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Members of the Montgomery County Historical Commission. Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Members of the Commission Montgomery County Commissioners Court Mark Keough—County Judge Robert C. Walker—Commissioner, Precinct 1 Charlie Riley—Commissioner, Precinct 2 Ritch Wheeler—Commissioner, Precinct 3 Matt Gray—Commissioner, Precinct 4 ByLaws Application for Appointment Historical Commission Committees Research and Historical Marker Committee Historical Cemetery Committee Communications Website and Social Media Committee Endangered Buildings Committee Grants-Budget Committee Youth Advisory Board Committee History Road Rally Executive Committee CLG Committee 250th Anniversary Committee Website-Social Media Committee Historical Commission Bartholet, Robin Beard, Kirsten Fitzner Beaven, Brenda Blanks, Jennifer PhD Canada, Mark Carrel, Jack Carroll, Carolyn A. Crowl, Chad DeYang, Aaron Dominey, Barkley Foerster, Larry (Chairman) Hersom, Frank Hersom, Merlynn Hignett, Kimberly Johnson, Frank M. Jordan, Maria Banos Kerr, Annette Knauer, Brittany Wallace Londeen, Ryan Meador, Ann Montgomery, Joy Montgomery, Robin Muir, Steven Politte, Laura Rapoza, Andrew Ringo, Missy Saikowski, Ron Sargent, Bernie Searle, Kameron K. Shepeard, Anna Sisson, Zach Smythe, Beverly Spencer, Gertie Uher, Victor Wilkerson, T. J. Williams, Deborah H. Wise, Olivia "Dell" County Historical Commission Appointee Orientation Course Link Recommended Criteria for CHC Appointees 2025-2026 term of service Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318, enables county commissioners courts to appoint individuals to serve on county historical commissions (CHC). Visit the following webpage to reference a record copy of these statutes: www.statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LG/htm/LG.318.htm. In addition to these statutory criteria, the Commission offers some practical criteria below for your consideration during the appointment process. Statutory Requirements for CHC Composition Section 318.003, Texas Local Government Code, spells out the statutory criteria for CHC membership: Each CHC must be composed of at least 7 county residents; statutes do not include a maximum number of appointees. CHC appointees serve a two-year term, ideally beginning in January of odd-numbered years. CHC appointees must broadly represent the characteristics of the entire county’s general population. CHC appointees must have an interest in historic preservation and an understanding of local history and resources. Appointment Methodology Statutes do not address the exact methodology for appointing CHCs. Our research shows that this process varies somewhat from county to county. Some county officials interview individuals seeking the appointment and others accept recommendations from existing CHC appointees. Whatever method your county selects, please consider the following recommendations prior to appointment. Applying statutory criteria along with our recommended criteria ensures that appointees are active, work well with others, and leave a positive impression with the public. Lubbock CHC unveils the Willie Lusk Historical Marker Recommended Appointee Criteria Please appoint individuals who can contribute in a variety of ways. If possible, appoint individuals who have Internet access (home, CHC office, or public hub), can leave home to perform site visits, and will maintain a positive attitude. Appointees should be able to meet the following recommended criteria. Able and committed to attend full commission meetings; statutes require at least 4 meetings per year. Able and willing to volunteer time to plan and manage projects, programs, and events. Able to receive/respond to public inquiries about county historic resources in a timely manner. Able and willing to attend preservation education opportunities outside of their county. Able to provide site visits to historic properties within the county to update property inventories and provide current information on site conditions to THC staff. Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com 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 c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com 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 Texas Historical Markers Montgomery County As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to our state, community organizations, and businesses. Historical markers can be found in all 254 Texas counties. Age, significance, and architectural requirements govern the eligibility of topics and sites when applying for either a subject marker, a Historic Texas Cemetery marker, or a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark marker. Historical Markers Types of Historic Markers 1 Subject Marker Subject markers are educational in nature and reveal aspects of local history that are important to a community or region. These markers honor topics such as church congregations, schools, communities, businesses, events and individuals. Subject markers are placed at sites that have a historical association with the topic, but no legal restriction is placed on the use of the property or site, although the THC must be notified if the marker is ever to be relocated. Most topics must date back 50 years, events 30 years, and individuals after 10 years. Topic has significance if it had influence or impact on the course of history/cultural development. 2 Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL) markers are awarded to structures deemed worthy of preservation for their historical associations and architectural significance. RTHL is a legal designation and comes with a measure of protection; it is the highest honor the state can bestow on a historic structure, and the designation is required for this type of marker. RTHL status is a permanent designation and is not to be removed from the property in the event of a transfer of ownership. Structures must be at least 50 years old. Historical Significance is required through historical association, events, individuals, or significance to the area. Architectural Significant structures are outstanding examples of architectural history: design, materials, type or method of construction. 