Historical commission backs Taylor Smithsonian-area exhibit and approves small sesquicentennial donations

The Williamson County Historical Commission on April 9 discussed plans to support a Smithsonian-area exhibit in Taylor and voted to make modest donations to two local sesquicentennial events.

Susan Komandosky, identified in the minutes as chairman of the board for the Moody Museum, described plans for an exhibit near a Taylor site where a section of original wooden-post “First Street” remains visible when pavement chips away. She asked for help making a small section visible, for exhibit materials including plexiglass display cases, and for assistance with fundraising and grant applications.

Commission members volunteered artifacts and outreach: Dan Doss said he had about 40 colorized postcards of Taylor’s main street that could be used for the exhibit, and Eloise Brackenridge and Ed Komandosky volunteered to serve on the project committee. The minutes list potential grant sources including Humanities Texas and the Texas Historical Foundation.

On a separate motion, Rachel Arnold moved to donate $250 to the Taylor 150th event and $250 to the Hutto 150th event; the motion passed and Jon Stephenson was tasked to identify a Hutto contact and report back. The commission also noted a meeting related to Taylor’s sesquicentennial planned for the 24th.

The commission did not specify total fundraising needs or a schedule for grant applications in the minutes; members said the city of Taylor had not provided cost estimates. The exhibit is planned for August and September and fundraising and logistics remain to be finalized.

The commission’s next regular meeting is May 14, 2026.