Thirteen intrepid women founded the San Antonio Conservation Society on March 22, 1924, making it one of the first community preservation groups in the United States.  With a mission to  preserve the rich architectural, natural, and cultural heritage of Texas, our organization has helped shape the way generations of locals and visitors experience San Antonio’s vibrant history.  Starting this week, we kick off our year-long celebration of “making history by saving history.”

100th Anniversary Media Coverage

“With a history dedicated to preservation, Conservation Society marks its 100th year” – San Antonio Report, March 26, 2024

“Editorial: Conservation Society of San Antonio has kept city’s past alive” – San Antonio Express-News, March 24, 2024

Amanda Cartwright Taylor Lecture Series – March 27th, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

On Wednesday, March 27th, we welcomed guest speaker Michel Picaud, President of The Friends of Notre Dame de Paris, to the McNay Art Museum.  The Friends are the official nonprofit leading the international fundraising efforts to rebuild and restore Notre-Dame Cathedral after the devastating fire of April 15, 2019.   Help rebuild Notre Dame here.

Alexis Boutrolle, Vice President of Asselin, Inc., used 3-D modeling to demonstrate the impressive reconstruction work being carried out for the roof and 315-foot tall spire. These elements are made of French oak coated with lead.  Asselin specializes in using traditional joinery and timber framing to restore historic monuments.

From the Archives: Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio’s Own Phoenix

Although not nearly as venerable as the iconic French cathedral of Notre Dame, San Antonio’s Municipal Auditorium (now the Tobin Performing Arts Center) suffered a catastrophic four-alarm fire on January 6, 1979.  When the option to restore the gutted local landmark faced organized opposition, the Conservation Society rallied public support for the passage of a $9.1 million auditorium restoration bond in 1981.  With restoration plans underway, the auditorium was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in September 1981.  In 2012, the Society ensured that the massive Tobin Center renovation not only preserved the building’s historic front facade, but its original wooden front doors and distinctive style of lettering.

Many of the historic sites we delight in, which become our gift to future generations, continue to exist because of organized, but passionate public advocacy.  Now is the perfect time to join or  donate!