carolyn A. Crowl, Chad DeYang, Aaron Dominey, Barkley Foerster, Larry (Chairman) Hersom, Frank Hersom, Merlynn Hignett, Kimberly Johnson, Frank M. Jordan, Maria Banos Kerr, Annette Knauer, Brittany Wallace Londeen, Ryan Meador, Ann Montgomery, Joy Montgomery, Robin Muir, Steven Politte, Laura Rapoza, Andrew Ringo, Missy Saikowski, Ron Sargent, Bernie Searle, Kameron K. Shepeard, Anna Sisson, Zach Smythe, Beverly Spencer, Gertie Uher, Victor Wilkerson, T. J. Williams, Deborah H. Wise, Olivia "Dell" County Historical Commission Appointee Orientation Course Link Recommended Criteria for CHC Appointees 2025-2026 term of service Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318, enables county commissioners courts to appoint individuals to serve on county historical commissions (CHC). Visit the following webpage to reference a record copy of these statutes: www.statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LG/htm/LG.318.htm. In addition to these statutory criteria, the Commission offers some practical criteria below for your consideration during the appointment process. Statutory Requirements for CHC Composition Section 318.003, Texas Local Government Code, spells out the statutory criteria for CHC membership: Each CHC must be composed of at least 7 county residents; statutes do not include a maximum number of appointees. CHC appointees serve a two-year term, ideally beginning in January of odd-numbered years. CHC appointees must broadly represent the characteristics of the entire county’s general population. CHC appointees must have an interest in historic preservation and an understanding of local history and resources. Appointment Methodology Statutes do not address the exact methodology for appointing CHCs. Our research shows that this process varies somewhat from county to county. Some county officials interview individuals seeking the appointment and others accept recommendations from existing CHC appointees. Whatever method your county selects, please consider the following recommendations prior to appointment. Applying statutory criteria along with our recommended criteria ensures that appointees are active, work well with others, and leave a positive impression with the public. Lubbock CHC unveils the Willie Lusk Historical Marker Recommended Appointee Criteria Please appoint individuals who can contribute in a variety of ways. If possible, appoint individuals who have Internet access (home, CHC office, or public hub), can leave home to perform site visits, and will maintain a positive attitude. Appointees should be able to meet the following recommended criteria. Able and committed to attend full commission meetings; statutes require at least 4 meetings per year. Able and willing to volunteer time to plan and manage projects, programs, and events. Able to receive/respond to public inquiries about county historic resources in a timely manner. Able and willing to attend preservation education opportunities outside of their county. Able to provide site visits to historic properties within the county to update property inventories and provide current information on site conditions to THC staff. Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Texas Historical Markers Montgomery County As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to our state, community organizations, and businesses. Historical markers can be found in all 254 Texas counties. Age, significance, and architectural requirements govern the eligibility of topics and sites when applying for either a subject marker, a Historic Texas Cemetery marker, or a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark marker. Historical Markers Types of Historic Markers 1 Subject Marker Subject markers are educational in nature and reveal aspects of local history that are important to a community or region. These markers honor topics such as church congregations, schools, communities, businesses, events and individuals. Subject markers are placed at sites that have a historical association with the topic, but no legal restriction is placed on the use of the property or site, although the THC must be notified if the marker is ever to be relocated. Most topics must date back 50 years, events 30 years, and individuals after 10 years. Topic has significance if it had influence or impact on the course of history/cultural development. 2 Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL) markers are awarded to structures deemed worthy of preservation for their historical associations and architectural significance. RTHL is a legal designation and comes with a measure of protection; it is the highest honor the state can bestow on a historic structure, and the designation is required for this type of marker. RTHL status is a permanent designation and is not to be removed from the property in the event of a transfer of ownership. Structures must be at least 50 years old. Historical Significance is required through historical association, events, individuals, or significance to the area. Architectural Significant structures are outstanding examples of architectural history: design, materials, type or method of construction. 3 Historic Texas Cemetery Marker Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) markers are only for burial grounds previously approved for HTC designation. These markers recognize the historical significance of a cemetery and, with the use of interpretive plaques, provide background on associated communities, families, events and customs. HTC markers must be placed at the cemetery, but since cemeteries are protected under other existing laws, they convey no restrictions on the property. The application for an HTC marker with an interpretive plaque must include the same type of detailed history required for other markers. In addition to the context, overview and significance sections, it must also include a section that provides a detailed physical description of the site that includes mention of the cemetery setting, and descriptions of significant landscape features or noteworthy burial markers and funereal practices. State Marker Applications Please see this chart from the Texas Preservation Handbook for County Historical Commissions that outlines the basic steps of the marker application process (PDF). Apply for a Historical Marker: The 2024 Marker Application period will be from March 1st - 2 pm CDT May 15th. The historical marker process in Texas begins at the county level. After you have reviewed all the relevant information on this page, contact your county historical commission chair if you are interested in submitting an application. Please note that applying for a marker is highly competitive, all required components must be included when submitting an application. See Marker Toolkit for more information on how to apply. The entire process of application submission to marker dedication is very long, most applications take 12-18 months. 