ScoutSA is what we call the heritage programs administered by the City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation. ScoutSA is an invitation to explore, discover, and celebrate the places, people, and traditions that make San Antonio unique. We do this through historic resource surveys, designations, historic markers, story maps, cultural initiatives, and other programs that recognize the contributions of our diverse communities, businesses, and neighborhoods.

This website is intended to provide an interactive resource for users to engage in a deeper understanding of San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage.

ScoutSA Story Maps

current projects

African American Historic Preservation Initiative

In 2022, the Office of Historic Preservation launched a comprehensive survey and cultural heritage initiative which aims to build awareness, appreciation, and respect of, and for, San Antonio’s African American heritage. The project identifies significant places, events, and people, in addition to intangible heritage, which includes foods, songs, dances, festivals, and spirituality. Community engagement is essential to this project, contributing to cultural mapping exercises and oral history interviews. The work has resulted in educational exhibits and designations to preserve and promote African American heritage. An African American Cultural Context Statement will also be released alongside other community resources to better understand the contributions of African Americans to San Antonio’s unique cultural heritage.

Links coming soon…

Cultural Heritage Districts

At the request of City Council, the public input process to inform two new cultural heritage districts was begun this year. A cultural heritage district represents a collection of tangible and intangible resources that contribute to a community’s sense of place and cultural identity. Proposed districts include: