About Castroville Conservation Society

            The third and current Saint Louis Catholic Church on Houston Square in Castroville built 1870
(UTSA MS 359: L-4106-A)

A group of dedicated volunteers came together in 2000 to form the Castroville Conservation Society whose purpose is to preserve historic building, archeological sites, objects, places, and customs relating to architecture and history of Castroville, Texas. In July of that year, The Castroville Conservation Society, received a charter from the State of Texas as a Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization.

The Castroville Conservation Society is indebted to the San Antonio Conservation Society, Texas Historic Commission, Texas Historic Foundation, and the National Trust for Historic Places, for their invaluable guidance to help create and protect Castroville's "A Sense of Place".

The Castroville Conservation Society sponsors and supports projects focusing on the unique architecture and cultural history of the Castroville area.  Some of our past projects include the following.

Elementary, Secondary, and University Level Educational Programs

• Elementary School Art Project, "Draw your favorite 'Pioneer Home' in Castroville
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, "Buffalo Soldiers" Elementary School Program
• The Witte Museum, "Vaqueros Y Cowboys" Elementary School Program
• Donations to The Landmark Inn's "Pioneer Days" Elementary School Program
• Scholarship Grants to graduating Medina Valley High School Seniors

Public Education Outreach Program

The Castroville Conservation Society sponsors

• August Historic Preservation Workshop
• Annual Awards Banquet to honor citizens for their achievements in historic preservation
• Annual Christmas Candlelight Open House of Historic Homes

Donations to Civic Projects for preservation and restoration of historic buildings and sites

• City of Castroville for the restoration of windows in the Castroville City Hall historic building
• Castro Colonies Heritage Association to help aquire the Castro Colonies Heritage Association Living History Center
• Dr. Ruth Vandyke for the archeological investigation of the site for the Castro Colonies Living History Center 
• Moye Retreat Center Heritage Day

Historic Preservation Achievements
Volunteer members of the Castroville Conservation Society compiled background information, provided historical data and provided continual liaison with State and Federal agencies to help create an amendment to the 1970 National Register, District of Castroville.  This amendment includes the 20th Century as a "period of significance".

2006 "Mary Moody Northern Award for Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation" presented by the Texas Historic Foundation

2009 "First Lady's Texas Treasures Awards" presented to City of Castroville, by the Texas Historical Commission