GOLIAD, TX – The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) in conjunction with Goliad Historical Society donated $3,000 to the Goliad County Library’s J.A. White Family Goliad Center for Texas History. On September 17, 2021, the two organizations presented a check to the Goliad County Library.
“Due to the resurgence of COVID cases in Goliad County and subsequent cancelation of Goliad Historical Society’s tricentennial celebration of the Presidio La Bahia, the Goliad Historical Society and the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) have decided that the $3000 originally destined for the tricentennial celebration for Presidio La Bahia be donated to the Goliad County Library and the Library and J.A. White Family Goliad Center for Texas History to help continue their history programs” said Ernest Alaniz, Goliad Historical Society. “The Goliad Historical Society and the River Authority respectfully ask that the people who have succumbed to the virus be remembered in your prayers.”
“The River Authority and the Goliad Historical Society look forward to what the funds can accomplish at the library” said Goliad County member of the San Antonio River Authority Board of Directors Alicia Cowley. “Our priority with this donation is to help preserve Goliad’s history, and we believe that the J.A. White Family Goliad Center’s mission aligns with this goal.”
Shelley Parks, staff member at the J.A. White Family Goliad Center for Texas History, provided an introduction into the work of the archives: “The J.A. White Family Goliad Center for Texas History archives, housed within the Goliad County Library, seeks to preserve, protect and promote access to significant materials which document the rich history of Goliad County and the Coastal Bend region of the great state of Texas. Besides the archives, the Center strives to give back to the community by providing area wide enrichment opportunities through its monthly lecture series, hosting various historians, authors, writers and educators speaking on a variety of Texas topics,” said Parks. “The Goliad Center for Texas History receives no funding through the city or county, its sole source of funding for operational expenses is through private donations.”
As one of the oldest municipalities in Texas, Goliad has a rich history. “Goliad and the San Antonio River have played significant roles in Texas history. Both the Goliad Historical Society and the Goliad County Library also play an important role in supporting the conservation of this history, and the River Authority is honored to help support their mission,” said Goliad County member of the San Antonio River Authority Board of Directors Dr. Jim Fuller.
Involvement in the community is a shared value of the River Authority and the Goliad Historical Society. “The River Authority sponsors events like the Goliad Historical Society’s 300th Anniversary Celebration and supports other local activities to engage in the community. As the river has played a significant role in the history of Goliad, it is important for the River Authority to connect with local audiences and support the needs of the area” said San Antonio River Authority General Manager Derek Boese. “Donating to the J.A. White Family Goliad Center allows the River Authority to give back to the community of Goliad and thank them for the support that they show the San Antonio watershed.”
The J.A. White Family Goliad Center for Texas History archives serve Goliad and beyond, capturing history and documenting it for future generations. The San Antonio River Authority and the Goliad Historical Society are grateful for the dedicated work of the archives and look forward to seeing the value of this donation in the surrounding community.
