Bell County receives distinguished service award  

July 17, 2025

 Special to the Journal

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) awarded a 2024 Distinguished Service Award (DSA) to the Bell County Historical Commission (CHC). This annual award affirms Bell CHC for its exemplary initiation and execution of comprehensive programs that preserve Texas’s multitude of historic and cultural resources. In 2024, statewide CHCs contributed an impressive 372,866 volunteer hours, translating to an in-kind donation to the state valued at $11,609,651. This award acknowledges the substantial time investment and adherence to preservation and organizational standards that CHCs utilize in their projects. In 2024, Bell CHC volunteers committed over 1,750 hours working to preserve the county’s historical resources. This included creating a quarterly history education program in collaboration with the Bell County Museum, updating and publishing the 2025 Bell County Historical Resources Guide, and contributing to the establishment of the Comanche Hunting Grounds Interpretive Trail in Temple, Texas, now recognized as the Bird Creek Battlefield Historical Site. To learn more about Bell CHC, visit bellcountytx.com/about_us/county_historical_commission. The county commissioner’s court, acting as the CHC’s governing body, will present the DSA certificate on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the historical courthouse, 101 E. Central Ave, Belton, to publicly acknowledge the appointees for their dedicated service. The THC actively supports over 200 CHCs through programs and services that preserve Texas’s heritage for the education, enjoyment, and economic benefit of present and future generations. THC’s advisory role to CHCs is outlined in the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318. For more information about CHCs in Texas, visit thc.texas.gov or contact the CHC Outreach Program at 512-475-2692.