Sandra Neely, chair of the Johnson County Historical Commission, presented the commission's annual update to the Commissioners Court on Wednesday, summarizing preservation work, outreach, and recent projects.

Neely said the commission began 2024 with 24 appointees and will start 2025 with 16 active appointees; it held 11 meetings during 2024 and maintained an active Facebook presence. The commission also added inventory practices requiring photographs for donation records and said it is cataloging items for the county museum.

Neely described a replacement Texas historical marker for the Bennett home on the Chisholm Trail and said the commission received permission and installed a laser‑cut plaque. She also reported the commission attended a May dedication in Franklin, Tennessee, tied to Civil War battlefield commemorations and said the county commission was recognized during that dedication. Neely noted Joseph Bell's promotion to director of the Texas Historical Commission and said the commission continues to participate in regional preservation conferences.

The commission detailed renovations at the Doty‑Kirkham House: interior and exterior repairs, a new roof, new signage, flooring replacement and interior painting, plus work to open the house during the county's candle walk event. Neely said the December event drew 227 visitors to the house and about 20 more on a docent tour the following day; she thanked facilities staff and volunteers for their work.

Neely also reported work on cemetery and gravesite matters. The commission said it is assisting with Texas Historic Cemetery applications and referenced a recently discovered headstone southwest of Grandview, the likely grave of a 16‑year‑old named Oscar Harrell. Neely said the commission learned the headstone had been knocked over and that an open well was present on the property; she said staff are coordinating with the landowner's representatives and county officials.

Commissioners asked for notification when the Brazos Point Bridge plaque inscription is finalized; Neely said the inscription must be approved before fabrication and that dedicatory events remain tentative for 2025. Commissioners praised the Doty‑Kirkham House holiday presentation and thanked Neely and volunteers for preservation work.

No formal action was required on the report; commissioners expressed support and asked staff to stay in touch regarding the Grandview gravesite inquiry and future marker inscriptions.