Laredo, Texas — The Texas Tropical Trail Region has awarded scholarships to two heritage professionals to attend the Real Places Conference, hosted by the Texas Historical Commission. The 2026 conference will take place April 8–10 in Austin.

One of this year’s scholarship recipients is Andrea Ordoñez, Director of Operations for the Webb County Heritage Foundation.

The Real Places Conference is an annual statewide gathering for preservation professionals, museum staff, historians, and community advocates. The conference offers practical training, networking opportunities, and professional development focused on preserving historic buildings, cultural landscapes, and community heritage. Sessions cover topics such as preservation planning, museum interpretation, historic site care, storytelling, and nonprofit leadership.

“I am incredibly grateful to the Texas Tropical Trail Region for awarding me this scholarship,” said Ordoñez. “Attending Real Places has been a goal of mine for years, and I was beyond excited to receive the call. I look forward to learning from preservation professionals and bringing back new ideas that will help our community preserve its past while planning for the future.”

Members of the Texas Tropical Trail Region Board of Directors shared that they are pleased to financially support professionals working in history and preservation throughout the region.

The Texas Tropical Trail Region is one of the official Texas Heritage Trail Regions created by the Texas Historical Commission to support heritage tourism and historic preservation in South Texas. The organization works closely with museums, historical commissions, preservation groups, and community partners to promote and protect the region’s unique cultural and architectural heritage. Through education, networking, and programs such as its scholarship support, the organization helps equip preservation professionals and volunteers with the tools needed to safeguard the stories and historic places of South Texas.

Participation in the Real Places Conference will support the Webb County Heritage Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve, interpret, and share the history of Laredo and Webb County through museums, public programs, and advocacy