The Collin County Historical Commission’s 2010 Preservation Celebration

The County Historical Commission’s Preservation Celebration is an annual event recognizing the historical preservation and education work being accomplished around the county. This year’s event was held at the First Christian Church in Plano, which also happens to be celebrating their 150th anniversary!

This year’s keynote speaker was Velleta Forsythe Lill, Executive Director of the Arts District in Dallas and a preservation advocate. In addition, Lolisa Laenger was recognized for all her years as County Historical Commission Chair and member, and the Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano was presented with a county proclamation by County Judge Keith Self for being the only museum in Collin County, and only one out of 39 museums in Texas, receiving the prestigious accreditation by the American Association of Museums. Out of the 17,500 museums in America, only 775 have this accreditation.

The highlight of the event, as it has been in past years, was the awards ceremony, where exceptional historical work is recognized. First recognized were those individuals and organizations who were nominated for awards. Each received a special framed certificate for their accomplishments:

Bonnie Borrello
Chandler’s Gardens and Chambersville Tree Farm
City of Plano
Tre Colvin
Farmhand Apprentice Program
Jackson Harwell
Marcia Jowers
Tom Keener
Bonnie and Nathan Shea
Anna Shapovalova
Page Thomas

And the 2010 award winners were:

Collin McKinney Achievement Award
    The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc.

Members of the Plano Conservancy accepting the Collin McKinney Achievement Award, recognizing the outstanding achievement of a Collin County historical organization or museum

Excellence in Historical Education Award
    Billy Gordon Hays

Billy Hays’ daughter accepting, for her father, the Excellence in Historical Education Award, for his authoritative book on Prosper

Leadership in Preservation Award
    The Farmersville Times

Chad Engbrock accepting the Leadership in Preservation Award, given to the Farmersville Times for historical renovation by a municipality or business

Young Visionaries Award
    Ashton Ruiz

Ashton Ruiz, this year’s recipient of the Young Visionaries Award, given to an individual eighteen years old or younger, for significant contributions to Collin County’s historical heritage

Living Legacy of Collin County Award
    Mildred Juanice Terrell Stanton

Juanice Stanton, a much deserving winner of the Living Legacy Award, given to a special individual who has enriched our cultural heritage through a lifetime of dedicated service to historical preservation and education

Congratulations to all nominees and award winners, and to the Collin County Historical Commission for another stellar Preservation Celebration!

Photos by: Janice Cline, Collin County Historical Commission member

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