The Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC) is an Advisory Commission to the Texas Historical Commission (THC).
The THGAAC is composed of nine citizen members appointed by the governor to six-year terms. Commissioners and staff members connect with thousands of Texans each year by promoting public education and awareness of the Holocaust, other genocides, and antisemitism in Texas.
Our Mission
The mission of the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission is to combat and confront hatred, prejudice, and indifference by educating all Texans about the Holocaust and other genocides in an effort to dismantle antisemitism and prevent future atrocities.
Our Work
The THGAAC strives to fulfill its mission by:
- supporting schools with resources for Holocaust Remembrance Week and other curriculum needs
- conducting a biennial study on antisemitism in Texas with recommendations for action
- funding a variety of mission-related initiatives for Texas nonprofits through an educational grant program
- partnering with community organizations and museums on programs, events, and outreach
- providing opportunities for Texans to volunteer, host, or speak at events sharing their knowledge regarding antisemitism, the Holocaust, and other genocides
Our History
The Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission (THGC), coalesced by Senate Bill 482, was established in 2009 to ensure that resources were available to students, educators, and the general public regarding the Holocaust and other genocides.
In June 2019, Senate Bill 1828 established an annual Holocaust Remembrance Week in Texas public schools. SB 1828 instructs the THGC to develop or approve materials for public schools for a statewide Holocaust Remembrance Week. Counseled by the THGC, the Governor’s Office selected the week of January 27 as the date for Holocaust Remembrance Week.
In May 2021, the Legislature enacted House Bill 3257, which repealed the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission's enabling statute and created the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission as of September 1, 2021.
Texas Historical Commission
The THGAAC is an Advisory Commission to the Texas Historical Commission. Their mission is to protect and preserve the state’s historic and prehistoric resources for the active use and economic benefit of Texans and visitors while bridging the past with the future.