HPL News

The Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library has been garnering national recognition since the day it opened in the summer of 2024, and we couldn't be prouder of the Houston Public Library (HPL) colleagues who helped bring it to life! We spoke with Raiset Ruban, Senior Project Manager at HPL, about his experience working on this milestone project.

“As a Project Manager my role begins in the design phase, and my biggest challenge is always to conceptualize the project while keeping the focus on creating the 'Library of the Future,' a future that increasingly feels like the present,” Raiset said. “The goal of our SPACES division, which I am proud to be a part of, is always to represent the needs of our patrons and the library network as whole ecosystem.”  

He emphasized that the project was truly a team effort. Close collaboration across HPL divisions, along with vital support from City departments - especially the General Services Department - helped turn vision into reality.

Raiset described working on Walker Neighborhood Library as a rare and rewarding experience.  Most recently, Walker was recognized by the AIAH Interior Architecture Committee during Houston Design Week. “For our SPACES team, it was a chance to create something meaningful for the Houston community, and seeing that kind of recognition isn’t just flattering, it’s a powerful affirmation that we’re doing something right.”

Why Walker Is Special

Walker stood out from the very beginning. It replaced two beloved branches in the Westbury neighborhood, so expectations were high. Naming it after Dr. Shannon Walker, NASA’s first Houston-born astronaut, added an extra layer of pride and purpose. From innovative design and sustainable features to intentional community engagement, the project challenged everyone involved to reimagine what a modern library should be.

Raiset highlighted several “firsts” introduced at Walker: a podcast studio, an underground water detention system, and a “book cellar” packed with titles. “But my favorite feature? The flexible meeting space and café with retractable partitions. It’s designed to be the heart of the library—a place for connection, collaboration, and community.”

Libraries Are More Than Buildings  

“The library is a 'third place' and our mission is to connect people to the world by providing equitable access to resources and innovative tools,” Raiset said. “I also want to thank the project team BRAVE and SpawGlass for their outstanding work and dedication in every phase of this project. Their commitment, creativity, and professionalism made it possible to bring the vision of the Walker Library to life, creating a space that will serve and inspire generations to come.” 

HOUSTON, TX - Families gathered at Houston Public Library’s (HPL) Central Library location on November 5 for a special treat: a stop on the tonies® Tour. Kids were given the chance to play with the brand-new Toniebox 2, a screen-free audio player that lets children dive into stories and songs just by placing a Tonie character on top. 

And the fun didn’t stop there. Tonies® made a generous donation to HPL families: five Tonieboxes and 25 Tonies figurines, a gift valued at $1,000, so that more children can enjoy storytelling at home. 

Left photo: Kids and families playing at tonies® on Tour event
Right photo: L-R Nicholas Sawicki, Executive Director, HPL Foundation; Sandy Gaw, HPL Library Director; Drew Vernon, Director of Education, tonies®; LaTrisha Milton, HPL Youth and Family Services Manager

Tonieboxes may be placed on hold and checked out from HPL's Library of Things collection with a valid MYLink library card.

“We selected Houston Public Library because of their long-time support and interest in tonies®. We’re thrilled to partner with HPL to bring screen-free storytelling to families across the community,” says Drew Vernon, Director of Education, tonies®. “Their continued support of early literacy makes them an ideal partner for tonies ® on Tour. Together, we’re creating moments where children can engage with stories in a tactile, interactive way that sparks creativity and fosters a lifelong love of reading."

“Houston Public Library is proud to host tonies® and share this exciting resource with our community,” says Sandy Gaw, Library Director. “By combining technology with storytelling, we’re opening new doors for children to discover the joy of reading in creative, hands-on ways.” 

“We are grateful for tonies®’ commitment to fostering literacy and imagination. This donation helps us provide families with innovative tools that make reading and storytelling more accessible and engaging,” said Nicholas Sawicki, Executive Director, Houston Public Library Foundation. 

About tonies® 
Tonies® is a playful audio system for children, where stories and songs come to life without screens. It works with small figurines called Tonies that are placed on a soft, kid-friendly speaker called the Toniebox. As soon as a Tonie is on, the magic begins: music, adventures, or learning moments start playing. It’s hands-on, easy to use, and built to spark imagination, confidence, and fun. 

