In May of this year, the Council for the Indigenous & Tejano Community (CITC) opened “The Past Within Us,” a museum exhibit of Indigenous and Tejano history and families at the Hays County Courthouse.
At the heart of the exhibit are seven large panels featuring the histories of Hispanic families. Six of those families: Alba, Arredondo, Contreras, Cruz, Garza and Tobias, with family roots of over one hundred years or more in Hays County, are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Hays County community. The seventh family, Rojo, included Dr. Daniel Rojo, the first doctor in San Marcos, who served the local Hispanic population.
The CITC is now seeking to feature new Hispanic family histories and is asking for your help.
Hispanic history is an integral part of Hays County’s history. Gina Alba Rogers, CITC Chair, says, “If your family has been in Hays County for several generations and you have ancestral photos, we urge you to share your story.”
Families interested in being considered should email [email protected] with a summary of their family’s history, including pictures and local history. The CITC requests that submissions be sent by Dec. 15, 2025.
For examples of what is currently displayed, you may visit the museum at the Hays County Historic Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio St. Open every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. During the holidays, the museum will be open: Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20 and Jan. 10.
