Preservation Texas Hall of Fame

The Preservation Texas Institute's Texas Hall will be the future home of the Preservation Texas Hall of Fame, a permanent tribute to the people and organizations whose work has led the preservation of Texas’s historic resources and cultural heritage over the last century. Visitors will encounter the stories of outstanding Texans who have saved landmarks, revitalized communities, and inspired preservation efforts across the state and beyond.

Pictured: Clara Driscoll (1881-1945) (left) and Adina De Zavala (1861-1955) (right) share credit for advocating to preserve the Alamo in San Antonio; many recognize this effort as the one of the most important early preservation stories in Texas.

The Preservation Texas Hall of Fame will recognize both individuals and organizations whose completed work will have made a lasting and measurable impact on Texas heritage. For individuals, this will often mean a lifetime of dedication to protecting historic places through leadership, advocacy, restoration, or education. For organizations, whether active or historic, it will mean a completed body of work that has left a permanent mark on the state’s cultural landscape. All honorees will share a strong Texas connection, and every class will reflect a balance of living and deceased inductees.

Pictured: Ima Hogg (1882-1975), a leading mid-20th century collector of Texas decorative arts who acquired and assembled a collection of historic buildings at Winedale reinforced the importance of preserving Texas's material culture.

Selection will focus on three defining qualities: lasting impact on preservation outcomes, a legacy that will continue to influence the field, and leadership demonstrated through advocacy, community engagement, or professional innovation. Nominations will be invited during an open call the year before each biennial induction, reviewed by the Preservation Texas Institute Board of Advisors, and approved by the Preservation Texas Board of Directors. To preserve the prestige of the honor, no more than eight inductees will be named in each cycle.

Pictured: Northeast Texas architect Raiford Stripling (1910-1994) was instrumental in the restoration of Presidio La Bahía and Mission Espíritu Santo in Goliad, the Fort House and Earle-Harrison House in Waco, numerous structures in San Augustine, the French Legation in Austin, Ashton Villa in Galveston, and Independence Hall at Washington-on-the-Brazos.

Every two years, Texas Hall will host the formal Induction Ceremony, which will be both a public celebration and major fundraiser for the Preservation Texas Institute. This event will feature presentations, tributes, and opportunities for connection among preservation leaders, supporters, and community members. The Hall’s permanent gallery will include plaques, exhibits, photographs, and multimedia elements, while a companion online archive will make each honoree’s story accessible worldwide. Together, Texas Hall and the Hall of Fame will stand as the state’s premier venue for honoring, learning from, and being inspired by the most influential figures in the Texas historic preservation movement.