pieces of Texas history

Memorial-area coin dealer hosts display of rare Texas history artifacts

As Houstonians giddy-up to Rodeo, immersing themselves in Western heritage, U.S. Coins and Jewelry at 8435 Katy Freeway has one more way they can tap into their love of the Lone Star State. The collectors shop has a variety of unique Texas history artifacts on display all month long.

The items showcase the time when Texas was its own republic — including the paper currency it printed — from March 2, 1836 to Dec. 29, 1845. That's when Texas officially entered the Union as the 28th state.

Picture of a $20 note from the Republic of Texas

Photo by Dylan McEwan

Celebrate Texas History Month by viewing a collection of artifacts on display at U.S. Coins & Jewelry.

Visitors can check out an original copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence, printed shortly after the original draft was signed and issued on March 2, 1836 — one of only 12 known to exist, according to press materials.

The exhibit also includes a broadside copy of the legendary “Travis Letter” written by Col. William B. Travis on Feb. 24, 1836, which implored fellow Texans and the rest of the world to provide aid and assistance to the Alamo’s doomed defenders. Those who took Texas history in 7th grade likely know it as the "Victory or Death" letter. When it was distributed after the fall of the Alamo, it fueled the remaining fight for Texas’ independence.

In what would certainly come to foreshadow Houston's unending traffic woes, the collection also has a signed letter dated Jan. 18, 1856, from then-U.S. senator Sam Houston concerning the progress of the railroads and connecting roads in and around Houston.

“As history buffs and collectors, these items are a sight to behold,” the store's co-owner and operator Kenny Duncan Jr. said in a statement. “As proud Texans, these items instill a sense of wonder and pride that’s hard to describe. We’re looking forward to welcoming Texans of all ages to see these documents and currency up close and personal.”

March is officially Texas History Month, meaning that it's a great time for native and new Texans alike to reflect on the state's unique past, its battle to lead its own destiny, and its important role in the U.S. over the centuries. Parents seeking an educational spring break outing, history buffs, and the Texas curious will want to head out to explore this exhibit, which will be on display until March 30.

Since 1985, U.S. Coins and Jewelry has bought and sold gold and silver coins, gold and silver bullion, fine diamonds and jewelry, Swiss watches, and sought-after sports collectibles. It's open Monday - Saturday.

Design For All

Famed Texas architecture office opens call for 2026 $20K design grant

Courtesy of Hai Hospitality.

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A leading Texas-based architecture office is offering pro-bono services to nonprofits in the Austin, Houston, and for the first time, Dallas-Fort Worth areas. Michael Hsu Office of Architecture (MHOA) is embarking on its fifth annual Design for All initiative, with applications open now through May 15 at 5 pm.

MHOA is looking for a registered 501(c)(3) located within 50 miles of the approved metros. The nonprofit chosen will receive a grant covering $20,000 of design services; that might include things like a site analysis, a preliminary floor plan, or a proposal for a work plan, according to a press release.

Even if Hosutonians aren't architecture fanatics, they probably know MHOA's work, especially if they're foodies. The office has worked on Loro, Oporto Fooding House, the M-K-T development, the Heights Mercantile development, and other visually-striking buildings.

The goal of the Design for All Initiative is to help local nonprofits deliver more fully on their community work by giving them more functional spaces to work from.

“Working on Design For All projects reminds us why we became designers,” said MHOA senior associate Chet Morgan in the release. “This work serves as a reminder that thoughtful collaboration can unlock new possibilities long before construction begins.”

Last year's recipient was American YouthWorks, which used its grant to update its existing space, which it had "outgrown," according to a release at the time. Other past recipients include Central Texas Table of Grace (2024), Abigail E. Keller Foundation (2024), The Women’s Home and Children’s Assessment Center (2023), and Austin Angels (2022).

“Design For All has become one of the most meaningful ways we connect our work to the communities we care about,” said MHOA founder and principle Michael Hsu. “With our first Design For All project for Austin Angels completing construction this year, we’re especially proud of how the program continues to grow. As we prepare to open applications for this year’s program, we’re excited to meet the next nonprofit that’s prepared to imagine great possibilities with the support of design.”

Interested nonprofits can submit applications through Google Forms.

MHOA offers the following timeline for the process going forward:

Call for Entries – March 10
Questions due – April 10
Q&A posted on website – April 24
Submission Deadline – May 15 at 5 pm
Shortlist Interviews – June 8-19
Partnership announced – June 26

More information about the Design for All initiative, including more specific eligibility requirements, is available at hsuoffice.com.

architecture design nonprofits charity