About Houston Public Library  
We are a dynamic public service organization serving one of the largest and most diverse areas in the nation – both in population and geography. Our comprehensive, customer-focused service delivery strategy supports the 2.3 million residents of the City of Houston.

Our system is comprised of 44 public service units, including six Regional Libraries – anchored by our flagship Central Library – 28 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, four TECHLink centers, a Satellite location at the Children’s Museum Houston, the Mobile Express outreach unit, and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Together, we provide equitable access to resources, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities for all Houstonians.  

In this issue: Galveston Spiritualists in Print; The League of Women Voters of Houston; Migrant Stories: Continuing the Discourse through Exhibits and Public Programs 

Galveston Spiritualists in Print

by Jo Collier, Collection Development Librarian

Yay, it’s the fall and I have an excuse to talk about spirits and stuff!

Although Galveston’s First Spiritualist Church wasn’t founded until May of 1895, it’s not surprising that many people were hosting home circles long before then. Of specific interest to me is Mrs. Susan “Sue” J. Finck, a medium who used slate-writing to communicate messages for gatherings in her home.

The experiences the family had are covered in the 1887 book Lifting the veil: or, interior experiences and manifestations. Susan, and her son Andrew A. Finck, wrote the book, with help from the spirits, of course.

If you're interested in seeing a hard copy, the HHRC has one in stacks. Or you may look at a digitized copy (from the Harry Houdini Collection at the Library of Congress) on the Internet Archive.

Photo of Susan Finck from the frontispiece of Lifting the veil, showing her with her slate.

The book starts with Susan recounting her youthful exploration of religion and philosophy. As she aged, she attended various denominations of Christian churches where disagreements over doctrine left her struggling to reconcile their teachings with a God of love. Her final break was with the Baptist church, not long after which she says (on page 41) her, “attention was attracted to the manifestation of Modern Spiritualism; and we began holding circles within our own home.” 

The following chapters don’t tell a continuous story, per se, but include anecdotes about circles they took part in, messages received in daily life, visiting mediums, and even a message from Sam Houston received in 1885.

Of course, there are things that don’t sit easily within our modern sensibilities. For instance, at the time it was common for Spiritualists to have spirit guides (benevolent spirits that assist a medium) that were Indigenous Americans, which are referred to as “the red man.” A phrase in common usage at the time, but a bit cringe to us now. 

A Houston Chronicle obituary for Susan (who died at 77 years on age, April 20, 1907) says she, "wrote a number of books” on spiritualism, but I was unable to find anything in the time I spent looking. There may be reference to these other books in The Spiritual Reformer and Humanitarian, a Spiritualist periodical the family started publishing in 1902, and which ran (irregularly) into 1905. The International Association for the Preservation of Spiritualist and Occult Periodicals has digitized the Rosenberg Library's holdings, which may be seen here.  

Photo of Andrew Finck, from page 45 of Lifting the veil.

Both the book and periodical are a mix of New Thought philosophy with Bible verses sprinkled throughout. Quotations of Scripture are common in Spiritualist material of the time, as people within the movement did not see themselves as forming a new religion. Of course, as time went by, the Spiritualist movement splintered into groups that saw themselves as being a harmonious part of an established religion, reformers of existing religious structure, or outside it all together. We are fortunate to have access to some primary source materials, from our own neck of the woods, highlighting one family’s experiences within this movement.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Finck, S.J., & Finck, A.A. (1887). Lifting the veil: or, interior experiences and manifestations. Colby & Rich. 

The League of Women Voters of Houston

by Jennifer Southerland, Processing Archivist

In 1920, women were granted the right to vote with the ratification of the 19th amendment. That same year, the League of Women Voters (LWV) was established. The LWV is organized into three levels- local, state, and national- with each level following a program that relates to the needs of its community. When members join their local league, they also join the state and national leagues.

