TEXAS MUSEUM DIRECTORY 1985 Compiled and Published by the Field and Museum Services Department of the Texas Historical Commission Texas Historical Commission P.O. Box 12276 Austin, TX 78711 TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION The Texas Historical Commission (THC) was created by the state legislature in 1953 to serve as the official state agency for historical preservation. During the first years of its existence, the Commission administered an aggressive program of surveying and marking historic sites. Subsequent legislation has broadened the activities and responsibilities of the agency to include different aspects of historical preservation, such as archeology, downtown revitalization, publications, work with county historical commissions and other nonprofit heritage groups, and museums. The Field and Museum Services Department of the THC provides professional services to the more than 700 museums across Texas. The department assists in regional workshops, produces publications, provides on-site consultations, and maintains extensive reference files for museums. The Winedale Museum Seminar, a 10-day, intensive training session for museum professionals and volunteers, is cosponsored by the department. Another program of the department is the administration of a state-funded grants program for history museums. One museum—the Sam Rayburn House Museum in Bonham—is maintained and administered by the THC. The Texas Historical Commission consists of 18 governor-appointed members who function as a board of directors, overseeing a staff of historians, archeologists, architects, museologists, and experts in related fields. Current Commission members are listed below. George E. Christian, Austin, _Chairman_ Mrs. H.L. Long, Kilgore, _Vice-chairman_ Duncan E. Boeckman, Dallas, _Secretary_ John M. Bennett, San Antonio Mrs. James F. Biggart, Jr., Dallas Richard H. Collins, Dallas Barney M. Davis, Sr., Somerville T.R. Fehrenbach, San Antonio Maxine E. Flournoy, Alice Woodrow Glasscock, Jr., Hondo Harry A. Golemon, Houston Mrs. Albert G. Hill, Dallas Dr. Robert D. Hunter, Abilene James S. Nabors, Lake Jackson Gay Ratliff, Austin Louis P. Terrazas, San Antonio Evangeline L. Whorton, Galveston Island Dr. Dan A. Willis, Fort Worth PREFACE Perhaps one of the words that best describes Texas is variety. Whether one is considering weather, geography, cultural groups, or architecture, a variety is available in the Lone Star State.