Texanthropy Spotlight: The Texas Main Street Program
The Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Main Street Program began in 1980 and is one of the oldest and largest in the nation, with 87 fully designated communities. The Program provides technical expertise, education, resources and support to designated Main Street communities in their efforts to preserve and revitalize their historic downtowns and commercial neighborhood districts.
Texas Main Street communities play a key role in our state’s heritage tourism industry, but in addition to their tourist attractions, they offer fun and meaningful volunteer opportunities. Becoming a Main Street community is a collaborative effort, and its success is rooted in the dedication of community partners and volunteers. In fact, much of the success of the Main Street Program comes from the 1.3 million hours contributed by community partners and volunteers over the last 35 years. And with each year, the new designated Main Street communities and their businesses and residents add to that total.
First Lady Cecilia Abbott with volunteers and community partners of the Main Street Ennis Program.
I encourage all Texans to learn more about the Texas Main Street Program and how you and your community can get involved. I cannot think of a better way to commemorate the rich history of our special Texas communities than by volunteering and working with neighbors to preserve their pasts, while simultaneously reimagining the promise their futures hold.