Hays County Commissioners Court Swears In 2nd Mid-Term Historical Commission Member

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Breaking with tradition for only the second time in its history, the Hays County Historical Commission gained a new mid-term member when volunteer Vanessa Westbrook was sworn in by County Judge Ruben Becerra on August 27. Typically, the Historical Commission inducts new members only every two years.

Chairwoman Kate Johnson said that the Historical Commission could not pass up having Westbrook officially join after serving as a volunteer updating the Historical Commission’s website.

“I believe Vanessa’s talents will help us reach our goals in the next two years,” Historical Commission Chair Kate Johnson told the Court. “Vanessa’s museum experience in the interpretation and installation of exhibitions will be so beneficial for us here at the Courthouse Museum and at the Kyle Rail Depot and Heritage Center. Her understanding and experience with the Dunbar Historic District will be a great asset for our last planning phase for the museum at the Old Hays County Jail.”

Westbrook is the former executive director of the Calaboose African American History Museum, and previously worked at the DoSeum, San Antonio’s Museum for Kids, as the STEM Education Manager. She holds both a Master’s in Education from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Arts from Texas State University.

“This is an honor,” Westbrook told the Court. “I look forward to working with the Historical Commission on historical sites and our history to that the people of Hays County can have a better understanding of our history.”

For more information about the Hays County Historical Commission visit www.HaysHistoricalCommission.com.