Hays County Historical Commission garners award from state of Texas

On Tuesday the Hays County Commissioners Court presented the County Historical Commission with the 2018 Distinguished Service Award bestowed by the State Historical Commission. The award is given to local commissions with documented, well-rounded, above-average preservation programs.

“It is a great honor,” Hays County Historical Commission Chairwoman Kate Johnson told the Court. “It takes a great deal of work to receive this award, and fewer than one-third of Texas counties qualify. Our volunteers spend thousands of hours each year on different projects.”

The Historical Commission works closely with the City of San Marcos Main Street Program on events such as Bubble Fest, wine walks, and the Texas State FMA Fashion Show as well as other events around the grounds of the Courthouse on the Square. Both Johnson and long-time volunteer Linda Coker have received volunteer awards from the Main Street Program.

“We are grateful for the active Historical Commission in Hays County with its outstanding leadership and diversity in its membership,” Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said. “Their appreciation for all history is an asset to future generations.”

Among the Historical Commission’s projects include researching and placing Texas historical markers, registering 80 cemeteries for historic designation, and maintaining the most isolated cemeteries that have no one left to care for them.

Some members maintain exhibits at the County Museum in the County Courthouse. Others have brought the Kyle Railroad Depot and Heritage Center to life and another group is restoring the original 1884 County Jail in San Marcos.

The Hispanic Cultural Committee helps preserve Hispanic arts, culture, heritage, and values. Members researched and created Historical Marker applications for the Cuauhtémoc Hall and the Alba Ranch.

The Horticulture Committee works to preserves the historic flora found throughout the county and helps identify and conserve those plants at construction sites. The group oversees the maintenance and care of trees such as the Kyle Auction Oak and the Hanging Tree in the Kyle Cemetery. Knowledgeable members also help residents determine the age of trees or if a tree might have been a Marker Tree. Identifying plants that are rare or were thought to be extinct is an exciting benefit for the committee members.

For more information about the Hays County Historical Commission visit www.HaysHistoricalCommission.com.