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:

Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library
1906 S. Closner Blvd., Edinburg, TX 78539

AGENDA

1.  Call Meeting to Order

2.  Roll Call: Introduction of Commissioners and Guests

3.  Approval of Minutes from February 16, 2025

4.  Public Comment

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

5.  Announcement of Committee Appointments for 2025-26 term

6.  Discussion and possible action on appointing liaisons and ex-officio members

7.  Committee Reports:
          A.  Executive Committee
               i.   Report on 2025 Real Places Conference
               ii.  Update on Hidalgo County CLG application
               iii. Update on South Texas CHC Regional Training on June 6, 2025
         B.  Preservation Committee
               i.  Update on San Juan Hotel
               ii. Report on El Jardín de Flores (Mission)
         C.  Marker Committee
               i.   The following markers have been cast, delivered, and are pending
                     installation:
                           1.  Minnie May Nickel Homestead (RTHL) (Weslaco)
               ii.  The following marker inscriptions have been approved by the THC:
                           1.  Falcon Records (undertold) (Mission)
                           2.  Stephen F. Austin Elementary (RTHL) (undertold) (Edinburg)
               iii. The following marker topics have been approved by the THC:
                           1.  Alfonso R. Ramirez (undertold) (Edinburg)
               iv.  The following marker topics have been recommended to the THC
                     for approval:
                           1.  American Rio Grande Land & Irrigation Co. Building
                                (RTHL) (Mercedes)
                           2.  Shary Heights (Mission)
                           3.  Rio Farms, Inc. (Monte Alto)
         D.  Cemetery Committee
         E.  Finance Committee
         F.  Collection & Archives Committee
             i.   Reminder: Please transfer copies of marker applications and research
                  materials to the Collection & Archives committee. These materials will
                  be added to the HCHC Collection at UTRGV for preservation and
                  access.
             ii.  Shannon hopes to convene the Collection & Archives Committee this
                  summer. Members should email her directly about their future
                  availability to meet in person on via Zoom.
             iii. HCHC Collection Use Statistics (2025 Jan. 1 - May 12)
                         1.  Physical collection materials (3 requests; microfilm records and
                              genealogy)
                         2.  Digital collection materials (Readership across 55 countries;
                              2000+ downloads; Most downloaded/accessed: Marks &
                              Brands Records and Working Papers for Jackson
                              Ranch historical marker)
         G.  Publicity Committee
             i.  Social media metrics: content engagement and followers:
                         1.  Facebook: 190 total followers
                         2.  Instagram: 109 total followers
             ii. Call for content: photos, video, marker stories, events. etc.

8.  Discussion and possible action on preservation options for the following sites:
       A.  Echo Hotel and Conference Center (Edinburg)
       B.  Merito Station (McAllen/Mission)
       C.  Mer-Tex Cafe (Mercedes)

9.   Presentation from Sarah Rowe on UTRGV student cultural heritage projects

10. Other Business:
       A.  Please log volunteer hours for 2025 in new spreadsheet format
       B.  Texas Treasure Business Award next quarterly deadline: August 1st

11.  Announcements, Events, and Upcoming Meetings:
       A.  Announcements from Commission members…
       B.  Preservation Texas: South Texas Summit in Brownsville (Oct. 9-10)
       C.  Meeting dates for 2025 are tentatively scheduled for the following:
                Sept 21 / Nov 16 / Feb 15

12.  Adjournment