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Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Youth Advisory Board Youth Advisory Board COUNTY-WIDE “YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD” ​ One of the most important branches of the Montgomery County Historical Commission is its Youth Advisory Board (“YAB” for short). Composed of juniors and seniors representing public and private high schools in Montgomery County. The goal is to harness the “Youth Power” in our communities by forming a high school youth advisory board. The Historical Commission believes this is the first such county-wide youth organization of its kind in Texas. ​ The Montgomery County Historical Commission is a duly constituted organization of Montgomery County government composed of citizen members appointed by the County Commissioners who serve for two-year terms. The Commission reports to the County Judge and the Commissioners Court and the Texas Historical Commission. The Commission works in various fields including archeology, architecture, history, economic development and heritage tourism for the purpose of preserving and promoting the rich history and heritage of Montgomery County—the third oldest county in Texas, created in 1837. The Youth Advisory Board has its own set of By-Laws along with a Mission Statement: ​ To provide the youth of Montgomery County opportunities through volunteerism and service to have a positive effect on the preservation and promotion of the history and heritage of Texas and Montgomery County; to discover and circulate information that is important to the historical identity of Montgomery County; and to offer a forum by which youth in Montgomery County can voice their ideas and concerns. ​ These energetic and creative young people—all personally selected by their school teachers and administrators—will individually and collectively: ​ Be a voice for the youth of Montgomery County in our Historical Commission’s goals to make history relevant, interesting and fun for all ages Promote Historical Commission activities and events, such as the upcoming first annual History Road Rally and similar historical events around Montgomery County Generate fresh and fun ideas for projects that serve the Historical Commission and the citizens of Montgomery County Increase awareness of educational opportunities for Texas and Montgomery County history Be directly engaged in the preservation and promotion of the history of Montgomery County Promote the contributions of Montgomery County youth as service volunteers Help with the maintenance of the Historical Commission website and other social media that distribute information about Montgomery County’s historical sites and its rich heritage Have fun working with other Montgomery County youth along with respected County leaders ​ For more information about this new organization, please contact Commission member and Board sponsor, Brenda Beaven at 936-499-3786 (cell) or email: brenda.n.beaven@gmail.com . Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Bessie Owen Collection The Bessie Owen Collection This is a courtesy from the History Task Force who scanned the collection to find out more visit the History Task Force Currently Displaying Boxes 1-7 of 12, More Coming Soon! Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Minutes and Reports Annual Report of the Commission 2023 Montgomery County Historical Commission Report Minutes and Reports Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Grants Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Historic Resources Preservation Montgomery County Historic Resources To preserve historic and cultural resources, we must first know they exist. Architectural and archeological surveys identify significant properties in neighborhoods, communities, and entire counties. Published inventories of such sites can be indispensable in raising a community's awareness of its cultural heritage and in its planning efforts. The most important resources identified through surveys have the potential for state and national landmark designation. Moreover, the information and photographs generated by a survey create an irreplaceable record of the present state of that heritage. Preservation Resources Nr_Survey_NrSurv79-DCF MCHC Resource Tracking Log Tx Preservation Handbook_10 National Preservation Act Application for Funding Reimbursement Procedures (Jan 2022) Preservation Projects and Grants Projects 2020 Preservation Projects 2019 Preservation Projects 2018 Preservation Projects Grants 2020 Historic Preservation Grants 2019 Historic Preservation Grants 2018 Historic Preservation Grants Historical Resource Documents Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Cemetery Preservation Montgomery County Cemeteries Cemeteries are among the most valuable of historic resources. They are reminders of various settlement patterns, such as villages, rural communities, urban centers, and ghost towns. Cemeteries can reveal information about historic events, religions, lifestyles, and genealogy. ​ Names on grave markers serve as a directory of early residents and reflect the ethnic diversity and unique population of an area. Cultural influence in grave marker design, cemetery decoration, and landscaping contribute to the complete narrative of Texas history. Established in large part for the benefit of the