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BASTROP – Historic Bastrop’s downtown hub for information and community gatherings received high honors from the state this past week.
The Bastrop County Histor ical Soc iet y proudly announced that Nicole DeGuzman, executive director of the Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center, and Sherri Gilmore, society board president, accepted the esteemed John L. Nau, III Award of Excellence in Museums from the Texas Historical Commission.
Out of more than 1,000 history museums in the state, the prestigious award recognized the Bastrop Museum for its outstanding achievements in historical interpretation, museum education, conservation of collections and community involvement.
“Being recognized alongside notable museums like The Bullock Museum [Austin] is truly humbling. It highlights the importance of preserving and sharing the rich history and heritage of Bastrop County, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact,” said Gilmore.
Texas museums are one of the pillars of the state’s history education; spaces that house information and provide content toward the understanding of Texas’ people, places and events, according to the team.
The award solidifies the museum’s place among Texas’ top museums.
The Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center is the anchor facility in Bastrop’s historic downtown, according to the THC awards committee. It draws over 14,000 visitors annually, preserving over 18,000 artifacts and hosting public events like the Music in the Museum concert series, the Yesterfest pioneer celebration, the Lost Pines Holiday Homes Tour, the Lost Pines Historic Homes Symposium and the recent eclipse watch party.
Along with research facilities, staff, permanent and rotating exhibits and an exemplary Visitor Center all in one building, the committee considers the Bastrop Museum to be a valuable community asset.
Named in honor of Texas Historical Commission Chair John L. Nau, III, the award was established in 2002 and celebrates individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the museum field. DeGuzman and Gilmore were presented with the award at the Texas Historical Commission’s historic preservation and heritage tourism conference, Real Places, held in Austin April 5.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the John L. Nau, III Award of Excellence in Museums,” DeGuzman added. “This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team at the Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center, as well as the support of the Bastrop County Historical Society and our community.”
For more information about the Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center and the Bastrop County Historical Society or about becoming a member, call 512-303-0904 or visit BastropCounty-HistoricalSociety.com.
“This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team at the Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center, as well as the support of the Bastrop County Historical Society and our community.”
— Nicole DeGuzman, museum director
