Bell Wins Top Award for Montgomery County History Digitization

Montgomery County Honored Statewide: Cecil Bell Jr. Recognized for Monumental Digital History Preservation Project

Conroe Rotarian and local history champion Cecil Bell Jr. has brought significant statewide recognition to Montgomery County, receiving the prestigious Ruth Lester Outstanding History Preservation Project Award from the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Bell was honored for his monumental work leading the digitization of millions of the county’s historical records and spearheading the creation of the new Montgomery County Historical Commission website.

This wasn’t just some small task; Bell, who also serves as President of the Montgomery County Historical Commission, spearheaded efforts to meticulously digitize *millions of pages* of crucial county documents. This vast undertaking includes everything from historical deeds and court records to Commissioners Court minutes, with some of these documents dating all the way back to Montgomery County’s founding in 1837. The initiative aimed not only to protect these invaluable records from the very real threats of fire, flood, and natural deterioration, but also to make them universally accessible, ensuring they are preserved and easily utilized by future generations.

The culmination of these efforts is MontgomeryCountyHistory.com, a groundbreaking, searchable digital archive. Touted as a “first-of-its-kind” for Texas counties, the user-friendly platform revolutionizes access to the county’s rich past. Researchers, historians, genealogists, and even those tracing property lines can now easily search records by name, location, or specific dates.

“This award is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in bringing Montgomery County’s incredible history into the digital age,” said Cecil Bell Jr. “Our goal was not just to preserve these irreplaceable documents physically, but to make them easily accessible to anyone with an interest in our county’s storied past. Seeing the public engage with MontgomeryCountyHistory.com is incredibly rewarding and reaffirms the importance of this work.”

Bell, accompanied by his wife Darla Bell, formally accepted the Ruth Lester Award – the THC’s highest honor for history preservation projects – during the commission’s annual conference in Fort Worth in April. The award celebrates exemplary projects that significantly contribute to the preservation and understanding of Texas history.

Local recognition came with much fanfare on May 14, when County Judge Wayne Mack formally presented the award to Bell during a Montgomery County Commissioners Court meeting. Judge Mack lauded the project’s critical importance, emphasizing Montgomery County’s unique historical standing.

“Montgomery County holds a special place in Texas history as one of its original counties, established way back in 1837,” Judge Mack stated. “Cecil Bell Jr.’s vision and leadership in digitally preserving our foundational documents ensure that this rich heritage is not only protected but also brought to life for everyone. This project is a monumental gift to our community and the entire state, safeguarding our past for generations to come.”

The digital preservation initiative is an ongoing endeavor. The next phase will focus on digitizing thousands of historical photographs and maps, further enriching the accessible archive and providing even deeper insights into Montgomery County’s development and culture. It’s a continuous effort to bring Montgomery County’s storied past into the digital age, making it more accessible and secure than ever before.

Residents and researchers are encouraged to explore the extensive digital archive and discover the treasures of Montgomery County’s past by visiting MontgomeryCountyHistory.com.