Explore With Us
Duval County Museum and Historical Commission invite you to explore events and exhibits that will connect you to Duval County's rich heritage and history. Be sure to browse our collection of historical pictures and check out the Soy de Duval Blog by Alfredo Cardenas.
Commission awarded Distinguished Service Award for 2022
Our CHC once again is the proud recipient of the State Distinguished Award for preservation efforts during 2022. Commission members are pictured with Duval County Judge Arnold Cantu who presented the Award to DCHC Chairman Savannah Smith at the July 2023 Commissioner's Court meeting.
El Plan de San Diego Historical Marker Unveiled
Our Historical Commission members and other dignitaries are shown unveiling the Undertold Story Texas Historical Marker at a dedication event held January 28, 2023. Duval County Judge read a proclamation and DCHC Chairman Savannah Smith read the inscription on the marker. A reception followed where guest speakers Dr Christopher Carmona and Dr Emilio Zamora shared their thoughts on the relevance of preserving these stories.
Antonio Lopez Family Cemetery Marker Dedicated
In November 2022, Interim Judge E.B. Garcia joined family members on a cold, windy day to dedicate the Historic Cemetery Marker for the Antonio Lopez Family Cemetery in San Jose. The judge read a proclamation from the Texas Historical Commission, the marker was blessed by a Catholic priest, and then family members continued the celebration at a luncheon at the parish hall in nearby Benavides, Texas,
DCHC receives state 2020 Distinguished Service Award.
Congratulations to our CHC team for their dedicated efforts this past year that led to being recognized by the Texas Historical Commission with a 2020 Distinguished Service Award! We are proud and honored to receive this award from the state! Our CHC honored on July 12, 2021 at the commissioners court meeting and hosted a reception at the museum afterwards.
"The Duval County Commissioners Court and the county are very proud and appreciative of the positive contributions that the County Historical Commission provides to the communities of Duval," said County Judge Gilbert Saenz. "All of their continuous efforts to protect and promote the truth of our local culture and heritage is invaluable.”
"To know your future, you must know your past."
Our 1916 County Courthouse will soon be getting some TLC from the THC! Duval County was recently awarded almost one million dollars in emergency grant monies to be utilized for repairing the structure as the beginning of the journey to full restoration of this historic county landmark.
In April 2019, DCHC Chairman Graciela T. Gonzales presented a $5000 contribution from Duval County Historical Commission to Duval County Judge Gilbert Saenz to assist the county in pursuing a grant for restoration of the courthouse. The funds will be used to continue the process of securing grant funds for planning and implementation of a courthouse restoration plan.
CHC Annual State Report
Each year, Duval County Historical Commission submits a report to the Texas Historical Commission. The DCHC Chairman also presents the report to the County Commissioners in the Spring.
Access the DCHC 2021 Annual State Report here: SUMMARY
Access the DCHC 2021 Annual State Report here: SUMMARY
Commissioners' March 2022, Chairman Gonzales and Vice-Chairman Savannah Smith presented the 2021 CHC Annual State Report to the Commissioners' Court. Pictured on Left are Gonzales, Judge E.B. Garcia, new museum clerk Trey Contreras and S. Smith.
On the right are Commissioners Gilbert Uribe and Pete Guerra shown with DCHC staff. |
DCHC BYLAWS
Duval County Historical Museum
P.O. Box 663
208 E St. Joseph Street
San Diego, TX 78384
Phone:(361) 279-2597
P.O. Box 663
208 E St. Joseph Street
San Diego, TX 78384
Phone:(361) 279-2597

Hours of operation: M - F 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Contact us here:
Email: ducomu1912@gmail.com
Phone: (361) 279-2597
alternate phone: (361)263-2961
Museum Clerk: Trey Contreras
Check out more interesting facts about Duval County here