The Texas Historical Commission has named Edward Lengel as the new head honcho, as the institution waves goodbye to its former executive director, Mark Wolfe. After a solid 15-year stint, Wolfe hung his hat at the close of December 2023, passing the reins to Lengel, who's known for his chops as a presidential and military historian, author, and museum big shot, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
Lengel, who previously revved up the museum goers as Vice President at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, also clocked time as Chief Historian at the White House Historical Association since 2016. His plate at the THC will be full, overseeing 38 historical state sites, and providing the lowdown on state, and federal historic and archeological designations, not to forget tax breaks and programs that throw a spotlight on historic preservation's role in quality of life, tourism, and giving downtrodden downtowns a second wind.
"I'm excited to join the THC and engage with the millions of Texans who love this state's unique history and recognize how it has contributed to the Lone Star State's rise as a dynamo of economic and cultural success,” Lengel was quoted in a news release from the Texas Historical Commission. The new director is no stranger to accolades either, scooping a National Humanities Medal for his hand in the George Washington Papers project, and bagging honors like the Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Book Award.
The Texas Historical Commission, flanked by 17 governor-appointed members who serve six-year terms, trusts Lengel to continue Wolfe's legacy, which saw the agency thrill to unprecedented growth and a broadened range of services. Eager to build on his predecessor's scorecard, Lengel told the Texas Historical Commission, "I look forward to building on the many accomplishments of my predecessor and leading this amazing team of preservationists, historians, archeologists and other professionals as we fulfill the THC’s mission to Texas."
