The Texas Historical Commission’s annual conference is the largest gathering of historical preservationists in Texas. During the conference, the THC presents awards to historical groups and individuals who have excelled in various aspects of historical preservation and education. This year the Collin County Historical Commission (CCHC) received two awards, including a prestigious Award of Excellence.

One award that the CCHC received this year is the distinguished service award, which goes to county historical commissions who’ve performed stellar work during the past year. What is noteworthy is that this is the fourth year in a row that the CCHC has received this award.

The second award that the CCHC received this year is the prestigious Award of Excellence in Preserving History, which is one of a handful of awards that may or may not be given out at this conference. This award honors an individual, organization or project that has significantly contributed to the understanding or preservation of Texas history. It specifically recognizes achievements in preservation planning, historic site identification, preservation of significant archival or artifact collections, or research that leads to a greater understanding of state or local history.

This significant award was given to the CCHC for their ‘Carry Along Collin’ summer educational program. This program encourages grammar school (and even older) children to visit local museums, taking Collin McKinney along with them, in the guise of a folder that contains questions about local history that can be answered by going to specific museums. The kids get the folder, which bears a large portrait of Collin McKinney on it, stamped at each museum, with anyone completing the tour of all museums mentioned being recognized in some way at the end of summer. This program is now in its third year and growing in participation.

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(From left to right): Larry Oaks, Executive Director of the Texas Historical Commission, Carole Lowe, Educational Subcommittee Chair for the Collin County Historical Commission, Lolisa Laenger, Chair of the Collin County Historical Commission, and Jon Hansen, Chairman of the Texas Historical Commission. (Back): Mark Wolfe, Chief Deputy Executive Director for the THC.