[AUSTIN, TEXAS, January 28, 2026] The Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) have released the latest projects funded through grants of the Native Texan License Plate (NTLP) fund since September 1, 2024:
• $10,788.43 to the Republic of Texas Library (San Antonio) for a OCLC Catalogue/Library Research Online System;
• $5,144 to the San Jacinto DRT Chapter to help replace their storm-damaged roof;
• $3,500 to the Seth Hurin Bates DRT Chapter toward purchasing a DRT Historic Site Medallion/Marker for the Historic Gaines-Oliphint Log House (co-sponsored by the Ezekiel Cullen DRT Chapter);
• $5,000 to the Sons of the American Revolution for a monument honoring patriots at the Texas State Cemetery;
• $20,000 towards installing a Republic of Texas Legation Monument in Washington, D.C. (estimated to be completed in 2027);
• $2,600 to help replace a roof on The Cradle (Galveston), the “birthplace” of the DRT;
• $9,458.89 to the Richard Fox Brenham Chapter to help replace rotten wood and windows of a historic church; and
• $700 to the Picketville Chapter DRT to supplement an event to teach Texas history to 7th graders and the community during Texas History month 2026.
The NTLP fund was sanctioned by House Bill 2971, Section 504.637, enacted September 1, 2003. Twenty-two dollars from each sale goes into the fund to be used to preserve Texas historic sites or fund educational programs that teach Texas history. Plates can be ordered through your local County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office, or forms on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website.
The cost is an additional fee on top of standard registration. It is not necessary to be a member of the DRT or a native Texan to purchase the plates. To apply for a NTLP grant, contact the DRT at drtinfo.org or go to https://drtinfo.org/common/Uploaded%20files/Forms/Finance/NTLP-Grant-Request-Form-Final-2018_rev3_21(Updated%20Add).pdf
According to the site, grants are awarded for the purpose of “all aspects of preserving Texas historic sites or funding educational programs that teach Texas history, including but not limited to the maintenance and preservation of historic properties and furnishings as well as acquisition, maintenance, preservation and cataloging of historic documents and artifacts.” Approved grants do not cover 100% of costs.
The latest grant, $700, awarded to the Picketville Chapter, may be the most unusual and innovative of all the grants. The Historic National Theatre in Breckenridge will be rented on March 21, 2026, during Texas History month, for the 2004 Alamo movie starring Dennis Quaid. Alamo Historian, Kolby Lanham, will speak and show stills from the film coupled with images of historical documents, artifacts, and photographs, to provide a historical analysis of the movie. The Chapter partnered with local patrons to negotiate discounted cost and the event will be “free” including a drink and popcorn. The total cost of the event is estimated to be $1,409.
The Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) is a nonprofit organization of over 7,000 women descended from citizens of the Republic of Texas – a sovereign nation from 1836 to 1846. Organized in 1891, DRT continues to grow and through its committed volunteers and more than 100 chapters to perpetuate the spirit of Texas independence; encourage historical research; and aid in the preservation of documents and historically significant properties such as the Alamo Complex and French Legation. For more about DRT, visit www.drtinfo.org.
