Welcome!
Welcome to the website for the McLennan County Historical Commission!
This commission was created to provide leadership and coordinating services in the field of archeological, historical, and cultural preservation focusing on McLennan County, Texas.
We are charged with the duty of implementing and maintaining programs, services and projects aimed at promoting, restoring, and preserving historically significant information, structures, sites, and landmarks in this county.
We welcome your interest and invite you to learn more about our programs.
The Latest
Crucial post-Civil War role of Waco, McLennan County Black Churches gets spotlight with event, book
Black churches in McLennan County provided a crucial transition into free communities for Black residents in the decades after emancipation from slavery, said a Waco historian who will share his findings in a Thursday talk at East Waco Library. Read the article →
Read MoreThe Elite 11: A Juneteenth Journey Through McLennan County’s Black Heritage
In this powerful Juneteenth documentary, Charles L. Perkins Sr., Secretary-Treasurer of the McLennan County Historical Commission, uncovers the buried history of 11 historically Black communities in Central Texas—what he calls “The Elite 11.” Through 3,000 miles of travel, over 800 hours of research, and invaluable interviews with living griots like Mrs. Inez Harris-Easley and TC…
Read MoreRanger museum director rides into sunset
The Texas Rangers, the Lone Star State’s iconic law enforcement organization, celebrated their 200th anniversary in 2023. For a notable part of that time, 28 years, Byron Johnson has headed the museum preserving their history. Johnson closes out his chapter as director of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum this month, choosing to…
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Hispanic History Month Walking Tour
Saturday, September 27, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: FREE
St. Francis Catholic Church
315 Jefferson Ave
Waco, TX 76701

24th Annual Genealogy Lock-in
Friday, October 17, 2025
8:30 AM - 7 PM
Cost: FREE
West Waco Library &
Genealogy Center + Online
5301 Bosque Blvd
Waco, TX 76710