Photographs of historic Farmersville events, celebrities, along with stems of liatris, a perennial wildflower, native to the Texas Blackland Prairie, adorned tables at the Preservation Celebration last weekend. Courtesy Ben Cardon

From longtime preservation advocates to emerging historians, those dedicated to protecting Collin County’s past gathered last week for the annual Preservation Celebration and awards ceremony hosted by the Collin County Historical Commission.

The event, held at Farmersville High School Saturday, April 25, was hosted by the Farmersville Heritage Museum and the Farmersville Historical Society.

Wylie’s former mayor Eric Hogue, chair of the Collin County Historical Commission, delivered opening remarks and introduced Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector Scott Grigg, a Sachse resident, who offered the county welcome. The invocation was led by Richard Holbrook of Farmersville, and pledges were presented by Farmersville Boy Scout Troop 310.

Guests enjoyed breakfast appetizers inspired by historic Farmersville cookbooks and specialty coffees prior to the program, which opened with a welcome from event chair Misty Wiebold. As chair of the Farmersville Heritage Museum, Wiebold carried the event’s preservation theme throughout, from table runners featuring historic photographs to stems of liatris, a perennial wildflower, native to the Texas Blackland Prairie.

Several awards were presented recognizing contributions to preservation and historical education. Katie Dunham, a Plano parks and recreation member, received the Collin McKinney Achievement Award. Lacinda Russell of the Weston Heritage Guild earned the Excellence in Historical Education Award, while Tyler Hoskins of HOS Scans LLC received the Leadership in Preservation Award.

Farmersville resident Linda Hess, a member of the Farmersville Historical Society, was honored with the Living Legacy of Collin County Award. Reed Foley of the Collin County History Museum received the Young Visionaries Award. Paula Ross of the Allen Heritage Guild was recognized for her continued contributions and also highlighted for receiving the Texas Historical Commission’s John Ben Shepperd County Historical Commission Leadership Award.

“I appreciate so much being honored with the Living Legacy Award of Collin County. When I became a member of the Collin County Historical Commission 24 years ago, I never dreamed of this day,” Hess said. “It has been an honor researching the history of sites and people in Collin County. I am so thankful that I was able to preserve a little history! It has truly been my joy.”

Keynote speaker Bryon Wiebold, former mayor of Farmersville, delivered remarks highlighting the people, places and institutions that have shaped the city’s legacy since its incorporation in 1873.

“In a small place, truly big things can happen,” Wiebold said, pointing to notable figures with local ties, including world champion bronc rider Monty “Hawkeye” Henson, jazz guitarist Herb Ellis and drill team pioneer Gussie Nell Davis.

He also reflected on the legacy of Audie Murphy, the most decorated American soldier of World War II, noting the impact of his roots in the community. “Audie Murphy carried Farmersville with him across the world,” Wiebold said.

Wiebold emphasized the role of downtown Farmersville and its longstanding businesses in shaping the town’s identity, along with the importance of preserving everyday stories. He specifically recognized The Farmersville Times as the oldest continuously operating newspaper in Collin County, noting its role in documenting generations of local history.

“The Farmersville Times didn’t just report history — it lived it,” he said, adding that the publication has ensured the community’s stories are preserved for future generations.

He closed by encouraging attendees to remain invested in their own communities, stressing that preservation is a shared responsibility.

“When small towns decide that their story matters … they don’t just survive. They lead. They inspire. And they endure,” Wiebold said.

The Collin County Historical Commission serves as the county’s official representative of the Texas Historical Commission. The 20-member body, appointed by the Collin County Commissioners Court, supports preservation and education efforts across the county.

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