Bradford C. Patterson to present “Effective Preservation in Challenging Times” on October 21 Historic Fort Worth, Inc. will present the 2026 Cantey Lecture and Preservation Awards on Wednesday, October 21, at The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth. This year’s program features Bradford C. Patterson, Chief Preservation Officer of the Texas Historical Commission, who will present Effective Preservation in Challenging Times, followed by Historic Fort Worth’s annual Preservation Awards honoring outstanding efforts to preserve Fort Worth’s historic character. Effective Preservation in Challenging Times The year 2026 offers a remarkable opportunity to reflect on the history and future of historic preservation. America’s 250th anniversary, the Route 66 Centennial, the 60th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, and 50 years of historic preservation tax credits each mark significant milestones in the nation’s history and in the ongoing effort to preserve historic places. These notable anniversaries provide an opportunity to reflect on where historic preservation is today—and where it still needs to go. Despite multiple generations of preservation successes, collective preservation efforts face increasing challenges. Yet there are also reasons for optimism. Join Historic Fort Worth in celebrating Fort Worth’s preservation success stories and hear about the state of historic preservation in Texas from Bradford Patterson, Chief Preservation Officer of the Texas Historical Commission. Patterson’s lecture, Effective Preservation in Challenging Times, will bring the vision of longtime Fort Worth preservation advocate Samuel Benton Cantey into the present, examining both the challenges facing preservation and the opportunities ahead. Remembering Samuel Benton Cantey IV This year’s lecture also celebrates the life of Samuel Benton Cantey IV, son of the namesake of the Cantey Lecture. Sam IV died in May following a series of medical challenges. Like his father, Sam IV had a deep respect for history and a strong connection to Fort Worth. He attended Culver Military Academy and completed undergraduate studies at Washington & Lee and Texas Christian University. He served in the U.S. Army and attended the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey, California. He earned a Bachelor of Foreign Trade from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and was a proud graduate of TCU’s Ranch Management Program. Fluent in Spanish and German, Sam IV retired from the military with the rank of captain. Both Sams moved through life collecting friends, and both respected histories. They left Fort Worth a better place. The 2026 Cantey Lecture will honor that legacy while looking toward the future of historic preservation. The evening will also commemorate Sam IV’s birthday and recognize those who have honored his life through memorial gifts to Historic Fort Worth. Memorial donors include Francie and Bryan Allen, Linda Beckworth, Suzy and Dan Coleman, Gretchen Denny, Marguerite Gordon, Carol Graybeal, Ann and Bill Greenhill, Ann and John Holloway, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Johnston, Caroline Lee, Holly and William Schur, and Jerre and David Tracy. 2026 Preservation Awards Following the lecture, Historic Fort Worth will present its 2026 Preservation Awards, recognizing individuals, organizations, property owners, and projects that have made meaningful contributions to the preservation of Fort Worth’s architectural and cultural heritage. The awards celebrate the people and projects demonstrate that historic preservation is an active part of Fort Worth’s future. About the Cantey Lecture The Cantey Lecture honors the legacy of Samuel Benton Cantey, III, whose commitment to Fort Worth’s historic resources helped shape the city’s preservation movement. Each year, the lecture offers an opportunity to examine the challenges and opportunities facing historic preservation and consider how lessons from the past can inform the future. Event Information 2026 Cantey Lecture & Preservation Awards Wednesday, October 21, 2026 The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth 1316 Pennsylvania Ave. Fort Worth, Texas Lecture: Effective Preservation in Challenging Times Speaker: Bradford C. Patterson, Chief Preservation Officer, Texas Historical Commission Following the lecture: 2026 Preservation Awards Reservations and additional event information are available at historicfortworth.org. About Historic Fort Worth, Inc. Established in 1969, Historic Fort Worth, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Fort Worth’s distinct historic identity through stewardship, education and leadership. Historic Fort Worth stewards the 1899 Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House, Fort Worth’s second landmark, and advocates for the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic properties throughout the city. For more information, visit historicfortworth.org. |
- Digital Sponsors -