In 1977, a group of concerned citizens in Waxahachie came together with a shared goal: to protect the city’s unique historic character before it was lost forever. At the time, many of Waxahachie’s architectural treasures were being demolished or neglected. These early preservationists knew that if no action was taken, an irreplaceable part of the city’s identity would disappear.
That year, Historic Waxahachie, Inc. (HWI) was officially formed as a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historic fabric of Waxahachie. These early champions of preservation played a vital role in shaping the mission and values that continue to guide Historic Waxahachie today. Their dedication and vision helped lay the foundation for a movement that has grown for nearly five decades.
Hear a brief overview of Historic Waxahachie’s history provided by Becky Kauffman in March of 2020 on the history of HWI below.
Since its founding, Historic Waxahachie has evolved into a trusted and respected voice in the community that leads restoration efforts, advocates for historic preservation, and fosters public appreciation for Waxahachie’s heritage. What began as a small grassroots effort is now a strong network of volunteers, members, and supporters working together to ensure that the stories, structures, and spirit of Waxahachie endure.
We remain dedicated to our mission to protect Waxahachie’s heritage for past, present, and future generations through preservation, education, and advocacy.
Our history is our identity, our culture, and our legacy. It shapes who we are today and influences who we become tomorrow. Historic places tell stories that connect generations, teach important lessons, and provide a sense of belonging.
“So much of our future lies in preserving our past.” – Peter Westbrook
Historic resources, once lost, are gone forever. For the enjoyment and education of future generations, it is crucial that we preserve these invaluable treasures. Historic preservation also creates many opportunities for city growth, economic development, and community involvement. Caring for and maintaining history is not an easy task, but it is a necessary one.
Since our founding, HWI has remained committed to preserving Waxahachie’s unique charm and history through a variety of impactful programs and initiatives:
Public workshops, speakers, and preservation awareness campaigns
Historic House Markers, historical downtown signage, and preservation awards
Façade grants for qualifying historic downtown buildings & graffiti abatement grants
Annual scholarships for graduating Waxahachie seniors
Historic Ellis County Courthouse, driving, and walking tours, as well as architectural strolls, Christmas Tour of Homes, and more
Historic Resource Surveys, National Register Districts, oral histories, and previous endangered places documentation
HWI has proudly helped:
Learn more about our accomplishments.
If you love Waxahachie and want to ensure that its unique history is preserved, we invite you to become a part of HWI. Together, we can protect the past for past, present, and future generations.
