Tyler County Commissioners hosted a Workshop Wednesday, May 15, meeting with representatives from several organizations including National Trust Foundation, Beth Weidower, Texas Historical Commission: Sharon Fleming, Director of the Courthouse Project of Texas, and Bess Graham the Tyler County representative for our Courthouse Project. John Volz, architect with Volz & Volz of Austin, was also at the meeting.

The National Trust and Texas Historical Commission said that of the 11 "Most Endangered" places in the nation, Texas Courthouses were one of the eleven. In addition, the Tyler County Courthouse is one of the three "Most Endangered" in Texas.

Citizens attending the meeting interacted with the committee, discussing possible funding sources, perhaps using phases of the project as a way to fund in smaller amounts along the way, and donations by individuals, groups, and corporations. After the meeting the group toured the restored J.B.Best building, which now serves as the County Clerk's offices, and the Courthouse, all the way up to the bell tower!

The group was pleased that the county is involved in restoring the original windows with a local craftsman. Also, that the TCCH has an established 501(c)3 account for tax deductible contributions.

The Friends of the Courthouse, an arm of the Tyler Co. Historical Committee will be working diligently on the Phase One goal: to raise a million dollars in donations for the beginning of the project.