3 Historic Texas Cemetery Marker Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) markers are only for burial grounds previously approved for HTC designation. These markers recognize the historical significance of a cemetery and, with the use of interpretive plaques, provide background on associated communities, families, events and customs. HTC markers must be placed at the cemetery, but since cemeteries are protected under other existing laws, they convey no restrictions on the property. The application for an HTC marker with an interpretive plaque must include the same type of detailed history required for other markers. In addition to the context, overview and significance sections, it must also include a section that provides a detailed physical description of the site that includes mention of the cemetery setting, and descriptions of significant landscape features or noteworthy burial markers and funereal practices. State Marker Applications Please see this chart from the Texas Preservation Handbook for County Historical Commissions that outlines the basic steps of the marker application process (PDF). Apply for a Historical Marker: The 2024 Marker Application period will be from March 1st - 2 pm CDT May 15th. The historical marker process in Texas begins at the county level. After you have reviewed all the relevant information on this page, contact your county historical commission chair if you are interested in submitting an application. Please note that applying for a marker is highly competitive, all required components must be included when submitting an application. See Marker Toolkit for more information on how to apply. The entire process of application submission to marker dedication is very long, most applications take 12-18 months. 2023 Marker Applications are now available. Please click on format below to download: 2023 Subject Marker Application (Word Doc ) (PDF ) 2023 Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL) Application ( Word Doc ) (PDF ) 2023 Historic Texas Cemetery (HTC) Marker Application (Word Doc ) (PDF ) Please note that all marker applications must be approved and submitted by your county historical commission chair or marker chair to markers@thc.texas.gov during the open application period. HTC Name & Date Plaque Applications (accepted year-round) A Historic Texas Cemetery designation is a pre-requisite for a cemetery marker. If your cemetery has been designated as historic through our Cemetery Preservation program and you wish to purchase a non-interpretive historical plaque, then you can submit the form below. Note: For an interpretive historical marker for the cemetery, please submit an HTC Application during the regular Spring application period (see the section above to download HTC Marker Application when available). The HTC Medallion with Name & Date Plaque application is available in Word doc and pdf format, please click on the link to download: HTC Medallion with Name & Date Plaque Application (Word doc ) HTC Medallion with Name & Date Plaque Application SAMPLE (Word doc ) Marker program staff offer several online webinars explaining the marker research and application process. Look here for a list of dates and times for these training opportunities. Helpful Tools for Markers Marker Toolkit Training and Workshops Marker Research Guides Marker Program Policies, Forms, and Procedures Marker Types (PDF) Marker Statewide Themes/Topics (PDF) 2023 Historical Markers Program Work Plan (PDF) 2024 Historical Markers Program Work Plan (PDF) Official Texas Historical Marker Procedures (PDF) (for new marker applications) Scoring Criteria (PDF) Official Texas Historical Marker Policies (PDF) (for existing and new markers) 2020 Amendment Relocation Replacement Retirement Procedures (PDF) (for existing markers) For an outline of the basic steps of the marker application process, please see this Marker Process Timeline (PDF) . If you need to move a marker, submit the Marker Relocation Form in Word (or PDF ) to the THC. To order a replacement for a damaged or missing marker, including replacement parts for Texas Centennial markers, use the Marker Replacement Form in Word (or PDF ). To order a supplemental plaque to correct or add information (one sentence), use the Supplemental Plaque Order Form in Word ( or PDF ). Found a mistake on a marker? Request to have the THC review a marker for a possible correction. Find out more about marker refinishing . Original files of Texas historical marker applications are housed at the THC Library, and inscriptions and location information for individual markers can be accessed through the Texas Historic Sites Atlas . To request a copy or scan of a marker file, please email markers@thc.texas.gov with the name of the marker, county and your contact information. Montgomery County Marker Applications MCHC Marker Narrative Template Draft MCHC Marker Application Historical Markers Documents Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com 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.

Cemeteries and Preservation of Cemeteries of the Montgomery County Texas Region. 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 Marker Applications MCHC Marker Narrative Template Draft MCHC Marker Application 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 c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com 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.

Reports of the Montgomery County Historical Commission. 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 c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com 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.