living, cemeteries perpetuate the memories of the deceased, giving a place of character and definition. ​ The Texas Historical Commission is aware of about 14,000 cemeteries in Texas, and this number continues to rise. These range from single, isolated, and often unmarked graves to expansive cemeteries spanning hundreds of acres and reaching up to hundreds of thousands of burials. ​ Unfortunately, historic cemeteries do not necessarily remain permanent reminders of our heritage. Across Texas, they are threatened by development and expanding urban areas, natural forces such as weathering and uncontrolled vegetation, lack of fences to keep cattle from toppling headstones, and vandalism and theft, including removal of headstones and objects. Neglect accelerates and compounds the process. The THC’s Cemetery Preservation Program offers technical assistance to assist concerned citizens and local and regional organizations with their cemetery preservation efforts. The program administers the Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) designation process to record and protect historic cemeteries across the state. Participation can lead to a strong and long-lasting preservation effort. ​ The THC offers guidelines (PDF) to aid in the preservation of the state’s historic cemeteries. However, this information alone is not enough to protect them; preservation starts with you. Individuals and groups interested in saving these irreplaceable cultural resources of Texas’ heritage are the driving force in long-term preservation. What Can I Do? Preserving historic cemeteries begins with you. Cemetery preservation is community-driven and begins with grassroots efforts. ​ It is important to educate city and county officials about cemetery preservation issues and inform state legislators of the need for stronger state laws. Elected officials are not always aware of historic preservation challenges in the community and they will welcome input. ​ A working knowledge of federal, state, and local cemetery laws is essential, as is an effort to publicize attempts to protect and care for cemeteries when possible. Here are a few things you can do: ​ Record unidentified and abandoned cemeteries in your area with a Notice of Existence of Cemetery form This form, filed with your county clerk’s office, will add the cemetery to the county deed records, allowing future landowners knowledge of a cemetery on their property.​ Record unverified in your area with a Notice of Unverified Cemetery form. This form is filed with the Texas Historical Commission and concurrently with the landowner on record. Apply for a Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) designation. This process provides the Texas Historical Commission (THC) with additional information about the cemetery and is accompanied by detailed information including the history, a map, photographs, and historic deed records. Form a cemetery association or 501(c)(3) corporation. A cemetery association can create rules and regulations that can protect the cemetery. It can also raise tax-deductible funds to aid in cemetery maintenance, clean-up, preservation, and conservation efforts. Keep the THC informed of cemetery preservation projects taking place in the community. If you need additional help or information regarding historic cemeteries, or if you would like to talk with a staff member about the HTC designation, please contact the THC’s Cemetery Preservation Program staff at 512-463-5853, or history@thc.texas.gov . Montgomery County Cemeteries Montgomery County Cemeteries Lat and Long Texas Atlas List of Cemeteries Conroe Community Cemetery Restoration Project Cemetery Documents Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Montgomery County History Bessie Owen Collection Visit Places Visit People Visit Events Visit Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More The History of our Commission The Commission’s predecessor, the Montgomery County Historical Survey Committee, was organized in about 1953 during the administration of County Judge W.S. Weisinger, with W. H. “Harley Gandy as its first chairman. Other members included Mrs. Smith (Bessie) Owen and Mrs. Raymond (Anna) Weisinger of Montgomery; Miss Margaret Ella Watson of Willis; J. T. Montgomery, Mrs. A.K. Stewart, and Mrs. W.P. McComb, Sr., all of Conroe. The Commission was organized for the purpose of preservation of the county’s historical and cultural artifacts. In 1973 the Texas State Legislature created county historical commissions. Each county in Texas is required by State law to have a historical commission, and in that year the Historical Survey Committee’s title was changed to the Montgomery County Historical Commission. ​ Since it was organized in 1953, the Montgomery County Historical Commission has been prominent in regional and statewide historical activities. In 1966, Montgomery County along with DeWitt County (at the request of the State Commission) piloted a program of Texas History Appreciation Week sponsoring essay and poster contests in the public schools of Montgomery County. In June of that same year, dignitaries from many sections of Texas gathered in Montgomery County to pay tribute to the men who served Texas in the office of Secretary of State. Climaxing the event, a marker entitled “CHARLES BELLINGER STEWART, FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE” was