Texas Heritage Music Foundation

Location: Kerrville, Texas

The Texas Heritage Music Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation, was established in July, 1987, to preserve and perpetuate the traditions in Texas music, to examine the background of Texas music, to trace influences and patterns in Texas music, to document the role Texas music has played in society, and to provide free educational programming to the Texas community. 

History:  

-1987, Dr. Kathleen Hudson founded the non-profit Texas Heritage Music Foundation (THMF) to address the principal belief that music and storytelling can bring together a culturally and ethnically diverse community. Initially funded solely by Dr. Hudson�fs personal finances, THMF began producing free community programs such as the annual Jimmie Rodgers Jubilee and monthly Coffeehouse concerts at Schreiner University.  Thanks to donations from the private sector and from local charitable foundations, these programs have grown every year. 

- 1993, the Wayne Kennemer Scholarship Fund was established.

     -1997, the Jimmie Rodgers Jubilee was renamed Texas Heritage Living History Day. 

-2000, THMF began offering subsidized transportation grants to area schools who could not afford the travel expenses to attend the LHD event. 

- 2001, the Texas Heritage Living History Day event had grown into a three day event, and THMF began educational outreach. The In-School Performers Program placed LHD performers in schools throughout central and south Texas. 

- 2004, the name of the event was changed to Texas Heritage Living History Weekend, and THMF�fs Summer Arts Program for At Risk Youth was implemented to provide Kerr County youth at risk with opportunities to develop creativity, learn the tools of communication and create multiple solutions to problems.  Thirty two youths participated in classes involving literature and composition, dance, art, and music.

Before settling into its permanent offices at Schreiner University campus in July 2004, THMF had relied on the generous support of the Kerrville-area business community for office space.  In 1992, the foundation received a grant from the Turner Foundation to open an office and museum at the Inn of the Hills River Resort.  In 1994, River Hills Mall provided office space to THMF, and Southern Investments donated office space in 1995.  From 1996 to early 2004, 5K Laser Products donated office space and utilities to THMF. 

Current Programs:

-the Texas Heritage Living History Weekend held on the last weekend of September each year on the   campus of Schreiner University in Kerrville;

-the Texas oral history project, a collection of over 500 interviews on tape with musicians, songwriters, performers and club owners;

-a photography exhibit on Texas music;

-a video documentary collection of all foundation events;

-six Texas Musi Coffeehouse Series programs at Schreiner University;

-the Wayne Kennemer Scholarship Fund for students pursuing a course of study in some aspect of music.

In addition, THMF is involved in an advisory role in numerous community arts and educational events sponsored by many local non-profit organizations.

The foundation website is www.texasheritagemusic.org .