Today, County Judge Bob Hebert recognized Fort Bend County volunteer historians and preservationists for their efforts in 2015.
The Texas Historical Commission issued the county's historical commission the THC Distinguished Service Award for accomplishments during the last calendar year. Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, which appoints the all-volunteer body, acknowledged the award at its July 5 court meeting.
County Judge Bob Hebert, himself an avid historian, said the award illustrates "continued great leadership and a superior work ethic demonstrated by the volunteers who make up the county historical commission."
Hebert cited a few functions of the historical commission, among them the identifying, inventorying and protecting of historic cemeteries and structures; the recording and transcribing of oral histories given by key figures in the county; and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in historical and cultural preservation through the presentation of the annual Bert E. Bleil Heritage Award.
County Historical Commission chair Charles Kelly of Sugar Land voiced his appreciation for the honor by the Texas Historical Commission and stressed that the volunteers could do little without the unflagging support from commissioners' court. Kelly said the work accomplished last year and every year by the county historical commission is a team effort.
In announcing the award, THC Executive Director Mark Wolfe emphasized that county historical commissions "are the backbone of historical preservation and education in communities across Texas. Wolfe added his agency "is proud to recognize the exceptional efforts" of the Fort Bend County commission and appreciates its high level of performance during 2015.
County historical commissions in Texas provided more than 480,000 volunteer hours in 2015, which the THC called an in-kind donation to the state valued at $11.3 million. This donation, according to an agency news release, helps preserve Texas' heritage "for the education, enjoyment and economic benefit of present and future generations."
Pictured L to R: Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, and Fort Bend County Historical Commission Members/Volunteers Charles Kelly and Don Brady