How to Apply for a Historical Marker

1. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL) marker application:  RTHL marker applications are used for buildings and structures only that carry historical and architectural significance.  
2. Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) marker application:  HTC marker applications are used for cemeteries only.
3. Subject Marker Applications:  Subject marker application is used for all other topics, such as individuals, events, communities and institutions.  
4. Click here for application.

1. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL) marker application:  RTHL marker applications are used for buildings and structures only that carry historical and architectural significance.  
2. Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) marker application:  HTC marker applications are used for cemeteries only.
3. Subject Marker Applications:  Subject marker application is used for all other topics, such as individuals, events, communities and institutions.  

• The marker process is at least a year-long process.
• Property owner consent is required for all markers.
• The Historic Texas Cemetery designation is a prerequisite for a marker associated with a cemetery.
• CHC's must approve and send the application to the THC.

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) accepts historical marker applications each fall for the following calendar year.  The next application period will be from September 1 to November 15.

Here are the three major steps to complete a TCH historical marker application:

The first step in the historical marker process is contacting the County Historical Commission (CHC) in your area.  The marker application process begins at the county level with CHC's providing review and comment for all applications.  Once approved, CHC's submit completed marker applications to the THC for consideration at the state level.  If you are interested in sub-mitting a marker application, it is best to get in touch with your CHC sooner rather than later. At times, CHC's can assist you with research and completing the marker application process, but more importantly, CHC's need time to review your marker application before the THC application deadline.  CHC's receive anywhere from one to thirty marker applications each year depending on the size and interest level of their county.  Applications are due to the THC from September 15 to November 15; however, we suggest sending completed applications to the CHC no later than August 15 to allow time for the CHC to review the application and even gather additional documentation when necessary.  An even better suggestion would be to contact the CHC in the spring to find out if there is a county-level review timeline for which you should plan.  In order for your marker application to be considered complete, an applicant must contact the owner of the property where the marker will be placed.  Property owner consent is required for all marker applications and an application is not considered complete unless that signature has been secured.  Proof of property owner consent is also required in the form of deed records, tax appraisal records, etc.

The most important section of a historical marker application is the narrative history.  A narrative history is simply a research paper that documents the significant of the property or topic.  This research paper must be complete, orderly, concise and fully documented with endnotes or footnotes.  Composing narrative histories takes time, so use the ten months prior to the application deadline to research, document, and write your marker application narrative.

Once the research paper with bibliography is complete, your are ready to fill out the application form.  Keep in mind that the application form is the easiest part of the process and consists of mainly contact information.  This part of the application packet can be saved for last. Since the marker process will take at least a year, be sure to provide contact information that will be active for one to two years. If the contact person or information changes, applicants will need to contact the THC to update the information so that communication can continue throughout the process.