Texas Antiquities Committee

The Texas Antiquities Committee was created by Senate Bill 58, 61st Legislature, 2nd Called Session (1969). It was initially composed of seven members: Director of the Texas State Historical Survey Committee, Director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Commissioner of the General Land Office, State Archeologist (whose office was transferred in 1969 from the State Building Commission to the Texas State Historical Survey Committee), one professional archeologist from a recognized museum or institution of higher learning, one professional Texas historian, and the Director of the Texas Memorial Museum of the University of Texas. The makeup of the Committee when it expired in 1995 was a nine-member commission. It consisted of six ex-officio members, including the chairperson of the Texas Historical Commission or his/her designee, the State Archaeologist, the Director of the Parks and Wildlife Department, the Commissioner of the General Land Office, the State Engineer, and the Executive Director of the Texas Department of Water Resources. The three other members were appointed by the Governor with concurrence of the Senate, for two-year terms. These appointed members consisted of a professional historian, a professional archaeologist, and a professional museum director.

This committee was the legal custodian of all state archaeological resources and it adopted rules to protect and preserve these resources. It designated state archaeological landmarks, issued permits for activities that impacted archeological sites, oversaw staff efforts to ensure compliance with the Texas Antiquities Code, maintained an inventory of items recovered and retained by the State of Texas, and contracted or otherwise provided for discovery operations and scientific investigations of sunken or abandoned ships and their contents. In 1995, the committee was abolished (Senate Bill 365, 74th Legislature, Regular Session). Its duties were absorbed by the Texas Historical Commission and are carried out through its Archeology Division. The legislation that abolished the Antiquities Committee allowed for an advisory body to be created to assist the Texas Historical Commission on issues relating to the Antiquities Code of Texas. In 1995, the THC created the Texas Antiquities Advisory Board. The Board provides recommendations on proposed State Archeological Landmarks designations and assists in resolving disputes regarding issuance of Texas Antiquities permits.

Founded by the Texas Antiquities Code which passed the state legislature in 1969, the Texas Antiquities Committee preserves, protects, and exhibits archaeological and cultural resources, including artifacts, sites, and historic structures in Texas. The agency acts as the legal custodian for all archaeological sites and material culture owned by the state of Texas and also issues contracts and permits for excavation. Although the agency is an independent entity, it is affiliated with the Texas Historical Commission, sharing many services, resources, and facilities with one another.

Source:

Arnold, J. Barto III. Texas Antiquities Committee. Handbook of Texas Online . Accessed April 11, 2011. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/mdt05 .

Founded by the Texas Antiquities Code which passed the state legislature in 1969, the Texas Antiquities Committee preserves, protects, and exhibits archaeological and cultural resources, including artifacts, sites, and historic structures in Texas.

The agency acts as the legal custodian for all archaeological sites and material culture owned by the state of Texas and also issues contracts and permits for excavation. Although the agency is an independent entity, it is affiliated with the Texas Historical Commission, sharing many services, resources, and facilities with one another.