Public Notice Regarding the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Section 106 Review of the Museum of the Big Bend Renovation Project

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has offered the Sul Ross State University (University), in Alpine, Texas, a Challenge Infrastructure and Capacity Building Grant to renovate the Museum of the Big Bend. The project will renovate the Museum of the Big Bend and connect it to a new structure.

NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. This public notice is issued as part of NEH’s responsibilities under 36 C.F.R. Part 800, the regulations which implement Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, 54 U.S.C. 306108. NEH, a funding agency, is required by regulation to identify and assess the effects of any proposed actions on historic properties. If any proposed action will have an adverse effect on historic resources, NEH works with the appropriate parties to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects. Additionally, the Section 106 regulations require NEH to consider the views of the public on preservation issues when making final decisions that affect historic properties.

The Museum of the Big Bend is located on the campus of Sul Ross State University at 400 N Harrison St C-101, Alpine, TX 79832. The building was constructed in 1937 with funding from the Texas Centennial Commission, in cooperation with the Works Progress Administration using native rock. The building could be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A for its association with the Texas Centennial and under Criterion C for its architecture.

Proposed work to the Museum of the Big Bend will involve selective demolition and replacement of doors and windows, exterior entryway, HVAC, lighting, security systems, and fire suppression systems. The Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection will be relocated from the basement to a 1,100 SF curatorial and research space on the first floor; the Womack Education Room on the first floor will be reconfigured for efficient educational space for adult and youth programming; and the building’s entrance will be relocated to connect with the new structure. Existing exhibit space will also be reconfigured to align with the new traffic flow of the museum.

On September 25, 2024, Alexander Shane, on behalf of Bradford Patterson, Chief Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, indicated that the project will have no adverse effect to historic properties. After reviewing Section 106 documentation and SHPO finding, NEH issues a determination of no adverse effects, with the condition that if cultural materials are encountered during construction or disturbance activities, work should cease in the immediate area; work can continue where no cultural materials are present. The University will contact NEH via eGMS Reach, and the Texas Historic Commission’s Archeology Division at (512) 463-6096 to consult on further actions that may be necessary to protect the cultural remains.

As required by Section 106, NEH is providing the public with information about this project, as well as an opportunity to comment on any knowledge of, or concerns with, historic properties in the proposed project area, and issues relating to the project’s potential effects on historic properties. Comments may be submitted to the NEH by e-mail to FPO@neh.gov. The deadline for submitting comments is December 9, 2024.