PCHGA Today: Volunteers, renovation update, and library archives

Published 3:13 pm Monday, July 21, 2025

The Panola County Historical and Genealogical Association (PCHGA) prides itself in safeguarding and sharing the genealogical and historical heritage of Panola County, Texas.

(First, we apologize for the misspelling of Mrs. Susanne Neal Golden’s name in last week’s column. We thought it was corrected before it went to press. Mrs. Golden is a strong supporter of PCHGA and has shared many artifacts past and present.)

What’s New?

At PCHGA, we have heroes and “sheroes”. Today we’ll talk a bit about both. The new carpet is down on the first floor of the 1891 Jail and the new tile is in the kitchen. It’s beautiful! Who are the heroes responsible for the labor? Credit goes to (drum-roll, please!) Nicky Parker and John Worley. It was no quick or painless task, but these men endured until the job was done. Kudos to Nicky and John!

Our last meeting was awesome! We acquired a new member and volunteer. Also, we’ve had several young people volunteer their physical labor and computer skills. They are interested and have many questions about what we are doing and what it all means.

If you enjoy this column, then you’ll also love our FREE newsletter once you join PCHGA. President Cindy Parker is responsible for its publication and Susan Calomino sells ads. If you can support our newsletter with an add, please do. These ladies are two of our many “sheroes.”

To join PCHGA, go to https://pchga.org/about-us or call 903-721-1987. A single membership is only $25, couple $35.

Did You Know?

The Panola County Texas Veterans Museum next to the 1891 Jail is a top-notch museum that can be toured by individuals or groups. To schedule a tour, contact Veterans Service Officer William Morris at (903) 693-0360 or email wmorris@co.panola.tx.us. You won’t be disappointed.

Weekly Helpful Hint

While PCHGA is not “officially” currently open for business due to the renovations, we still can assist you. If you need access to our records, books, or other resources to aid your research, please contact us at info@pchga.org or drop in on a Thursday.

We have discovered many hidden jewels among the files! So many photos! PCHGA has hundreds of family history books and hundreds more notebooks and files that are more easily available to you since they have been inventoried and re-organized. Of course, this is an ongoing labor of love.

We have a heart to serve. Email PCHGA at pchgaoldjail@gmail.com. Email your comments on our column at pchgatoday@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook online at www.pchga.org.

See you next week! – A.M.