Historical exhibit in Southlake receives national award

An exhibit presented last year about iconic Southlake figure Bob Jones has received a national award.

The exhibition “Bob and Almeady Chisum Jones: A True Story of Resilience, Courage and Success,” and its organizer, the Southlake Historical Society, have been recognized with an Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH).

The AASLH Leadership in History Awards recognizes achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

The show was presented last summer at Southlake Town Hall. Last February, during Black History Month, the historical society also offered a virtual tour of the exhibition for those who missed the chance to see it in person.

The exhibit told the story of “former slaves who established a prosperous ranch, built relationships with white neighbors and townspeople based on friendship and respect, and valued church, education, hard work and family,” according to a news release.

“Our goal was to make history real by connecting it to the namesake of Bob Jones Nature Center, park and road,” said Anita Robeson, Southlake Historical Society historian, in the release. “The Joneses’ remarkable story of perseverance and success in an uncertain world is often overlooked, but it is one everyone should know. It is part of the heritage of Texas.”

The exhibit is now on view at the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve visitor center.