2023 Marker Applications are now available. Please click on format below to download: 2023 Subject Marker Application (Word Doc ) (PDF ) 2023 Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL) Application ( Word Doc ) (PDF ) 2023 Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) Marker Application (Word Doc ) (PDF ) Please note that all marker applications must be approved and submitted by your county historical commission chair or marker chair to markers@thc.texas.gov during the open application period. HTC Name & Date Plaque Applications (accepted year-round) A Historic Texas Cemetery designation is a pre-requisite for a cemetery marker. If your cemetery has been designated as historic through our Cemetery Preservation program and you wish to purchase a non-interpretive historical plaque, then you can submit the form below. Note: For an interpretive historical marker for the cemetery, please submit an HTC Application during the regular Spring application period (see the section above to download HTC Marker Application when available). The HTC Medallion with Name & Date Plaque application is available in Word doc and pdf format, please click on the link to download: HTC Medallion with Name & Date Plaque Application (Word doc ) HTC Medallion with Name & Date Plaque Application SAMPLE (Word doc ) Marker program staff offer several online webinars explaining the marker research and application process. Look here for a list of dates and times for these training opportunities. Helpful Tools for Markers Marker Toolkit Training and Workshops Marker Research Guides Marker Program Policies, Forms, and Procedures Marker Types (PDF) Marker Statewide Themes/Topics (PDF) 2023 Historical Markers Program Work Plan (PDF) 2024 Historical Markers Program Work Plan (PDF) Official Texas Historical Marker Procedures (PDF) (for new marker applications) Scoring Criteria (PDF) Official Texas Historical Marker Policies (PDF) (for existing and new markers) 2020 Amendment Relocation Replacement Retirement Procedures (PDF) (for existing markers) For an outline of the basic steps of the marker application process, please see this Marker Process Timeline (PDF) . If you need to move a marker, submit the Marker Relocation Form in Word (or PDF ) to the THC. To order a replacement for a damaged or missing marker, including replacement parts for Texas Centennial markers, use the Marker Replacement Form in Word (or PDF ). To order a supplemental plaque to correct or add information (one sentence), use the Supplemental Plaque Order Form in Word ( or PDF ). Found a mistake on a marker? Request to have the THC review a marker for a possible correction. Find out more about marker refinishing . Original files of Texas historical marker applications are housed at the THC Library, and inscriptions and location information for individual markers can be accessed through the Texas Historic Sites Atlas . To request a copy or scan of a marker file, please email markers@thc.texas.gov with the name of the marker, county and your contact information. Montgomery County Marker Applications MCHC Marker Narrative Template Draft MCHC Marker Application Historical Markers Documents Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Cemeteries and Preservation of Cemeteries of the Montgomery County Texas Region. Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Cemetery Preservation Montgomery County Cemeteries Cemeteries are among the most valuable of historic resources. They are reminders of various settlement patterns, such as villages, rural communities, urban centers, and ghost towns. Cemeteries can reveal information about historic events, religions, lifestyles, and genealogy. Names on grave markers serve as a directory of early residents and reflect the ethnic diversity and unique population of an area. Cultural influence in grave marker design, cemetery decoration, and landscaping contribute to the complete narrative of Texas history. Established in large part for the benefit of the living, cemeteries perpetuate the memories of the deceased, giving a place of character and definition. The Texas Historical Commission is aware of about 14,000 cemeteries in Texas, and this number continues to rise. These range from single, isolated, and often unmarked graves to expansive cemeteries spanning hundreds of acres and reaching up to hundreds of thousands of burials. Unfortunately, historic cemeteries do not necessarily remain permanent reminders of our heritage. Across Texas, they are threatened by development and expanding urban areas, natural forces such as weathering and uncontrolled vegetation, lack of fences to keep cattle from toppling headstones, and vandalism and theft, including removal of headstones and objects. Neglect accelerates and compounds the process. The THC’s Cemetery Preservation Program offers technical assistance to assist concerned citizens and local and regional organizations with their cemetery preservation efforts. The program administers the Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) designation process to record and protect historic cemeteries across the state. Participation can lead to a strong and long-lasting preservation effort. The THC offers guidelines (PDF) to aid in the preservation of the state’s historic cemeteries. However, this information alone is not enough to protect them; preservation starts with you. Individuals and groups interested in saving these irreplaceable cultural resources of Texas’ heritage are the driving force in long-term preservation. What Can I Do? Preserving historic cemeteries begins with you. Cemetery preservation is community-driven and begins with grassroots efforts. It is important to educate city and county officials about cemetery preservation issues and inform state legislators of the need for stronger state laws. Elected officials are not always aware of historic preservation challenges in the community and they will welcome input. A working knowledge of federal, state, and local cemetery laws is essential, as is an effort to publicize attempts to protect and care for cemeteries when possible. Here are a few things you can do: Record unidentified and abandoned cemeteries in your area with a Notice of Existence of Cemetery form This form, filed with your county clerk’s office, will add the cemetery to the county deed records, allowing future landowners knowledge of a cemetery on their property. Record unverified in your area with a Notice of Unverified Cemetery form. This form is filed with the Texas Historical Commission and concurrently with the landowner on record. Apply for a Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) designation. This process provides the Texas Historical Commission (THC) with additional information about the cemetery and is accompanied by detailed information including the history, a map, photographs, and historic deed records. Form a cemetery association or 501(c)(3) corporation. A cemetery association can create rules and regulations that can protect the cemetery. It can also raise tax-deductible funds to aid in cemetery maintenance, clean-up, preservation, and conservation efforts. Keep the THC informed of cemetery preservation projects taking place in the community. If you need additional help or information regarding historic cemeteries, or if you would like to talk with a staff member about the HTC designation, please contact the THC’s Cemetery Preservation Program staff at 512-463-5853, or history@thc.texas.gov . Montgomery County Marker Applications MCHC Marker Narrative Template Draft MCHC Marker Application Montgomery County Cemeteries Montgomery County Cemeteries Lat and Long Texas Atlas List of Cemeteries Conroe Community Cemetery Restoration Project Cemetery Documents Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.