By Christi Laney
Charged with the task of researching and preserving local history, the Walker County Historical Commis-sion has been the key to maintaining that history and educating residents and vistors alike about the area’s past.
After several decades of service, the commission has become a part of the very history it treasures and will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Sunday with a party after their regular meeting at 3 p.m.
County clerk James Patton, who has been the chair of the WCHC since 1983, said the event will be held to commemorate the work done by the commission over the last 25 years with a variety of displays showing the progress that has been made.
“It’s official preservation for the county,” Patton said. “The (Walker County) Historical Commission is very important to not only toursim, but also the preservation of structures; we take the lead in all projects and coordinate with everyone else.”
The event is free and open to the public, as are all of the WCHC meetings, which are held on the third Sunday of each month. All of the meetings, as well as the anniversary celebration, are held at the Gibbs-Powell House/Museum on 11th Street.
Since its creation, the WCHC has worked with local government officials, educators and residents to research, preserve and exhibit the history of Walker County through the publication of books, the maintenance of historical structures and the display of historical artifacts.
According to the group’s Web site, the work done by the WCHC includes archeology, artchitecture, history, economic development and heritage tourism.
As with many entities across the area, the WCHC has experienced a decline in income in recent months and is hoping to boost tourism and gain more revenue for their projects.
“Hopefully, we will be able to open up some and have the house open more than now,” Patton said. “We are just strapped for income for utilities.”
The Gibbs-Powell House/Museum is operated and maintained by the WCHC and houses many of the artifacts that were recovered and preserved by its members.
In April, the commission was recognized for its contribution to Walker County with a service award given by the Texas Historical Commis-sion.
According to Patton, the commission oversees the dedication of at least one to two historical markers in the county every year and has also published several books in recent years, including a book of photos of the county produced last year in cooperation with Dr. Jeff Littlejohn of the Sam Houston State University History Department.
The Walker County Historical Commission operates the Gibbs-Powell Museum, which is a Texas Archaeological Landmark and a Texas Historical Landmark, through fundraising projects and donations.
For more information about the 25th anniversary celebration or how to become involved with the WCHC, contact James Patton at (936) 436-4922.
