Arlington's local preservationists were in the spotlight at the Tarrant County Historical Commission Summit, with three receiving prestigious awards for their contributions to the county's historical landscape. The ceremony, held on Oct. 18 in Fort Worth, ended with Arlington citizens taking home top honors. Following their accolades at the summit, they also got a nod from the Arlington Historical Society and the city council last month.
Long-time preserver of local history, Geraldine Mills snagged the Susie Pritchett Lifetime Achievement Award in Preservation, a significant nod to her relentless work in maintaining the heritage of Tarrant County. Mills, schooled at Arlington High and an alumnus of Arlington State College—now The University of Texas at Arlington—first dipped her toes in historical preservation in 1996 as a volunteer and quickly climbed up the ranks. She's held the executive director position for over 20 years at the Arlington Historical Society, overseeing the Fielder Museum, Knapp Heritage Park, and the Arlington Heritage Memorial Grounds. In 2022, these grounds were christened anew to celebrate her efforts, bearing her name: Fielder Museum at Geraldine Mills Heritage Place, according to the City of Arlington.
Another Arlington native, Kristina Rumans, was honored with the Tom Vandergriff Award for her sustained public service that favored the county's history. Rumans' passion for historic buildings and neighborhoods stretches back to her upbringing amongst them. She has sat on the Arlington Preservation Foundation Board and today is active with the Arlington Heritage Memorial Grounds Corporation and other historical organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution. In addition, her name has graced countless landmark applications and historic district promotions over the past 40 years.
Joining the ranks of the evening's awardees, Jason Sullivan was recognized with the Debbie Reynolds-Hazen Award for his fresh take on preserving Tarrant County's past. After a childhood sprinkled with visits to antique malls, Sullivan's affinity for yesteryears grew, blossoming fully when he stumbled upon an intriguing Texas Historical Marker. Serving as an editor and contributor to the Arlington Historical Society's newsletter, Sullivan also curates content for the Fielder Museum's social media, sharing glimpses of history with a broader audience.
With these awards, the Tarrant County Historical Commission Summit has not only acknowledged the dedicated individuals shaping Arlington's remembrance of the past but has also offered a narrative of how passion can lead to preservation. The work of these three Arlington locals continues to keep the city's history alive for future generations, ensuring that the stories of Tarrant County remain ever-present, per the City of Arlington.
