Eliminating state historical commission undermines heritage

The Houston Chronicle ^ | March 19, 2011, 6:08PM

[Gondring]

[...]
How we honor our history is what makes us Texans. It binds us together. It makes us distinct and, we believe, the envy of most Americans. [...] Arguably only one or two other states in the Union evoke as much international interest, visitation and admiration as Texas. Because of our state’s history, investing in and maintaining the awareness of historical places supports tourism and benefits the economy.

Today, however, the Texas mystique is under siege. The unthinkable is happening: The ability to discover and preserve Texas history is under assault.

Gov. Rick Perry’s recent State of the State address and pronouncements by a policy foundation have called for either the suspension or the outright elimination of the Texas Historical Commission as being non-mission critical. That, of course, implies that the pursuit of Texas history, your history, is not critical. In one breath, our ability to discover and preserve unique Texas history could be seriously compromised, if not destroyed.

Heritage tourists spend 50 percent more, take more trips and stay longer than any other segment in all tourism. For Texas, the math is simple.

For every dollar spent in tourism promotion in 2010, more than six dollars of tax revenue is realized. Heritage travelers are the most profitable segment of this model. But that’s not the whole story. Through the Texas Heritage Trails Program, many small-town Texans are able to make their own proud history visible to visitors and, most importantly, to the biggest segment of all Texas tourism — Texans.

So a question must be posed: Is the most sound business plan for Texas one that will undercut and cripple an agency that maintains and generates fuel for one of the state’s three most prolific economic engines?

[Gondring]

I can think of far smarter cuts.

[Gondring]

Ping

[org.whodat]

Would having it be voluntary and not paid for by state funds be so bad. You means Texas is so damn poor there is no one that could give money to help fund a private commission. Well damn!!!

[org.whodat]

Would having it be voluntary and not paid for by state funds be so bad. You means Texas is so damn poor there is no one that could give money to help fund a private commission. Well damn!!!

[Gondring]

Is selling off stuff really that good? Check out New Jersey:

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/01/new_jersey_historical_society.html

Preservation of the heritage is one of the important roles of state government, IMO.

[bigbob]

maybe they could outsource it to Mexico...

[SSS Two]

I grew up in Michigan and now live in Texas. The typical Michigander has a better grasp of his state’s history than the typical Texan. Heck, a lot of Texans’ historical knowledge is simply inaccurate starting with that silly Republic of Texas map that includes New Mexico as part of the Republic.

The good residents of Santa Fe twice kicked out hapless Texan expeditions. The people of Santa Fe didn’t think they were Texans. The people of El Paso only agreed to become part of Texas after the Mexican War — they did not think they were Texans during the Republic.

Even the U.S. thought the Texan claims were preposterous. Goofy Texans (Snively Expedition) were caught by U.S. soldiers who disarmed them. The U.S. army was protecting Mexican traders traveling the American portion of the Santa Fe trail (to non-Texan Santa Fe).

Texans love that stupid map, though. Even though they barely had control of San Antonio during the Republic years.

[redpoll]

>>>I can think of far smarter cuts.<<<

As someone who generally respects and honors our heritage, I might agree. But not here.

You’re making the classic argument which eventually leads to the situation we’re in right now. Of course, historical preservation is important. So are dozens of other things. Eventually, you get to a place where the government is funding hundreds - maybe thousands - of great things that do good things for nice people. And then you’re broke.

Government should be limited to certain enumerated activities, and the rest should be left to the people. Even then, priorities need to be made. Yes, historical protection is a great idea, but not all great ideas deserve taxpayer money.

[Verginius Rufus]

Is there a monument to Thorbob, the Viking explorer? There was something about him on an earlier thread today (about Vikings).

[Smokin' Joe]

If this is so successful, one would think that private businesses and individuals might benefit from donating to 501C3 type foundations and organizations which could fulfil the same task--and free up some of their funds by cutting the amount needed in tax dollars.

I agree that heritage and history are important, but government funding of both can lead to some odd distortions.

Granted, private entities aren't necessarily immune to that phenomenon either, but at least that leaves room for lively discussion of conflicting viewpoints--possibly generating more interest.

[DISCO]

Remsmber the Alamo? Look at it now!

