Res 2026-017 Approving the City of San Marcos Historic Preservation Plan

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PUBLIC HISTORY ORAL HISTORIES Oral histories collect and preserve the history of past events, people, and places, through personal memory and experience. The collection of oral histories involves recording planned interviews with individuals. Oral histories are primary sources, as they provide first-hand insight into history. The collection of oral histories is a particularly powerful tool for understanding the history of underrepresented communities, whose stories are often absent from the historic record. Texas State University houses oral histories produced by Public History students, accessible in -person at the university's Special Collections and Archives. TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY CRADDOCK ORAL HISTORY PROJECT, 1974-1978 Dr. Emmie Craddock and Texas State University History graduate students conducted 59 oral history interviews about the local and regional history of San Marcos and the surrounding area, families and genealogy, and working at or attending the university. TEXAS SESQUICENTENNIAL ORAL HISTORY PROJECT, 1985-1986 Dr. Ron Brown and Texas State University History students conducted oral history interviews with former faculty, staff, alumni, and community members from San Marcos and its surrounding areas. The interviewees shared their memories about the university, city, and life in Central Texas. LBJ 100 ORAL HISTORY PROJECT INTERVIEWS, 2008 To celebrate the centennial of President Lyndon Baines Johnson's birth, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum and Texas State University collaborated to record 45 oral history interviews related to the life and legacy of the president. The interviews included 49 participants and an exhibition, displayed through 2009. The San Marcos Public Library houses oral histories conducted by the HASM and the HCHC. In 2024, the San Marcos Public Library published_ 33 oral history interviews on YouTube from the HASM and HCHC. HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF SAN MARCOS ORAL HISTORY PROJECT, 1973-2015 The HASM has compiled over 50 audio interviews and several video interviews with local residents to help preserve the history and culture of the City. Many of these are available at the San Marcos Public Library or available for purchase through the organization. HAYS COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION VOICES OF HAYS COUNTY HISTORY, 2007-ONGOING The HCHC has collected 16 oral history interviews with residents of Hays County since 2007. Interviewees include several long-time San Marcos residents. The HCHC continues to conduct oral histories to add to the Voices of Hays County History. Interested participants can contact the HCHC. 84 SAN MARCOS HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN (2026)