20 YEARS OF HILL COUNTRY ARCHEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

A Brief Summary

by Kay Woodward

In February 1999, Robert “Bobby” Rector of Kerrville sent a letter to area professionals and advocacy archeologists asking about their interest in forming a new archeological group in Kerrville. Many replied and offered their assistance. In March 1999, an archeology rendezvous on the river was held at the Kerrville-Schreiner State Park. Following it, a newspaper notice invited those interested to a meeting at the library with the hopeful intent of forming an archeology group.

The first meeting was held the next month, in April 1999, when sufficient people indicated wanting an organization. Four officers were chosen: Bryant Saner was the first president, Sue Hobbs was the Vice president, Brenda Harrison was the secretary, and Woody Woodward was the treasurer. The name “Hill Country Archeological Association” was chosen.

Within eight months, HCAA had its non-profit status, a guiding set of ethics, three field trips, several on-site work days, publicity, good speakers at meetings, a successful joint meeting here with STAA, had produced a two-page newsletter, held another Rendezvous on the River Archeology Fair, had a Christmas party, and a balance of just over $1000 in the treasury.

There is so much more that could be told about all the activities and contributions made by so many who have joined the organization over these years. That is especially true of the Texas Historical Commission Stewards, who have given their time and energy and continue to give today.

Now, 20 years later, the following charter members of 1999 either remain active paid members or are close friends with HCAA:

  • Voy Althaus
  • Deborah Bauer
  • Myrna Langford
  • Nancy Rector
  • Bryant Saner
  • H. Ray Smith
  • Sylba Lee Storm
  • Steve Black
  • Kay Woodward

During these twenty years, HCAA has never faltered, as many organizations do. It has stayed a strong and growing organization because of caring people such as Bobby and Bryant and others who started it on the right path.

Read “The History of the First Fifteen Years 1999-2014” to learn even more.