Heritage Commission
Founded on October 8, 1980, the Heritage Commission maintains and showcases the history of The University of Texas at El Paso since its founding as the Texas State School of Mines and Metallurgy in 1914.
The Commission began when several faculty members organized and assumed the responsibility as the original UTEP “Keepers of Tradition.” Today’s commission members also include dedicated University staff and alumni.
Through the collection and preservation of countless items and exhibits, along with research support that offers a window into the past, the commission ensures our heritage and life stories endure for future generations — a mission rooted in the scholarly spirit of its founder, historian and former UTEP President Haskell Monroe.
Heritage House
From freshman beanies to legislative documents, the history of The University of Texas at El Paso is preserved in a small, white bungalow at the corner of Kerbey and Randolph near the Union Building.
Built-in 1920 and open to the public since 1994, the Heritage House is the campus historical repository. The white stucco-finish building was built in 1920 by the first Dean of the School (later College) of Mines, Steven H. Worrell and his wife, Kathleen, who suggested the Bhutanese architectural style for campus. When they left El Paso in 1923, they deeded their home to the college.
The building then became the home of Worrell’s successor as dean, John W. “Cap” Kidd, and his wife until his death in 1941. It continued to serve as a home for administrators until 1960, when it became the Special Projects Center and was used for a variety of functions including offices of the Schellenger Research Laboratories, the Upward Bound Program, and even ballet classes.
In 1994 UTEP President Diana Natalicio designated the building as the “Heritage House” during a dedication ceremony on December 14, 1994. From this point, the building has publicly showcased the collection of the memorabilia assembled by the Heritage Commission since its official creation in 1980.
Heritage Commission volunteers are available for tours, video or DVD viewings, archive searches and discussions of the collections maintained.
Visit during open hours, Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., or by appointment. Call 915-747-5700 for more information.
SHARE UTEP MEMORABILIA
If you have memorabilia that you would like to share or dedicate to the University, please contact us at heritage@utep.edu or call 915-747-5700.
UTEP Heritage Commission is seeking new members
The Heritage Commission is currently seeking volunteers to help continue being the Keepers of UTEP’s rich history and traditions. Membership is open to anyone who has the love and passion for UTEP. Many volunteers are retired Faculty or Staff, Students, or a community supporters.
For more information on how you can become a member, email us at heritage@utep.edu or contact Briane K. Carter, Heritage Commission Chair, at bcarter@utep.edu or by calling 915-747-5700.
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