Across Texas, cemeteries serve as quiet storytellers—places where history rests in plain sight, waiting for someone to ask the right questions. As fall approaches and interest in cemetery programming naturally rises, the Texas Historical Commission’s Museum Services Program is shining a spotlight on the art of cemetery interpretation through its August Cemetery Tours of Texas Showcase Webinar.

Cemetery tours have long helped communities connect with the lives, legacies, and cultural landscapes of those who came before us. Many organizations offer tours year‑round, but the weeks leading into Halloween often bring renewed curiosity from visitors eager to explore the past. This month’s webinar is designed to help museum professionals, volunteers, and site staff deepen that experience by learning directly from colleagues who have built successful cemetery programs across the state.

The showcase brings together representatives from five Texas Historical Commission State Historic Sites, each offering a unique perspective shaped by their region, history, and community:

• Elana Barton, Sam Bell Maxey House (Paris)
• Chandler Warhmund, Fanthorp Inn (Anderson)
• Madeleine VanLeunen, Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch (Clarendon)
• Margo McCutcheon, Sam Rayburn House (Bonham)
• Cortney Smith, Fulton Mansion (Rockport)

Together, these presenters will share how they craft tours, interpret burial grounds, and engage visitors with stories that stretch far beyond headstones. From Victorian‑era symbolism to frontier‑era narratives, their programs highlight the diversity of Texas history and the importance of preserving these spaces with care.

The learning doesn’t end with the webinar. Attendees are invited to return the following day for a live discussion group, where participants can ask follow‑up questions, exchange ideas, and “talk shop” with peers from across the state. The Texas Historical Commission encourages attendees to watch the webinar beforehand, as the discussion is designed to build on the presentations.

Both sessions are free and open to anyone interested in cemetery interpretation:

• Webinar: Wednesday, August 26, 1:00–2:00 p.m. CST
• Discussion Group: Thursday, August 27, 1:00–2:00 p.m. CST

The Museum Services Program continues its mission of supporting Texas museums through training, resources, and one‑on‑one consultations. By spotlighting cemetery tours—a powerful tool for public engagement—the program helps museums honor the past while strengthening connections with today’s visitors.