unveiled and dedicated. The planning and cooperation of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce made this event outstanding by any standard. ​ The County Historical Commission has hosted numerous regional meetings, and the Commission has been awarded the State’s Distinguished Service Award for meritorious services in the field of historic preservation on at least three occasions. In 1978 the Commission received an award of merit for outstanding historical preservation accomplishment. The following year (1979), twenty County Chairmen in Texas were honored at the State Commission’s Silver Anniversary Banquet for having given the longest service to the Texas Historical Commission. Montgomery County was one of the counties recognized. ​ During the Civil War Centennial Celebration in Texas (1961-1965), countless Confederate soldiers’ graves were located, service proven, and marked with government stones. Cooperation with the Texas Civil War Centennial poster and essay contests for high school students resulted in State-wide recognition for the county when Charles Heintz (a junior in Montgomery High School) won first place and a college scholarship with his entry entitled, “A MONTGOMERY COUNTY SOLIDER BOY”. This was a biographical paper on Frank B. Chilton of Montgomery who ran away from home to serve the Confederacy as a very young boy. He survived the war, returned home, and compiled a history of Hood’s Brigade. He was chiefly instrumental in gathering funds for the monument to Hood’s Brigade that stands on the Capitol grounds in Austin. ​ ​ Perhaps the most lasting and widely-publicized spin-off of the Commission is the creation of the Montgomery Trek Historic Homes Tour in Montgomery. In 1954, a Montgomery area citizen who was also doing volunteer work for the Texas Historical Foundation had an idea of organizing the first tour of old homes under this new State program of restoration and preservation. Late in 1954, with the guidance of the then Texas State Historical Survey Committee, the Montgomery Historical Society was formed to manage the affairs of the tour with its chief purpose being to preserve and/or restore the many aging but architecturally sound old homes in the Montgomery area. In April of the following year (1955), the first tour netted some one hundred and fifty visitors to six homes. Since this first tour, each third Sunday in April sees attendance at the “Trek” in ever-increasing numbers. Weather permitting, registration from five to as many as eleven buildings varies from four and five hundred to as many as eleven hundred at each place. Proceeds from the tour have been used to erect the many historical makers in the town, to restore its cemeteries, to further and encourage restoration and upkeep of the buildings, and to purchase historical materials for schools and libraries. The Arnold-Simonton House in Montgomery has been listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and has received a matching funds grant for the historic and architectural study necessary for restoration. Efforts to authentically restore this classic Greek Revival cottage were successful, and after serving as the city hall for the City of Montgomery for several years, it was moved to Fernland Historical Park where it serves as a museum. ​ In 1972, Montgomery County was one of the fifteen counties invited to attend a comprehensive three-day workshop on oral history held at the L.B.J. Library in Austin. Three members attended. ​ Through the work and efforts of the Montgomery County Historical Commission, over 40 historical markers (including subject, grave, and building markers) have been researched, applied for, and received for Montgomery County. ​ The need for historical activity in Montgomery County is boundless. The County is rich in research materials, buildings that need notice, and countless other subjects concerning the heritage of the people of the County. ​ The Montgomery County Historical Commission has been chaired by the following individuals since it was formed in 1953: ​ W. H. “Harley” Gandy (1953-1963) Bessie Owens (1963-1985) Gertie Spencer (1985-2012) Larry L. Foerster (2012- ) In 1963, W. H. “Harley” Gandy stepped down as the Commission’s first chairman and the County Commissioners appointed Bessie Owen as chairperson. On February 13, 1985, the Commissioners Court honored Mrs. Owen’s 22 years of distinguished service to the Historical Commission with a wooden and bronze plaque, and Mrs. James (Gertie) Spencer was appointed as her successor. Gertie Spencer faithfully served as Chair of the Historical Commission for the next 27 years. On May 7, 2012, the County Commissioners Court honored Gertie Spencer for her exemplary service to the Historical Commission and, upon the recommendation of County Judge Alan B. Sadler, appointed Larry L. Foerster to the position of Chair of the Commission. ​ Larry L. Foerster, Chairperson Montgomery County Historical Commission June 18, 2012 Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

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Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerster, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Home of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Resources Search Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerester, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.