The Hardin County Historical Commission’s annual awards presentation and reception is scheduled for Thursday, November 14 at 2:00 pm at the County Seat Music Hall, 125 West Brown Street, in Kountze.
Every year the Commission honors individuals or organizations with awards for their outstanding contributions to the preservation, protection and promotion of the history of Hardin County.
This year the Commission will honor J. A. McKim, III with a Lifetime Achievement award for his enduring dedication to preserving and extolling the history of Hardin County. Mr. McKim has served on the Hardin County Historical Commission for over 25 years and has served as Chair of the Commission since 2008. Mr. McKim’s leadership has resulted in numerous Texas Historical Commission markers for cemeteries, churches, and local historic places as well as developing and instituting a County marker program. He supported the Hardin County Genealogical Society’s efforts to establish the Museum of Hardin County in the old bank building that opened in 2013.
Mr. McKim’s knowledge of all things Hardin County is extensive as he owned and managed Hooks Title and Abstract Company, established in 1902, one of the oldest abstract and title companies in Texas. He is to be commended for his years of public service and significant accomplishments.
Judge Wayne McDaniel will be recognized for the renovation of the County Commissioners Courtroom.
Keynote speaker for the event will be Judith W. Linsley. Judith is a sixth-generation Southeast Texan and historian and currently the Director of the Center for History and Culture of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast at Lamar University. She formerly worked at the McFaddin-Ward House Museum and has authored or co-authored a number of books and historical articles, including the prize-winning Giant Under the Hill: A History of the Spindletop Oil Discovery. Her research interests include African-American history, nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Texas history, women’s history, and oral history. Her presentation topic is "Strong Women of Hardin County."
The public is encouraged to attend the awards presentation and reception that follows. For additional information call 409 246-3447.
The purpose of the Hardin County Historical Commission is to preserve, protect and promote history within the County. The Commission oversees a successful County and State historical marker program. Volunteers are always welcome. The Commission is appointed by the Hardin County Commissioners Court.