Texas heritage is at risk in facilities throughout the state, according to the Texas Historical Commission. With more than 500 local history museums across Texas, less than 25 percent have a plan for dealing with potential emergencies including hurricanes, fires and flood.

As a result, THC will offer training workshops in June and July aimed at increasing the abilites of small and medium-sized history museums to anticipate, respond and recover from an emergency.

"Workshops will help provide small museums with the tools they need to prepare for any possible disaster," said Laura Casey, THC museum services program. "It is crucial that we safeguard our heritage resources for the enjoyment and enrichment of future generations."

Workshops will be led by conservator Rebecca Elder of Amigos Library Services, and coordinated in partnership with the Texas Association of Museums in 12 locations, including Angleton, Beaumont, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Nacogdoches and Pittsburg.

Registration is $25 per person and is limited to 30 participants. Each participating institution may send two participants. Advance registration is required at www.io. com/tam/thcworkshop.html.

The Emergency, Preparedness, Response and Recovery Workshops are the first in a series of regional workshops designed to target the needs of small and mediumsized history museums across the state.

For more information, phone (512) 463-5853 or visit www.thc. state.tx.us.