The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) was recently awarded a $15,000 Texas History Grant in support of its Texas America250 programming from the Summerlee Foundation. The application was made on the agency’s behalf by the Texas Library and Archives Foundation, who gave an additional $5,000 to supplement this award.
Earlier this year, TSLAC announced an ambitious slate of upcoming Texas America250 programming in celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The agency plans to share more than 700 sets of Texas America250 traveling exhibits with libraries, schools, courthouses, museums and other local governments and cultural institutions around the state. Hosting organizations are encouraged to hold history-related events in conjunction with the exhibits.
TSLAC’s Texas America250 traveling exhibits highlight historic treasures held by the State Archives that help tell the story of the Lone Star State’s pivotal role in the development of the United States and are paired with digital resources. TSLAC will also launch a statewide reading challenge and unveil its own, expanded Texas America250 lobby exhibit in Austin in January 2026.
“We are thrilled to be able to broaden access to historical primary records so that Texans of all ages can learn about our state and nation in celebration of America250,” said Gloria Meraz, TSLAC Director and Librarian. “Thanks to this generous support from the Summerlee Foundation, and the additional donation from the Texas Library and Archives Foundation, this special programming will allow families and communities to come together to read and learn more about Texas history through the State Library and Archives’ collections—online, on exhibit, and in person.”
Since 1988, the Summerlee Foundation’s Texas History Program has embraced a broad and diverse group of projects from all regions of Texas. These projects have included the disciplines of archaeology, archives, libraries, media, museums, middle and secondary schools, higher education, preservation, publications and scholarly research.
Learn more about TSLAC’s America250 programming at www.tsl.texas.gov/america250.
TSLAC is a member of the Texas America250 Commission, working alongside the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Office; the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission; the State Board of Education; and the Bullock Texas State History Museum.