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Texas Historical Commission accepts 14.74‑acre donation for San Felipe de Austin site; archaeology lab to be named
Summary
The THC formally accepted a 14.74‑acre land donation north of Park Road 38 at the Brazos River for the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site and approved naming the archaeology field lab in recognition of the Hill family donation.
The Texas Historical Commission on Jan. 31 accepted a 14.74‑acre donation of land adjacent to the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site and formally recognized the Hill family for the gift, which the commission said will be added to the site's boundaries and managed for archaeological and educational programming.
The donation, presented by David A. Hill and family representatives, was memorialized with a resolution read into the record. The resolution thanks the donors and states the property will be used for "active public archaeology programming and other educational programming at the historic site" and will be managed under THC policies for preservation in perpetuity.
"Our family is thrilled about being able to do it," David Hill told the commission. He described multi‑generational connections to the land, noting his family home stood near the parcel and expressing pride that children and grandchildren will inherit the preservation legacy.
The commission also approved a related naming recommendation: the donor family selected "Option 2" in the naming opportunities list for the San Felipe project, and the commission ratified naming the archaeology field lab building in recognition of the gift. The Friends of the THC and site staff will add recognition on the donor wall at the historic site.
Why this matters: The additional acreage buttresses the state historic site's ability to protect archaeological resources and to expand hands‑on archaeology and education programs. Commissioners and staff noted the donation will allow for coordinated programming and additional interpretation at a site with strong ties to Texas colonial and early‑state history.
Process and next steps: Staff will complete conveyance details and memorialize the deed transfer; steps include standard THC property‑management procedures. The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission committed to support fundraising and logistics for site programming tied to the new acreage.
Votes: The commission approved the resolution and the naming action during its meeting on Jan. 31; both motions passed on voice votes.
Proper names and roles: The record includes David A. Hill (donor), Kyle Froelich and Kara Froelich Pittman (family members), THC staff and Friends of the THC leaders. The donation was framed as the result of many years of family discussions and preparation; family representatives said local descendants remain committed to the site's stewardship.
Ending: Staff said archaeology at the site will begin quickly and that the commission and Friends would coordinate a recognition plan and additional public archaeology programming in coming months.