[Brad from Tennessee]

This is a good way to fund the commission:

[The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission is a closely affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to raise private philanthropic dollars to support the programs, projects, and activities of the Texas Historical Commission (THC).]

http://www.thc.state.tx.us/friends/fretrustees.shtml

[Ron H.]

I must agree with posters in msgs #3, (especially) #8 and #10. With a faltering economy and with state budget shortfalls with little prospect of getting any better in the near term, unnecessary or non-vital projects such as the Texas Historical Commission, among others must either be pared back or eliminated altogether.

Tough times call for tough decisions.

[liberalh8ter]

I'm all for history (the unrevised version) however, on a trip to see my fIl a few years ago I wanted him to stop at the historical markers (so I could read them) between his home and the nearest town.I'll never forget his response; “Darlin’, If we're gonna stop at all the markers, we should’ve packed a picnic lunch. In the great State of Texas all it takes to get one of those is a phone call, a story and a donation.”

[TXnMA]

The Texas Historical Commission is already, in many of its operations, one of the most cost-effective and efficient organizations I have ever seen -- private or government.

For example, public archaeology ("Archeology" in official Texian) in this vast State is managed by only part of the efforts of the (lone) State Archeologist -- supervising three (3) professional archeologists.

Doing so is made possible by the volunteer (pro bono) work of a network of 117 dedicated para-professional avocational archeologists known as the Texas Archeological Stewards Network (of which I am one).

Those State positions are not "chair-warmer" jobs. To "put a face on" the organization:

The last time I saw each of those Regional Archeologists, they were out in the field -- helping us Stewards do reconnaissance on important Texas historical sites -- lugging and operating (State-owned) ground penetrating radars, proton magnetometers, and Total Data Stations (computerized surveying / datalogging gear).

Notice that each of those three young archeologists' areas of responsibility is larger than several other entire States -- combined!

The Stewards Network is a model for all other States of how private sector participation with government can and does result in efficient government functions. It took us over forty years to build (and several of us have forty years of archeological experience!). If it is shut down now, we may never be able to re-build what it took us forty years to build!

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When I showed the "Save THC" presentation*** to Senator Eltife's regional staff, the response was

"That's not just efficient and an excellent return on investment, that's what I prefer to call a genuine "Force Multiplier"!

*** (viewable -- in part -- at http://www.istha.net/ [scroll down to Mar 10])

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Conservatism means being good, frugal stewsards of our tax dollars. It means cutting waste and "fat-cat bureaucracies" without mercy.

Good conservatism does not include "punishing" efficiency and penalizing good, frugal management.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Destroying an efficient agency that coordinates and supports development of the only growth "cash cow" industry available to many rural Texas counties does not make good, conservative sense!

[TXnMA]

Good thought — but, IIUC, using 501(c)(3) funds in an agency’s operating budget is prohibited by State regulations. We would like to change that — to do exactly what you propose.

[TXnMA]

Liberal tactic -- "majoring on a minor issue"...

FYI, I am a cartographer, and I found it difficult to find an authentic reference copy of that particular map,

[Gondring]

Agreed. Conservative means conserving what we have, not letting it be destroyed.

[Lurker]

Preservation of the heritage is one of the important roles of state government, IMO.

Where is that in the Constitution exactly?

[TXnMA]

"Government should be limited to certain enumerated activities, and the rest should be left to the people."

By Texas Law, the THC is required to enforce the Texas Antiquities Code and numerous Federal regulations.

As an archeologist, THC provides a secure, central repository for information on archeological sites -- and a (computerized) mechanism for recording new discoveries. It also is extremely efficient to have one each of expensive equipment like Proton Magnetometers, Ground Penetrating Radars, etc, on call -- with professional archeologists/consultants operating them -- when needed anywhere in this vast State.

And it is extremely effective for Texans to have an central, official place to call when they find something on their land -- and to have a call go out to a (volunteer -- zero salary) Steward, who shows up quickly to help them with their issue.

Texas history and archeology belongs to the people of Texas. The responsibility for -- and protection of -- it rightly belongs with the State -- not with any private organization. (See the New Jersey example in #5,,,)

Law enforcement does not belong in private hands.