Our History
The Nacogdoches Heritage Festival was organized in 1982 as the major fundraising tool benefiting the Nacogdoches County Historical Foundation. The Foundation’s sole focus is to acquire and restore historic properties in Nacogdoches County.
For many years, architecturally significant historical properties had fallen victim to commercial expansion in Nacogdoches. Stately old homes along North Street were being demolished to make way for commercial progress. Concerned members of the Nacogdoches community, along with the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce banded together for a common cause—historical preservation. The Nacogdoches County Historical Foundation was organized to serve as a non-profit organization to purchase and restore historical properties.
Over the years, the Foundation has provided funds for the Blount home at 1801 North St., the current offices for the Law Firm of Fairchild, Price, Haley & Smith, and Zion Hill Baptist Church, located on the corner of Lanana & Bois d’arc streets. Both properties were designed and built by famed architect, Dietrich Rulfs.
Zion Hill photographs are courtesy of Wendy Floyd.
The Foundation realized that fundraising was essential to sustaining a source of revenue to fund the acquisition, restoration and preservation projects. In January 1982, the Nacogdoches Heritage Festival was organized. The Heritage Heralds was formed in 1984 to provide a group of volunteers to organize, direct and support the Heritage Festival.
The Nacogdoches Heritage Festival has become a proud tradition in our community, one that allows us to share our heritage with friends and family from near and far. The Festival has brought a diverse range of events over the years, from chili cook-offs & antique sales, to the Taste of Nacogdoches and crowning of the Heritage Festival Queen. Thanks to all of the dedicated men and women of Nacogdoches who volunteer their time and talents to the events, the Festival has been successful year after year in donating funds to the ongoing restoration of Zion Hill Baptist Church. Grants have been gifted to the City to support our historical endeavors and the property is now part of the Historic Sites of the City of Nacogdoches.
This is the time for our youth to connect to the history of our beloved community. The Festival has been the constant focal point to gather our young people together from high schools all over the county and beyond. Every year, participants look on their memories made as a favorite part of their high school experience and preparing for the next phase of their life journey. The Festival also honors local leaders who have contributed to the community and then culminates with the Coronation at Turner Auditorium on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University. Each Princess, Duchess and her Escort are presented to the audience during this celebration of our heritage.