About Us
McLennan County Historical Commission ("MCHC") is a group appointed by the McLennan County Commissioners Court to help protect and preserve the history of McLennan County. MCHC participates in county, Texas Historical Commission ("THC") and national initiatives recognizing historic businesses, locations, objects, and individuals. Key initiatives are described below. Information about MCHC's history is available here.
Texas Treasure Business Awards
MCHC collaborates with THC to recognize businesses operating for more than 50 years in the county. MCHC has identified historic businesses and prepared and submitted historical reports about them to THC. The business does not have to be owned by the same person or be in the same location, but it must be the same type of business as when it started. Following an approval process, businesses have received certificates and recognition. Information about award winners in McLennan County is available here. More information is available on THC's website under "Texas Treasure Business Awards." If you know of a business eligible for this award, please contact us.
Historical Markers
MCHC also collaborates with THC to recognize historically significant topics, structures and cemeteries through the Texas Historical Marker Program. Honors include medallions or plaques for (i) subject markers that note historical topics and (ii) "Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks." MCHC (a) identifies potential honorees in McLennan County, (b) prepares and submits historical reports about them, (c) supports individuals who wish to submit historical marker applications to THC, (d) helps to repair and preserve existing markers, and (e) serves as a resource for research and inquiries. Maps of McLennan County historical markers are available from MCHC. More information is available on THC's website under "Historical Markers," "Designate Historic Properties," and "Apply for a Historical Marker." If you know of a potential honoree or have questions, please contact us.
Historic Cemeteries
MCHC works with community members and THC to identify and recognize historic cemeteries located in McLennan County through THC's "Historic Texas Cemetery" designation. Once designated, a cemetery is eligible for a medallion or plaque that indicates the designation. MCHC has (a) identified historic cemeteries in McLennan County, (b) prepared and submitted historical reports about them, (c) helped investigate notices of abandoned, unknown, or unverified cemeteries, (d) supported individuals in submitting designation applications to THC, and (e) served as a resource for research and inquiries. More information is available on THC's website under "Cemetery Discovery and Notice of Existence." If you would like to initiate the process of designating a Historic Texas Cemetery in McLennan County, please contact us.
Handbook of Waco and McLennan County Texas
MCHC has undertaken a project to reissue, update and expand the Handbook of Waco and McLennan County, Texas, a 320-page historical encyclopedia originally edited by Dayton Kelley and published by Texian Press in 1972. The initiative aims to (a) provide the Handbook as a free, downloadable electronic book that is periodically updated and (b) foster community and scholarly engagement by inviting submissions and revisions, ensuring that future editions incorporate expanded research, diverse
perspectives, and historical accuracy.
For more information about MCHC, please contact Executive Committee Members Clint Lynch, Bobby Horner, or Charles Perkins.
Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 311
Waco, Texas 76703-0311
Officers:
Clint Lynch, Chairman
Bobby G. Horner, Vice Chairman
Charles L. Perkins, Secretary