Local Historical Commission Receives Award

The Texas Historical Commission of Tom Green County has received the Texas Historical Commissions Distinguished Service Award (DSA) for almost 30 years, according to chairman of the Tom Green County historical commission Golda Foster. This year is no exception. Members of the historical commission were presented a certificate acknowledging this award in Commissioners’ Court on Tuesday.

Foster claims that the DSA is the highest award a county historical commission can receive from the Texas Historical Commission.

“The award recognizes a well-rounded program,” Foster said. “[The Texas Historical Commission] examines [our] work in identification of historical resources and preservation of those resources, whether it be historical cemeteries or information on historical sites.”

The historical commission works with Fort Concho in producing and participating in events dedicated to the history of the fort. Furthermore, it focuses on preservation of military history, preservation of cemeteries, and education about the county’s history. The commission even assists individuals who are gathering information on historic properties.

“There’re lots of things that we do that don’t always get us a big fanfare or recognition, but it’s all a part of the program of work that we do,” Foster said.

The historical commission in each county is appointed by their respective commissioners’ court. County historical commissions must abide by the rules of the Texas Historical Commission, however.

“One of the most important things that we have been able to do over the years is establish a great rapport with our commissioners’ court and our elected officials,” Foster said. “A lot of counties, they don’t have the relationship that we have [with the commissioners’ court].”

According to Foster, the historical commission is celebrating its 50^th anniversary. She also said that Tom Green County’s historical commission is considered “one of the top three or for historical commissions in the state.”

“We’re always looking for people that are interested in preserving our history and working with us,” Foster said.