Today, I am highlighting our local chapter, the League of Women Voters of Houston. Also established in 1920, the Houston league seeks to engage all members of the Houston community in the political process. The examples below show how they further this goal through information sharing, civic engagement, and providing opportunities to participate in said political process.

Information Sharing
If you’ve been to the library during election season, you’ve probably seen educational papers explaining the ins and outs of the candidates and policies up for your vote. These papers, or voter guides, are one of the most valuable tools in the league’s information sharing toolkit. The league creates print and digital versions of their guides, with translations available in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese.

Civic Engagement

Print copies of voter guides for the years 1950, 1970, 1990, and 2010

Many of the league’s activities fall under the scope of civic engagement, but one I find particularly interesting is their litigation efforts. For example, the Houston league submitted amicus briefs for the case Coalition to Preserve Houston and the Houston Independent School District vs. Interim Board of Trustees of the Westheimer Independent School District because they felt the formation of Westheimer Independent School District was a barrier to the continued integration of Houston schools.

Participation
The Houston League has also worked to support participation in local government. They register voters at different community events in the city and partner with other organizations like the Houston Public Library to spread information about elections and encourage voting. You can even learn how to become a voter registrar on their website!

This is just an introduction to the League of Women Voters of Houston. If you want to learn more about the organization, come down to the Houston History Research Center (HHRC). The HHRC holds a collection from Houston league documenting roughly 60 years of the organization’s activities. You can even find a guide on pursuing litigation for community groups! HHRC also makes sure to keep copies of their old voter guides, so swing by if you’re interested in finding out who was running for what in 1950s.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

“Mission.” League of Women Voters of Houston. Accessed June 24, 2025. https://www.lwvhouston.org/mission.

League of Women Voters of Texas State Program for 1968 – 1970. League of Women Voters of Houston (RG E 0013 Box 7, Folder 81). Houston History Research Center, Houston Public Library.

Voter Guides from the League of Women Voters. Houston History Research Center Vertical File: H – Elections – By Years. Houston History Research Center at the Houston Public Library.

The Courts and Desegregation. League of Women Voters of Houston (RG E 0013 Box 14, Folder 7). Houston History Research Center, Houston Public Library.

Migrant Stories: Continuing the Discourse through Exhibits and Public Programs

by Elizabeth Lira, Archivist and Salima Bowaniya, Head Archivist of Hispanic Collections

Photojournalist Raquel Natalicchio’s exhibit, Al Otro Lado | The Other Side, is an emotionally moving and powerful exhibition that brings viewers face to face with the realities of migration. The exhibit features photographs and personal narratives of people from across many national backgrounds who wait at the Mexico-U.S. border for a chance of a better life for themselves and their families. Viewers will see and read stories of hope, desperation, survival, and community from people that have come from Mexico, Haiti, Romania, Guatemala, and beyond waiting at the border. Natalicchio’s photographs are paired with historical maps from the archival collections at the Houston History Research Center (HHRC), revealing the political and social complexities of migration in the context of a moving border throughout centuries. Also on display are items left behind by those making the journey across the border; intimate items ranging from journals, wallets, life jackets, and children’s shoes. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the human cost of migration and the enduring will to move, even as borders shift.

This exhibit has deeply inspired the Hispanic Collections archivist team at HHRC, and in response we have created a series of public programming focused on the topics of migration and immigration. We successfully kicked off the series in May with a special event in collaboration with Nuestra Palabra, who hosted an event as part of their book tour for the newly released Detained: A Boy’s Journal of Survival and Resilience by Dr. Esperanza and Gerardo Iván Morales. The book offers a powerful firsthand account of immigrating to the U.S. and being held in a detention center. Copies are available for checkout at multiple HPL branches. In July, we also hosted an artist walkthrough of the exhibition with Raquel Natalicchio, offering attendees an in-depth tour and personal insights into the stories behind her photographs. We hosted #JoinLaCharla: Immigration, Representation, and the Power of Language, in September. This three-part program featured a morning panel discussion followed by guided exhibit walkthroughs and a screening of the documentary Change the Subject + Discussion. We’re also excited to have partnered with FIEL (Familias Inmigrantes y Estudiantes en La Lucha), a local immigrant rights organization, to create a pop-up exhibit highlighting their history and grassroots organizing efforts. This pop-up exhibit will be on display in the Julia Ideson Building through December. Through these programs we have been able to elevate voices that continue the discourse of immigration.

