Agenda for HISTORICAL COMMISSION

HIDALGO COUNTY
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MAY 19, 2024

NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551 Texas Government Code and Section 318.005 of the Texas Local Government Code, that a Meeting of the Historical Commission will be held. Discussion and possible action relating to the following business will be transacted:

Sunday, May 19, 2024
Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library
1906 S. Closner Blvd., Edinburg, TX 78539
Meeting Time 2:30 PM

Call Meeting to Order
Introduction of Members and Guests
Approval of Minutes from February 18, 2024
Public Comments

Members of the public are welcome to speak and raise issues that are not on the agenda during the public comments portion of Hidalgo County Historical Commission meetings. However, a limited amount of time of no longer than fifteen (15) minutes will be set aside during each regular or special meeting of the Commission. A member of the public who desires to address the Commission must request and be recognized by the Chair. The Chair may choose not to recognize the individual or may impose a time limit on the individual's comments. Commissioners may take no formal action on any matter discussed during public comments, unless it directly relates to a pre-existing agenda item. Commission members are not required to answer questions raised during public comments. No public comments will be allowed during any subsequent agenda item unless so recognized by the Chair.

Committee Reports:
1. Executive Committee………………………………………………Adela Ortega
  1. Jackson Ranch added to NPS Underground Railroad Network to Freedom trail
  2. The Juneteenth Committee is looking for volunteers for June 15 event
2. Preservation Committee…………………………………….……Gabriel Ozuna
  1. Report on Real Places Conference
  2. Report on Hidalgo "Post Office" Building
  3. Report on the Merito Relay Station (McAllen) and La Joya historic sites
  4. Update on plans to apply for county CLG status
3. Marker Committee……………………………………………Alejandro Oyoque
  1. The Miller-Kelsey House (McAllen) RTHL application was submitted to the THC.
  2. Review proposed marker text for Colegio Jacinto Teviño (Mercedes)
  3. Review proposed marker text for Falcon Records (Mission)
4. Finance Committee..….………………………………………Alejandro Oyoque
  1. Update on budget proposal for next fiscal year (to request from Hidalgo County)
5. Collection & Archives Committee………………………………..Shannon Pensa
  1. Reminder: Please be sure to transfer copies of marker applications and research materials to the Collection & Archives committee–regardless of whether they are approved or unapproved. These types of materials are not only required to be preserved in our local repository (UTRGV), but they are also highly sought after by researchers.
  2. HCHC Collection Use Statistics (Jan. 1 - May 9)
    1. Physical collection materials (4 requests; El Capote and Restlawn Cemeteries)
    2. Digital collection materials (331 downloads; most accessed Hidalgo County Ranch Cemetery Survey, 1979-1987)
6. Cemetery Committee……………………………………………....Melissa Knerr
  1. Ongoing project to identify all missing cemeteries in the county on THC Atlas
7. Publicity Committee…………………………………………….René Ballesteros
  1. Facebook metrics: content engagement and followers.
    1. 74 total followers on Facebook. 612 reach.
    2. Most engaging posts are original media and photographs.
  2. Call for content: photos, video, marker stories, events. etc.
8. Section 106 Reviews……………………………………………...Gabriel Ozuna
San Juan Hotel: Endangered Landmark
1. Discussion and possible action on recommendations to save the historic San Juan Hotel from demolition
Nominating Committee
1. Request for volunteers to serve on an ad hoc nominating committee in preparation for the 2025-26 term
Other Business:
1. A friendly reminder to Commission members to continue logging their volunteer hours spent on HCHC activities, including drivetime to and from meetings, etc.
2. Texas Treasure Business Award nominations
  1. The next quarterly deadline to submit a nomination is August 1st.
Announcements, Events, and Upcoming Meetings:
1. Potential THC historical marker workshop at the Museum of South Texas History later this summer; details TBA
2. Announcements from Commission members…
3. Our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 15 at the Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library in Mercedes, TX.
  1. Our last meeting of the year is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 17
Adjournment