The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is committed to saving the unknown stories of Texas' past.

This dedication resulted in the recent adoption of criteria to award approved candidates with Marker Application Funds collected since fall 2006.

For each new and replacement historical marker, a $100 application fee will fund an account to offer financial incentives for special or priority markers to address historical gaps, promote diversity of topics and proactively document significant undertold or untold stories important to Texas' history.

A sampling of the first group of marker topics that were approved include the Galveston Movement, an early 1900s effort that sought to prevent anti- Semitism by providing an alternative port for Jews fleeing Russia and eastern Europe, and the East Texas singer and guitarist Huddie Ledbetter, also known as Leadbelly.

The THC will accept applications for future underrepresented topics from May 1- June 30, 2009. THC staff will review submitted topics and make recommendations to THC commissioners, who will make approvals in July.

Criteria will include diversity of topic, endangerment, significance and historical or architectural integrity.

To nominate a topic for Marker Application Funds consideration visit www.thc.state.tx.us or contact the THC's History Programs Division at 512.463.5853.