The Brown County Historical Commission was recognized by the Texas Historical Commission and presented with a certificate during Monday’s meeting of the Brown County Commissioners Court.

Pictured above Brown County Judge Ray West presents the certificate from the THC to members of the Brown County Historic Commission.  From left to right are Judge Ray West and BCHC members Ronnie Lappe, Beverly Norris, Frank Hilton, Wanda Furgason, and Clay Riley.

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized the Brown County Historical Commission (CHC) with a Distinguished Service Award for the 2015 year of service. The THC issues Distinguished Service Awards each year to CHCs that document well-rounded programs of history- and preservation-related projects. The award will be presented during a meeting of the county commissioners court on June 20, 2016 to commend the CHC’s dedicated service and stewardship of Texas’ unique cultural and historic sites.

Texas CHCs provided more than 480,000 volunteer hours in 2015, which is an in-kind donation to the state valued at $11.3 million. The THC assists CHCs statewide through programs and services that preserve Texas’ heritage for the education, enjoyment, and economic benefit of present and future generations. The THC’s advisory role to CHCs is outlined in the Texas Local Government Code, the statute that enables county commissioners courts to establish CHCs. The volunteer appointees, as directed by county officials, initiate and conduct programs that preserve the historic and cultural resources of Texas.

For more information about CHCs in Texas, visit www.thc.state.tx.us/chcoutreach or contact the History Programs Division at 512-463-5853.