Kerr County Historical Commission earns distinguished award

The Kerr County Historical Commission has received a state award for its continued exceptional service in preserving local and state history.

The local group, which operates under the direction of the county commissioners’ court, received the Texas Historical Commission’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award.

A certificate was presented Monday morning, June 10, by Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly during an open session of the Kerr County Commissioners’ Court.

“We are proud of the efforts of our local historical commission toward preserving our past for our generations to come,” Kelly said. “This award – one received by only about a third of the state’s counties – is proof positive that members of the Kerr County Historical Commission do exemplary work in preserving Texas’ diverse historic and cultural resources.”

On hand to accept the award from the county judge were the historical commission’s chair, Barbara Oates, and first vice chairman, Bunny Bond, as well as Julius Neunhoffer, who is with the Friends of the Kerr County Historical Society.

The Texas Historical Commission reported that county level historical commissions across the state provided critical volunteer efforts to preserve Texas’ unique historic, architectural and cultural assets.

Collectively last year, county groups provided 341,463 volunteer hours, which represents an in-kind donation to the state valued at an estimated $10,858,524 – surpassing the previous year.

The Kerr County Historical Commissioner receives its primary operating funds at the discretion of the Kerr County Commissioners’ Court. Additionally, donations are received from individuals or businesses for memorial contributions, which are tax-deductible for the donor.        

The Texas Historical Commission assists more than 200 county historical commissions through programs and services that preserve Texas’ heritage for the education, enjoyment and economic benefit of present and future generations.

Those interested in the Kerr County Historical Commission are welcome to attend one of its meetings. The group meets at noon on the third Monday of each month, from September through May, at the Old Union Church, 101 Travis Street in Kerrville.