Burnet County Historical Commission receives Distinguished Service Award

BURNET — The Burnet County Historical Commission received a Distinguished Service Award for 2013.

The Texas Historical Commission presents local commissions with the award for their efforts in preserving the history and character of Texas. The Burnet County Historical Commission received the honor at a commissioners court hearing July 8.

“The Texas Historical Commission honors the Burnet County Historical Commission for their dedicated service to the state of Texas,” said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the state commission. “We commend these hardworking individuals for their efforts to save Texas history and look forward to promoting their accomplishments throughout the year.”

The Texas Historical Commission also approved an official State Historical Marker for Capt. Jesse Burnam to be erected in the near future. The Burnam marker was a project of Jane Knapik, who also co-authored a Marble Falls pictorial history book. Also, two historical markers were relocated and two cemeteries were dedicated.

Caryl Calsyn, chairwoman of the Burnet County Historical Commission, said some of the group’s accomplishments last year included appointees contributing a record number of 1,614 volunteer hours for the year; members attending workshops and committee meetings for other preservation organizations in an effort to save county structures such as the Craddock House, the Fuchs House, the Bluebonnet House and two iron bridges; members serving on the boards of two area museums, Fort Croghan and the Falls on the Colorado Museum, with others volunteering for tours and events; member Buddy Inman working as the chairman of the Burnet County Heritage Society; and member John Potts heading the Burnet Historical Board.