AUSTIN COUNTY
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
The mission of the Austin County Historical
Commission is to protect and preserve the county’s historic and prehistoric
resources for the use, education, enjoyment and economic benefit of present and
future generations.
County historical commissions
are authorized by the Texas Legislature for the purpose of "initiating and
conducting programs for the preservation of the historical heritage of the
county." Appointed by the Commissioners’ Court for 2-year terms, the members of
the commission operate under their own by-laws, but in close association with
the Texas Historical Commission in Austin.
The Austin County Historical
Commission meets regularly, six times a year, but the work of its members is
continuous. These interesting and educational meetings are open to the public
and those interested are encouraged to attend. A project of ACHC in 1993 was
replacing and erecting new School Markers in Austin County. Its most recent
publications was Official Texas Historical Markers in Austin County.
A
former project The Cemeteries of Austin County has been updated and the
information can now be accessed online at http://www.txgenweb2.org/txaustin/ .
Other publications by the ACHC are Education in Austin County, Volume I
and Dance Halls of Austin County. Currently work is progressing on
another edition of the school book church histories and cotton
gins.
2014-2015 Austin
County Historical Commission
Bellville: Joy Neely, Verena Aeschbacher, Tom Bourbon, Becky Larson, Don Allphin
Cat
Spring: James Hering, Debbie Reichardt
New Ulm:
Kenneth Blezinger
New Wehdem:
Bill Hardt
San Felipe: Florence Sims, Juanita
Perry
Sealy: Bea
Chalupa, Grace Holtkamp, Ben Hosak, Ruth Mercier, Carolyn Scott, Peggy Spradley, Carolyn Zaskoda
Industry: Joan Buenger, Sharon Spiess
Committee
Information
Historic Appreciation Committee -
Strives to create countywide awareness and appreciation of historic preservation
and its benefits and uses.
Publicity Committee -
Responsible for making sure CHC activities are well publicized, so citizens of
the county are aware of the commission and its responsibilities to the field of
preservation.
Research and Markers Committee -
Responsible for all matters related to Official Texas Historical
Markers.
Endangered Properties Committee - Keeps a
watchful eye out for properties in the county that are threatened by neglect,
deterioration, lack of maintenance, insufficient funds, vandalism, inappropriate
development or other adverse effects.
Oral History Committee –
Oversees endeavors in oral history projects.
Archives
Committee – Oversees the management and preservation of documents
pertaining to the Austin County Historical Commission.
Archeology
Committee – Undertakes activities that promote the preservation of
archeological resources.
Museum Committee – Serves as
the liaison between the CC and the county historical museum, if such exists.
This committee should also stay abreast of activities in all museums throughout
the county.
Cemetery Committee – Involved in cemetery
surveys, cemetery clean-up days (in conjunction with local cemetery
associations) and other similar activities. It may also pursue Historic Texas
Cemetery designation for the cemeteries in the county.
Heritage
Tourism Committee – Formulates strategy and develops the tools needed
to spread the word about the county’s historic sites and
attractions.
Certified Local Government – Not active
locally at this time.
