Current Events of Van Zandt County Historical Commission

The Van Zandt County Historical Commission celebrated its 62nd anniversary on Monday, January 20, at its regular public meeting at the Sarah Norman Public Library in Canton, Texas. It was a quiet celebration, after regular business had been conducted. 

Commission members Linda Mays and Lisa Mays-Gonzalez donated the festive anniversary cake enjoyed by all. Members reminisced about the Commission’s many accomplishments and challenges in recent years—including the Covid pandemic, which never stopped the group from meeting and working. Effects of Covid and other matters did delay the Commission’s 60-year celebration, which would have taken place in early 2023. The Van Zandt County Historical Commission was created on January 19, 1963, and has worked to tell the story of the county’s past since then.

Elvis Allen, Chairman of the Commission, noted that the group is looking to the future. “We are focusing on outreach, in person and through our website and our Facebook and Instagram pages. We’re continuing our work on getting historical markers approved in the county, recognizing historic businesses and finding historic cemeteries. The Commission is not alone in preserving county history: We’re working with the many history museums and associations in the county to make sure as much of our past is preserved and available for future generations to enjoy.”