Distinquished Service Award

Atascosa County Historical Commission was honored during the County Commissioner's Court meeting on April 25 for their award of the distinguished service award by the Texas Historical Commission for the fourth year in a row. This year Atascosa CHC was one of 71 out of 254 Texas counties selected for the award.

The award recognizes CHC's that have demonstrated substantial preservation efforts, cultivated partnerships and engaged in educational opportunities that lead to a greater understanding of state and local history. Some of the exemplary efforts considered for the award include advancing youth programs, pursuing historical markers for diverse subjects, maintaining historic cemeteries, recording oral histories, assisting local museums, and surveying cultural and historical resources.

"The commitment of Atascosa County's preservation efforts demonstrates an enthusiasm for saving the real places of Texas,"said THC Executive Directive Mark Wolfe. "Your service has helped to enrich the lives of others through history, ensuring the preservation of our state's past into the future."

CHC's are a vital link in Texas' preservation network and few other states have a built-in mechanism that establishes a preservation organization in every county.

These unpaid county appointees donated an estimated $16.3 million in volunteer hours towards the preservation of Texas' historic assets in 2010. CHC's work in a dynamic and positive partnership with the THC to preserve Texas' heritage for the use, education, enjoyment and economic benefit of present and future generations.

Other CHC responsibilities include the preservation of countless historic buildings, artifacts, documents and other pieces of Texas history.

For more information about the Distinguished Service Award, visit www.thc.state.tx.us or contact the History Program's Division at 512 463-5853

Members of the Atascosa CHC pictured, Left to Right are, County Clerk Diane Gonzales, Historical Marker Chair Barbara Westbrook, Chairman Norman Porter,Sr., County Judge Diana Bautista.