The Historical Society of Helotes Legacy Film Project 2026-2027 Saving the Voices of the Past • Preserving for Future Generations

2031 Sesquicentennial and Golden Jubilee

The year 2031 will be the 150thAnniversary of Helotes’ Old Town District and the 50th Anniversary of the City of Helotes’ Incorporation. To help commemorate this long and unique history, the Historical Society of Helotes has embarked on a new project, a Helotes Legacy Film, to preserve the story of our historic settlement. In addition to uploading the hour-long film and myriad film clips on our website, our plan is to have a public anniversary showing of the 1-1/2-hour film at a local theater. 

Saving the Voices of the Past

Helotes was established in the 1850s by German, Mexican, Polish, Scottish, and Spanish settlers, becoming a stagecoach stop in the 1860s, and designated as a post office in 1873. The five family storytellers we have selected for the film represent several of the ethnic groups that settled in Helotes: Benke-Haby; Brauchle-Kuentz; Madla/Menchaca, Morales, and Schott; and they will be filmed on location on their farms, ranches, and other pertinent locales.

Preserving for Future Generations

This video documentary of oral histories is an optimal way to preserve our town’s unique history as an integral part of the history of Texas, how our state began as small settlements with cattle ranches, goat farms, and other agricultural endeavors, and grew to where we are today. 

Professional Collaboration

The Society has contracted with Clinton Haby (himself a descendant of 19thcentury pioneers of the area) of Storykeeping.com to produce the film. Clinton started his video oral history business https://storykeeping.com seventeen years ago and has professionally produced several community films for nearby Castroville and as far away as Wyoming. Visit his website https://storykeeping.com/community-legacy-films to see his work.

HSH President/Helotes Historian Cynthia Leal Massey and the Historical Society board will assist Clinton, providing pertinent historical background material and liaison with the family storytellers. 

Our goal is to raise $40,000 through grants, donations, sponsorships, and other fundraising activities. 

Donation levels for your tax-deductible gift:

☐ EXECUTIVE PRODUCER $10,000 +

☐ ASSOCIATE PRODUCER $5,000 +

☐ HERITAGE PARTNER $2,000 +

☐ SPECIAL THANKS $500 +

☐ AMOUNTS UNDER $500

SPONSOR A FAMILY  

Your donation can support a particular interview and participant. Simply designate your contribution amount and family on the donation form or in an email to info@historicalsocietyofhelotes.org You may also dedicate your gift on behalf of a loved one or as a memorial.