Pictured from left to right: Gabriel Ozuna, Tropical board member; Tara Putegnat, Tropical chair emeritus; Andrea Ordonez, Webb County Heritage Foundation; Rene Ballesteros, Hidalgo County Historical Commission; Penny Pillack, Tropical treasurer.
"Attending the Real Places Conference was a meaningful experience for me, both personally and professionally. Being selected as a scholarship recipient made the opportunity even more special,and I felt honored to represent my community. I am especially grateful to the board of directors of the Texas Tropical Trail Region for this opportunity and for their support in making my attendance possible. As a first-time attendee, everything felt new and exciting, and at times a little overwhelming in the best way, from the sessions and speakers to the conversations with fellow participants. It was inspiring to be surrounded by people who care deeply about preserving and sharing the stories of their communities.The conference offered different perspectives on preservation, storytelling, and community engagement, and I found myself thinking about how these ideas could apply to the work we are doing here in Webb County. It was encouraging to see how others are navigating similar challenges and finding creative ways to connect with their communities. I especially appreciated the opportunity to learn from professionals with different backgrounds and experiences, which broadened my understanding of the field. I left the conference with a renewed sense of purpose and several ideas I am hopeful we can implement at the Border Heritage Museum and the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum. This experience not only expanded my knowledge but also reaffirmed my commitment to the work we do at the Webb County Heritage Foundation. Thank you again to the Texas Tropical Trail Region for making this experience possible!"
Andrea Ordoñez
Director of Operations, Webb County Heritage Foundation
"Attending Real Places was a truly invaluable experience made possible by the help and support of the Texas Tropical Trail Region, its board, and Executive Director, Pamela Morales. This event was a chance to learn, connect with longtime colleagues, and new friends, like that with our Tropical Trail neighbor and fellow scholarship winner, Andrea Ordoñez, in Webb County. Overall, I connected with good work and good people across Texas historic preservation, gaining specific knowledge in archaeology, GIS mapping, historic tax credits, Multiple Property Documentation Forms (MPDFs), African American histories, cemetery studies, historic survey tools, student work, and so much more. This experience informs my goals as Publicity Chair for the Hidalgo County Historical Commission and supporting others doing heritage work at home. My favorite moments, including Carolyn Boyd’s presentation on the Shumla Archaeological Research and Dr. Thomas Hester receiving a lifetime achievement award, reinforced the significance of borderlands heritage. In 2016, I rode a bicycle from the RGV to Big Bend and saw the White Shaman on the tour into the Pecos Canyon with other visitors. For me, this feltlike a full circle moment in seeing how proudly Native heritage is honored in Texas through the preservation and sharing of “North America’s oldest book.” I can’t finish this without thanking the catering and hotel service workers because the food and hospitality was everything we’ve all come to expect from Texas. Hidalgo County, South Texas, and the Texas Tropical Trail Region will benefit from the application of these strategic and technical skills as we work to elevate our shared histories for all. Thank you again for this opportunity and I’m excited to see who will go in 2027!"
Saludos, from René A. Ballesteros.