City planning staff told the council on Nov. 6 they planned to apply to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) Undertold Marker Program to recognize the Shiloh Black Cemetery, a historically underrepresented site in Hutto. The Historic Preservation Commission recommended the application and staff said the cemetery meets program criteria for documenting underrepresented historical subjects.
Planning manager John Byron explained the Undertold program’s purpose and noted the city applied in 2023 and was encouraged to reapply; THC told staff at that time that the city could also seek a more basic generic plaque if the full Undertold award was not selected in the future. Byron said THC previously designated the Shiloh Black Cemetery as a historic Texas cemetery (WN013), and that staff had contacted Georgetown Title and had difficulty locating a current deeded owner.
Council unanimously approved Resolution R‑2025‑329 authorizing application to THC’s Undertold Marker Program and asked staff to proceed, noting the application deadline is Nov. 15. Staff said the Historic Preservation Commission included a memo in the packet outlining options for future ownership and stewardship of the cemetery and that staff will pursue follow‑up steps to document ownership and maintenance responsibilities.
Why it matters: The Undertold Marker Program seeks to address historical omissions and broaden commemorated history in the state. Designation and a marker would raise public awareness and can support preservation planning for the cemetery.
What comes next: Planning staff will file the Undertold application ahead of the Nov. 15 deadline and, if accepted, would return with next steps. Staff also recommended pursuing a more generic historic plaque if acceptance is delayed or denied and will continue research to clarify ownership and potential stewardship arrangements.