1. (a) The commission adopts the following criteria governing evaluation for approval or rejection of applications for Official Texas Historical Markers, Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks (RTHLs), or Historic Texas Cemetery designations.

   1. (1) Age: Structures eligible for the RTHL designation and marker must be at least 50 years old. Older structures may be awarded additional weight.
   2. (2) Historical significance: Architectural significance alone is not enough to qualify a structure for the RTHL designation. It must have an equally significant historical association, and that association can come from an event that occurred at the site; through individuals who owned or lived on the property; or, in the case of bridges, industrial plants, schoolhouses and other non-residential properties, through documented significance to the larger community.
   3. (3) Architectural significance: Structures deemed architecturally significant are outstanding examples of architectural history through design, materials, structural type or construction methods. In all cases, eligible architectural properties must display integrity; that is, the structure should be in a good state of repair, maintain its appearance from its period of significance and be considered an exemplary model of preservation. Architectural significance is often best determined by the relevance of the property to broader contexts, including geography. Any changes over the years should be compatible with original design and reflect compliance with accepted preservation practices, e.g., the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
   4. (4) State of repair: Structures not considered by the commission to be in a good state of repair are ineligible for RTHL designation. The commission reserves the sole right to make that determination relative to eligibility for RTHL markers.
   5. (5) Diversity of topic for addressing gaps in historical marker program. This criterion addresses the extent to which topic relates to an aspect or area of Texas history that has not been well represented by the marker program.
   6. (6) Value of topic as an undertold or untold aspect of Texas history. This criterion addresses the extent to which topic addresses undertold facets of Texas history and increases the diversity of history and cultures interpreted through the marker program.
   7. (7) Endangerment level of property, site or topic. This criterion addresses the extent to which the property (RTHLs), site or story is in danger of being lost if its history and significance are not addressed through the marker program.
   8. (8) CHC support and existing documentation. This criterion addresses the extent to which the CHC has shown strong support and partnership in developing the topic and the quality of the research and documentation for the application.
   9. (9) Diversity among this group of candidates. This criterion addresses the extent to which this topic represents an undertold story of Texas history among the applications received during that year's marker cycle.
   10. (10) Relevance to other commission programs. This criterion addresses the extent to which the topic coordinates with other significant programs and initiatives of the agency.
2. (b) Applications and topics with exceptional significance directly address established statewide themes, promote undertold stories of Texas history and have exceptional ability to educate the public on aspects of Texas history not fully addressed by the marker program. Applications and topics with high significance address statewide themes, promote undertold stories of Texas history and have some ability to educate the public on aspects of Texas history not fully addressed by the marker program. Applications and topics that meet requirements have been found to fulfill the basic application requirements and guidelines, relate to statewide themes but do not necessarily directly address topics that have not been widely addressed by the marker program. Applications and topics deemed not eligible do not relate to statewide themes and/or do not meet the basic program application requirements and guidelines. All markers must relate to the statewide themes established by the commission. These themes are available on the commission's web site at www.thc.state.tx.us. From time to time the commission may establish thematic priorities for the marker program. Additional points will be awarded to projects falling within these priorities.

3. (c) The scoring system for ranking applications is as follows:

   1. (1) 15 pts. max. Relevance to the commission's current thematic priorities;
   2. (2) 10 pts. max. Value of topic as an undertold or untold aspect of Texas history;
   3. (3) 10 pts. max. Endangerment level of property, site or topic;
   4. (4) 10 pts. max. Age;
   5. (5) 10 pts. max. Historical or architectural/site significance;
   6. (6) 10 pts. max. Historical or architectural/site integrity (state of repair);
   7. (7) 10 pts. max. Diversity of topic for addressing gaps in historical marker program;
   8. (8) 10 pts. max. CHC support and existing documentation; and
   9. (9) 10 pts. max. Diversity among this group of candidates; and
   10. (10) 5 pts. max. Relevance to other commission programs.

Source Note:The provisions of this §21.9 adopted to be effective August 28, 2003, 28 TexReg 6814; amended to be effective May 18, 2009, 34 TexReg 2949.