The Texas Historical Commission (THC) sponsors two awards that recognize County Historical Commission (CHC) service––the Distinguished Service Award and the Award of Merit. More information about these awards is featured below. While these awards provide statewide recognition, we find that local level acknowledgement from cities and counties proves to be just as meaningful. Consider a local award program to affirm quality preservation work in your county. Photo courtesy of Lavaca CHC.
More About the THC Award Program
Distinguished Service Awards
The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) is given each year to recognize CHCs who demonstrate exceptional service and dedication to preserve the heritage of Texas. The DSA evaluation process applies the award criteria to the work documented each year in CHC Annual Reports. Provided below is a link to a listing of DSA winners since 2008.
DSA criteria are based on the work outlined for CHCs in Chapter 318 of the Texas Local Government Code. The award criteria are published in the CHC Handbook; a copy of that list has been provided below for your reference. We have also provided an electronic presentation that explains the criteria selection. Tarrant CHC appointees receiving their DSA at the 2009 Annual Historic Preservation Conference in photo above.
Prior to 2010, DSAs were presented at the THC Annual Historic Preservation Conference to a delegation from the award-winning CHCs. While DSAs are still issued by the THC, they are now presented by county judges. We recommend that DSAs be presented during county commissioners court and that county officials invite local media to cover the event. This affords all appointees the chance to participate in this public ceremony. These efforts are simple yet meaningful ways to affirm CHC accomplishments. Photo courtesy of Hays CHC.
DSA listing since 2008 (PDF)
DSA Criteria Reference Sheet (PDF)
DSA Criteria Presentation (PDF)
DSA Paperweight Form and Specs (PDF)
Award of Merit
THC’s Award of Merit recognizes organizations or individuals involved in preserving Texas' cultural and historical resources. This award is a wonderful way to recognize outstanding service within your CHC. It is sponsored, prepared, and issued by the THC but presented by the nominating party or local official. When scheduling events associated with this award, please allow four weeks for the nomination to be received, evaluated, and issued (if approved) by the THC Award Committee.
Reasons to nominate an individual for an Award of Merit:
- Track record of quality service
- Continual service over a long period of time
- Outstanding service toward a pivotal project
- Responsible for revitalization of a CHC or other history-related organization
- Initiating and maintaining relationships with diverse organizations
- Engaging underrepresented communities in history-related activities
Reasons to nominate an organization for an Award of Merit:
- Track record of quality projects that promote history/preservation
- Continual service over a long period of time for the cause of history/preservation
- Outstanding leadership, service, or support toward a pivotal preservation project
- Leader or partner that made a significant contribution to historic preservation efforts
- Diverse organization that made a significant contribution to historic preservation efforts
