JUDGE: Milam County Historical Commission honored

This Monday, during the regular meeting of the Milam County Commissioners’ Court, we were honored to present the Milam County Historical Commission (MCHC) with the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Historical Commission. 

This annual Award is a wonderful acknowledgement of all the Milam County Historical Commission does in managing a well-rounded history and preservation program that enriches and promotes our Milam County and Texas history. The MCHC provides critical volunteer efforts to preserve the unique history of Texas and especially Milam County. Overall, across the state of Texas, county historical commissions provided 294,634 volunteer hours in 2022, which is an in-kind donation to the state valued at $9,369,361.

The Texas Historical Commission assists more than 200 county historical commissions through programs and services that preserve heritage programs in Texas for the education, enjoyment, and economic benefit of present and future generations of Texans including the MCHC’s efforts here in Milam County. CHCs initiate and conduct programs that preserve the historic and cultural resources of Texas.

Here in Milam County, the MCHC has been a tremendous help in many ways just this last year. Recently, there was a dedication of a State Historical Designation for the Worley Bridge at Apache Pass. This bridge is over 100 years old and is still used for vehicular traffic. It was a special occasion for Milam County, but especially for the Worley family and local residents. 

One of the items of knowledge they don’t advertise much when you run for County Judge is the correct and legal manner in which historical buildings must be maintained. That’s where the Milam County Historical Commission has been an invaluable resource as the Courthouse Custodian. 

When the weather struck earlier this year and several windows were severely damaged, it was the MCHC that came to help. They took the time to investigate the damage, meet with the Texas Historical Commission, and work with my office to determine the historically correct manner to make the repairs. Just in the last few weeks we have had further discussions on future repairs to the doors and a new grant program to conduct serious renovations to the courthouse for the first time in nearly a quarter century. 

Earlier this year, during the excavation of a property in the county, an undocumented and unmapped Cemetery was located from over 100 years ago, and once again the Milam County Historical Commission was here to help us. First, they helped county officials determine the correct way to handle and maintain the location. Then they helped with the history of the location, the origin of those buried there, and how to handle the location moving forward. 

And these are just some of the on-the-spot responses they have helped the county with. On a grander scale they have worked over the years on helping secure historical designations throughout the county and on projects like establishing the designations and setting the markers that outline the El Camino Real de los Tejas through Milam County as part of a larger statewide program. 

Finally, as much as our historical assets are important to Milam County as a whole, the Milam County Historical Commission is an equally important asset, and it was indeed an honor to present them with the award in Commissioners’ Court.

You can find out more about the Milam County Historical Commission and all that they do at https://www.milamcounty.net/page/milam.histcomm