Continuing its record of supporting archeology in the Lone Star State, the Texas Historical Foundation (THF) approved two archeology grants during the last quarter. The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission and the Community Archaeology Research Institute, Inc. of Houston (CARI) will both receive funds from THF’s Joseph Ballard Archeological Endowment.

The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission will use THF funds for expenses associated with the archeological investigation, excavation, and artifact conservation at the Bernardo Plantation in Waller County, considered the first antebellum-style plantation in the state. Archeological work supported by the THF grant will focus on studying the area where the plantation’s main house was located and on discovering more about the lives of the enslaved workers in order to gain further knowledge of the early history of African Americans in Texas.

CARI was given assistance to help write a "Historic Context Document" for archeologists to use when conducting African American archeology projects in Texas. The funds will be used for the professional fees of researchers who will collect and gather the data needed to develop a historical framework for archeologists studying African American sites.

Since 1954, the THF has funded preservation and education projects around the state and helps promote the cultural legacy of Texas. Among the group’s main efforts is its award-winning HERITAGE magazine and a preservation grants program. For more information, or to join the Foundation, use the on-line membership form found on the organization’s website, www.texashistoricalfoundation.org.