The Texas Historical Commission named the Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center the John L. Nau, III Award of Excellence in Museums 2023 winner. The museum was one of over 1,000 Texas history museums eligible for the award.

Nicole DeGuzman, executive director of the Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center, and Sherri Gilmore, president of the board for the Bastrop County Historical Society, accepted the award at the Texas Historical Commission's historic preservation and heritage tourism conference, Real Places, on April 4.

A closer look

The museum welcomes over 14,000 visitors each year and hosts public events, such as the monthly Music in the Museum, Yesterfest and the Lost Pines Holiday Homes Tour.

"We are incredibly honored to receive the John L. Nau, III Award of Excellence in Museums," DeGuzman said in an April 5 press release. "This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team at the Bastrop Museum & Visitor Center as well as the support of the Bastrop County Historical Society and our community."


The context

The Bastrop museum was recognized for its achievements in historical interpretation, museum education, collection conservation and community involvement. The museum preserves over 18,000 artifacts.

"Being recognized alongside notable museums like The Bullock Museum [in Austin] is truly humbling,” Gilmore said in the release. “It highlights the importance of preserving and sharing the rich history and heritage of Bastrop County, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact."