{1985 Room Exhibit}

This Committee maintains and organizes the displays of the 1895 Room Museum located in the Tarrant County Courthouse in downtown Fort Worth. The Committee works to promote the educational material contained in the Museum Exhibits and coordinates the exchange of memorabilia and historical materials with other agencies.

The 1895 Room Museum is located on the first floor of the Courthouse and is open during regular business hours of the County. The current exhibit on display is the “Fort of Fort Worth”. The items relate to the days of the Fort, formally established in 1849 by Brevet Major Ripley Arnold. The Commission expresses great appreciation to Judge Steve King, Mr. Doug Harman, Fort Worth Historical Battalion, Mr. Willard Thomas and Dr. Claude Perkins for the loan of items related to this display.

Administration Committee

This Committee handles the administrative tasks of the Commission such as bylaw revisions, budget and financial administration and plans Commission member orientation and training program in February each year.

Archeology

The Archeology Committee surveys and reports archaeological sites located in Tarrant County. The Committee investigates potential sites and works with the Texas Historical Commission on preservation of sites found to contain archaeological elements.

Archives

The Archives Committee maintains and collects historical memorabilia for the Tarrant County Archives, located in the basement of the Civil Courts Building in downtown Fort Worth. The Archives is a research center for Tarrant County history, used by the Commission, and is open to the public as a research facility. All official files of the Tarrant County Historical Commission are located in the Archives including all Historical Marker files for designated historic sites in Tarrant County. The Tarrant County Archives are open to the public from 9-5 Monday through Friday.

For more information contact the Archivist at 817-884-3272.

Education

This Committee serves the Commission as a liaison to the community about the work and projects of the Tarrant County Historical Commission. The Committee also provides training and education for new Commission members.

History Appreciation and Awards

This Committee coordinates the awards programs of the Commission and supports the study and appreciation of Tarrant County History. The Committee supports the County’s Junior Historian Program and provides judges for History Fairs as well as maintains materials to aid teachers in class-room presentations of the history of Tarrant County and Texas.

Historical Markers and Cemeteries

{Historical Marker}

This Committee coordinates the Historic Marker Program for Tarrant County by reviewing Texas Historical Commission marker applications; maintaining a historical marker index of sites within Tarrant County; surveys marker conditions and makes recommendations on replacements and repairs; responds to inquiries relating to historical cemeteries and markers in the County; oversees the maintenance of designated historical cemeteries and works with other organizations and agencies in the cleaning and maintenance of historical cemeteries. This Committee also oversees the Commission’s Section 106 Reviews.

The Historic Marker and Cemeteries Committee reviews all applications for the Texas Historical Commission Marker Program. To obtain an application for a Texas Historical Marker, or for assistance, contact the Committee.

Public Relations Committee

This Committee works as a liaison to the media and the public and prepares news releases for Commission activities as well as historic marker dedications. This Committee also publishes the Tarrant County Chronicles, the quarterly newsletter of the Tarrant County Historical Commission, and is responsible for content of the Commission website pages.

The Commission welcomes your contribution to Chronicles. If your organization has an event or news releases you would like us to publish in our next issue, contact the Public Relations Committee.

Tourism

The Tourism Committee works with area Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus and is in the process of creating Historic Tour publications for historical sites in Tarrant County. The Committee works to promote tourism of the County’s historical assets and trains volunteers to lead area tours of historic places. If you would like to volunteer to work with the Committee as a liaison to your community, please contact the Tourism Committee.