A unique collaboration between the University of Notre Dame, the Texas Historical Commission, and the Texas Historical Foundation is shining a spotlight on the architectural and cultural significance of Texas’ historic county courthouses. The Annual Duda Forum on Historic Preservation and Sustainable Development returns November 20–21, bringing together preservationists, architects, public officials, and community advocates to explore the intersection of heritage and progress.

Now in its third year, the 2025 Duda Forum will open at the Travis County Courthouse in Austin with a keynote by architect and author Brantley Hightower, whose book The Courthouses of Central Texas celebrates the region’s iconic civic landmarks. The forum continues the next day in New Braunfels at the restored Comal County Courthouse, where attendees will hear updates from the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program and engage in panels addressing restoration techniques, economic revitalization, and the role of courthouses in community identity.

Texas is home to more than 240 historic county courthouses—each a testament to local craftsmanship and civic pride. Since 1999, the Texas Historic County Courthouse Preservation Program has awarded over $400 million in grants to restore 107 of these structures, preserving their legacy for future generations.

The Duda Forum is hosted by the Michael Christopher Duda Center for Preservation, Resilience, and Sustainability at Notre Dame’s School of Architecture. Founded in memory of architecture alumnus Michael C. Duda, the Center promotes the integration of historic preservation with sustainable development, inspired by Pope Francis’ call to care for “our common home.”

This year’s theme, Around the Courthouse Square: Historic Preservation and Economic Development, underscores how these architectural treasures continue to anchor downtown revitalization and heritage tourism across the state.

For more information, visit the Texas Historical Commission or contact Chris Florance at the Texas Historical Commission.