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Purpose of the Kaufman County Historical Commission
In 1956, the Texas Legislature mandated that each county commissioners court appoint a historical survey committee. The county historical survey committees were to be affiliated with the Texas State Historical Survey Committee (the name changed to the Texas Historical Commission in the 1970s), According to the Texas Local Government Code, a county commissioners court “may appoint a county historical commission for the purpose of initiating and conducting programs suggested by the commissioners court and the Texas Historical Commission for the preservation of the historical heritage of the county”.
One of the most important challenges of historical commissions is to dispel the notion that progress and preservation are an oxymoron. In Kaufman County we have museums, local history publications, archeology fairs and living history festivals, historical tours and programs, historical sites markers, Recorded Texas Landmark markers; historical cemetery designations that not only educate and enhance the quality of life for local residents, but also contribute to the economic growth of the county.
By statue, county historical commissions are required to maintain a continuing survey of the county historical sites, structures and memorabilia. With approval and financial support from the county judges and commissioners they may operate museums, publish county histories, prepare grant applications, designate special areas of historic interest, and promote area historic sites for tourist and residents alike.
As an arm of the county government and at the request of the commissioners court they may make recommendations concerning the acquisition of property, real or personal, that is of historical significance and review applications for historic site property tax exemptions. As Kaufman County continues to grow in population, many of the rural areas are turning into housing developments. Commissioners Court now requires that a developer request a letter from the Kaufman County Historical Commission (KCHC) stating whether there are any identifiable historical sites or landmarks within the boundaries of the subject land before they can receive a permit to build.
In the past 50 years, the Kaufman County Historical Commission, whose members are appointed to serve two year terms beginning in January on the odd-numbered years, has evolved into an active and effective historical commission whose purpose is to identify, protect and interpret for future generations the pageantry of local Texas history and the legacy of forebears whose lives and accomplishments deserve remembrance. From 1995 through 2005, KCHC has received the coveted Distinguished Service Award presented by the state to county historical commissions who have done an outstanding job of historical preservation.
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