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Front row (from left to right): Jerry Blankenship, Lynn Blankenship, Pat Johnson, Dorenda Crum, Dwight Harkey, Joe Ellis Back row (from left to right): Rickey Lusty, Otis Judkins, Judge Byron Theodosis, Pat Pool, David Williams, Kenley Kroll
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) supports County Historical Commissions (CHC) across the state as they work to preserve cultural and historic resources. The THC administers the Distinguished Service Award (DSA) Program to honor CHCs that go above and beyond to fulfill their preservation mission.
The San Saba CHC has been awarded a DSA for the 2019 year of service. This annual award affirms San Saba CHC appointees for managing well-rounded history and preservation-related programs that enrich Texas communities. The county commissioners court – the CHC's governing body – will work with the CHC to determine the best way to present the DSA certificate and publicly acknowledge CHC ap pointees for their dedicated service. "The THC could not save the
"The THC could not save the real places that tell the real stories of Texas without county historical commissions," said THC Executive Director Mark Wolfe. "The Distinguished Service Award honors these vital partners that preserve our state's history every day, and San Saba CHC is a deserving recipient for its local leadership and efforts."
Texas CHCs provided more than 444,000 volunteer hours in 2019, which is an in-kind donation to the state valued at more than $11 million. The THC assist more than 200 CHCs 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.
The THC received 185 CHC annual reports for the 2019 year of service and 79 of those CHCs were approved for a Distinguished Service Award. A list of 2019 DSA winners and a digital copy of this press release template are provided here: <thc.texas.gov/information-2019-dsa-winning-chcs>.
For more information about CHCs in Texas, visit thc.texas.gov/chcoutreach or contact the History Programs Division at 512-463-5853.