Purpose

The purpose for which the San Antonio Conservation Society is formed is to preserve and to encourage the preservation of historic buildings, objects, places and customs relating to the history of Texas, its natural beauty and all that is admirably distinctive to our State; and by such physical and cultural preservation to keep the history of Texas legible and intact to educate the public, especially the youth of today and tomorrow with knowledge of our inherited regional values.

Founded in 1924, the San Antonio Conservation Society is one of the oldest and most active community preservation groups in the United States. Beginning with efforts to prevent historic structures from being razed and to preserve such unique features as the San Antonio River's natural beauty and the city's Spanish Colonial missions, the society has been responsible for saving most of the historic attractions which now make San Antonio one of the top tourist destinations in Texas.

Besides purchasing historic structures which are threatened by demolition, the Society also conducts annual bus tours of historic sites for school children, offers grants for community preservation projects, sponsors cultural pageants, maintains two historic house museums, presents awards for restoration of the built environment and publications of materials whose contents are relevant to the Society purpose -- and numerous other activities.

From 1948, its annual fiesta activity: A Night in Old San Antonio©, held during Fiesta week in April, has helped to raise the funds necessary for its diverse activities.

From only thirteen founders, all women, to a membership of more than 2,570 men and women, the society's volunteers are still actively involved in the preservation of history, structures, customs, green spaces, and the diverse cultural heritage of the community.