While it is a few days before we begin thinking about New Year’s Resolutions, I have one I suggest you consider. Come join us in the Hunt County Historical Commission.
Having been a member since 1981, I can testify it is a fun group with no dues, where you can choose what historical aspect and project interests you most. We meet six times each year, try to have ongoing projects each year, and manage to meet the criteria the Texas Historical Commission suggests.
The Hunt County Historical Commission is one of the smallest groups in the state. So, we would like to welcome new members. You might want to share stories about Hunt County history; about the area in which you live. There might be an old cemetery down the road that needs to be recognized. How about an old house with a great history that should be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and/or as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark? These recognitions help to get grant money for renovation on those old structures. You could even help us locate the Poor Farms of the early 20th century.
However, we don’t clean up cemeteries, but point you in the proper direction. We don’t do tourism; there are much better groups available. We do give talks; help with writing grants, marker applications, and Texas Historic Cemetery Designations.
We are charged with preserving local history and are attached to the Hunt County Commissioners Court. Each year we report our work to them, often times they give us information about their precincts that are very helpful. While we have no office as such, we do steer donors of such artifacts in the right direction in order for them to remain in Hunt County.
There are members that flow in and out. If someone is interested in a Historic Cemetery Designation or a Texas Historical Marker, they usually are regular members. But they make take a breather and join us later for another project.
We are seriously considering Oral History interviews pertaining to Integration of Public Schools in Hunt County. Some teachers from the 1960s are still around and we want to gather their memories as well as students from that time period. Here is where we really need help. We have teachers and students in mind, we have the equipment to film and record interviews, but we desperately need someone to capture it for us. Technology is not our long suit. We have a great advisor, but he works in Dallas. So if you are super good, or even know the basics with a video camera and have occasional three or four hours to help, we will be delighted if you volunteered. You are definitely needed! Contact me at the email above. I look forward to hearing from you.