The City of Smithville is excited to invite community members to participate in the Southside History Project! This initiative aims to spotlight, uplift, and preserve the rich heritage of the Southside neighborhood by emphasizing its narratives and historical significance. Your input is invaluable to explore various opportunities to highlight historic moments and pride in this heritage. Watch the City FaceBook page for more information as this project unfolds. Many Thanks to Alta Yevett Alexander for her leadership in this effort!
Information about the four options currently identified related to this project.

City Historical Markers: Identify various historic homes and landmarks that would qualify for historical markers through the City’s Historic Marker program, as administered by the City's Historic Preservation/Design Standards Advisory Committee. (Learn more: City Historic Preservation Program)

Undertold Stories and Historic Landmarks: Identify significant locations and gather historical narratives for submission to the Texas Historical Commission’s “Undertold Stories” or “Historic Landmark” programs. (Learn more: THC Undertold Stories and Historic Landmarks)

Historic District Designation: Pursue a “Historic District” designation, which will involve a number of local volunteers to identify historic locations and fill in paperwork required to officially designate all or part of the Southside as a historic neighborhood. Project coordinators would look into the requirements at the Texas Historical Commission. (Learn more: THC Historic Places) and/or bring this concept to the Smithville Historic Preservation/Design Standards Advisory Committee to request a neighborhood designation, as one does not currently exist.

Smithville Stories (Oral History): The “Smithville Stories” oral history program was developed by the Smithville Public Library and uses StoryCorps @ Your Library equipment to record the local histories as related by community members. This ongoing program aims to capture personal histories and important community stories that contribute to Smithville's unique character.

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* 1. Please rank order your preference for these potential projects (described above). Rank your top priority as #1 and your least preferred option as #4.

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* 2. If you have more ideas for History Projects, please provide some brief information about it here.

If you would like to speak to someone about your idea in more detail, please write "contact me about another idea" in this comment box and include your contact information below. Thank you!

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* 3. Do you now live/have you ever lived in Smithville's Southside neighborhood? (Please choose the best answer.)

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* 4. Do you have any other comments or suggestions?

Want to be involved? Have other ideas? Please provide the following information (all fields are optional).

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* 5. Name

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* 7. Phone Number

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* 8. Address

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Your feedback will help us move forward with initiatives that reflect the values and interests of our community.

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