Local History Relies on Commissioners Courts for Support

The new rules regarding historical markers passed by the Texas Historical Commission place a new emphasis on the importance of county historical commissions and their chairs.

County historical commissions (CHC) and the chairs are appointed by commissioners courts every other January. The commissioners court also funds the local historic commissions, though many also seek out grants as well.

Traditionally, the CHC chair in a county helps advise the county judge and commissioners when it comes to preserving local history. Funding for local CHCs can also go toward running local museums, development of archival collections, the creation of county history-related brochures, maps, books and other promotional items and community-oriented historical celebrations.

With the new rules that require CHC chairs or the appointment of a marker chair to work with sponsors and review and approve each marker application before it is sent to the THC, the recruitment of a dedicated and knowledgeable chair is even more important.

But those experienced with their CHC say that the buck doesn’t stop with the appointment. The counties with the most active historic commissions are often those with the most supportive commissioners courts.

She said she believes historic preservation is a good investment for county officials to make.

“We come up with some projects and things to do that put Burleson County on the map, and that makes the judge happy,” she said.