A groundbreaking $15 million project aimed at digitizing and preserving historical records in Bexar County was unveiled during the Commissioners Court meeting on June 10, 2025. The initiative, which is set to bring the County Clerk's Office to approximately 70% completion in its digitization efforts, underscores the importance of maintaining vital records dating back to 1950 and earlier.

The County Clerk, who also serves as the Record Management Officer, emphasized the critical nature of these records, stating, "There is no price to these records. They are very, very expensive to retain in the county government records." This project not only focuses on case papers and trial dockets but also includes significant historical documents, such as shadow land records that contain information about slavery, vital records for genealogy research, and old election records.

The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts of various departments, including the budget team and facilities, in making this project a reality. The Clerk's Office is also implementing advanced indexing and imaging techniques to ensure that these records are easily accessible in the future.

A particularly poignant moment came when the Clerk shared a discovery made during an inventory of the district clerk's collection, revealing a historical book belonging to a Purple Heart recipient that had been overlooked for years. This find symbolizes the unity and communication between the county and district clerks, marking a new chapter in their collaboration.

As the project progresses, the County Clerk's Office aims to meet the preservation requirements set by the Texas State Library Archives Commission, ensuring that these invaluable records are not only preserved but also made accessible to the public. The anticipated outcomes of this initiative promise to enhance the county's historical integrity and provide essential resources for future generations.