What Is the Historical Commission?

The Walker County Historical Commission (WCHC) is a constituted organization of Walker County government composed of citizen members who are appointed by the County Commissioners and serve for two year terms. The Commission reports to the County Judge and County Commissioner's Court. It was organized in 1963 for the purpose of preservation of the county's historical and cultural artifacts. Each county of Texas is required by State law to have a historical commission.

The organization works in various fields, including archeology, architecture, history, economic development and heritage tourism for the benefit of present and future generations. The agency helps identify and preserve historic sites and helps to preserve the heritage of Walker County. Historic preservation is a vital part of a promising future within our community.

Commission members have initiated the research, writing documentation, and preparation of over 89 historical markers in Walker County.

Mission

• To discover, and as appropriate, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Walker County, Texas, such as the placement of historical markers.
• To cooperate with other persons, groups, organizations and agencies in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Role of Historical Commissions

CHCs are responsible for reviewing all applications for state historical markers before they come to the THC. They also serve as advisors to their commissioners court on matters of historic preservation. In addition, they often operate county history museums, develop archival collections, promote local history celebrations and heritage tourism, publish books and brochures dealing with the county's history and historic sites, undertake surveys of cultural and historic resources, conduct oral history projects and all other manner of preservation programs.

History

The Walker County Historical Survey Committee was first appointed in 1963 by the County Judge and Commissioners Court. In 1973 the name was changed to "County Historical Commission" by the Texas Legislature.

In 1983 the Commission began negotiating with the Ben Powell family about the historical Gibbs home that had been in their family since 1897 and had been built by Thomas Gibbs in 1862. This Greek Revival house is one of the last remaining 19th Century houses in Huntsville. In July 1984 the Commissisoners Court leased the house from the Powell family for One Dollar a year for a fifty year term and turned the management of the house over to the Commission for operation as a County museum and archive for the citizens of Walker County.

Commission Membership

Members of the Commission are appointed every two years by the Walker County Commissioners Court for a two year term. In-term appointsments are also available.

Anyone who attends two consecutive regular Commission meetings is eligible to submit an application for membership. Applications are considered by a Review Board comprised of three active WCHC members. Applicants selected by the Review Board are presented to the Commisioners Court for approval and appointment.

An application for membership can be downloaded here.

Awards

The WCHC has earned numerous awards during the 41 year existence, including the distinguished Service Award given by the Texas Historical Commission, the state agency for historic preservation.

Meetings

The Walker County Historical Commission meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 5:30 PM at the Gibbs-Powell House Museum, 1228 11 St. at Avenue M, Huntsville.

Meetings of the Commission include a formal business meeting of the Commission usually followed by a talk by a guest speaker on some aspect of Walker County history. A social time with refreshments follows every meeting.

Anyone interested in Walker County history is invited to attend and participate in Commission activities. Meetings are a good place to meet others interested in Walker County history and history in general.

Volunteers

The Walker County Historical Commission welcomes volunteers who would like to participate in its actitivies.

Some of the roles for volunteers include:

• Museum docent
• Assist with fundraising events
• File grants
• Publicity
• Volunteer coordination
• Historical research for markers and preservatioin
• Web site design and updating

If you are interested in volunteering, please attend a meeting of the Commission or send us an email.

Open Meetings Training

Every member of the Walker County Historical Commission must take Open Meetings Training.  This can be satisfied by watching a one hour video on the State web site.

Open Meetings Training Information and Video