We encourage everyone to view Al Otro Lado | The Other Side, on view until February 28, 2026 at the Houston Public Library's Dr. James and Betty Key Map Room in the Julia Ideson Building. This exhibit is free and open to the public during regular operating hours.

For more information about this exhibit and related programming, click here.

Photograph of Al Otro Lado | The Other Side exhibit wall at the Julia Ideson Building, The Dr. James and Betty Key Map Room, courtesy of HHRC.

Photograph featured in Al Otro Lado | The Other Side exhibit at the Julia Ideson Building, The Dr. James and Betty Key Map Room, courtesy of HHRC.

Photograph of a featured display in Al Otro Lado | The Other Side exhibit at the Julia Ideson Building, The Dr. James and Betty Key Map Room, courtesy of HHRC.

Screenshot image from @imgerardo_ivan, on Instagram, at the Saving Immigrant Voices event at the Julia Ideson Building, Auditorium.

Photograph from the Artist Walkthrough: Al Otro Lado | The Other Side at the Julia Ideson Building, The Dr. James and Betty Key Map Room, courtesy of HHRC.

Upcoming Events from Houston History Research Center

#JoinLaCharla: Crimmigration, Pol(ICE), and the Undocumented

Join us for a charla (community discussion) with authors Denise Gomez and Dr. Jesús Jesse Esparza as they share their research for the forthcoming book The Barrio and the Badge: A History of Latinos and Law Enforcement in Houston. In this program, Dr. Esparza will lead a conversation with Denise about her chapter, “La Polimigra: Policing and Caging Undocumented Latino Immigrants in Houston,” and the stories behind it.

Together, we’ll reflect on this history and its connections to the present. A Q&A session will invite participants to share thoughts, questions, and experiences. 

Saturday, November 15

1 PM - 2:30 PM

Julia Ideson Building

Meldrum Room

REGISTER NOW

In this issue: Digital Archives FAQ, Part 2; Preservation Processes – Rehousing the Houston Forward Times Newspapers; Adinkra Symbols: Sankofa; The Power of Memory & History:  Why Our Stories Must Be Preserved Now More Than Ever

Digital Archives FAQ, Part 2  

Emmalee Miller l Digitization Technician

One of my responsibilities is answering the reproduction requests that the African American History Research Center receives.  Since my last article about the Houston Public Library Digital Archive (HPLDA) there have been some changes to the website.  Here are some answers to some additional common questions I’ve received, along with updated information about how to access this valuable resource.

1. The website changed; how can I access the digital archive now?

          a. You can access the digital archive by going to www.houstonlibrary.org, typing in your search topic, selecting Digital Archive from the drop-down menu, and then clicking the search button.

          b. If you want to browse by collection, go to www.houstonlibrary.org.  Click on Research and select Digital Archives, then scroll down and select African American History.

2. I cannot access the Reproduction and Permission form as the Reproduction/Copyright page no longer exists.  How can I access it from the Houston Public Library website?

          a. You can access the form directly at this hyperlink.

          b. Or select Get Help at the top of the Houston Public Library website.  Click on the drop-down arrow next to “Collections, Archives & Research.”

                    i. Select “Historical Photograph Reproductions.”

3. When I do a search, I am mostly seeing funeral programs, newspapers, and newsletters. How can I filter those out of my results?

          a. On the left side of the screen, there is a box titled “Collections.”

                    i. Uncheck the boxes next to: African American Funeral Programs, Antioch Baptist Church Way Collection, Houston Forward Times Collection, and Houston Informer.

                    ii. Then click on the “Update” button at the bottom of the Collections box.

4. What is the email for the African American History Research Center?

          a. All reference questions should be sent to: hpl.gregoryschool@houstontx.gov.

          b. All reproduction requests and photo reference questions should be sent to: hpl.gregoryphoto@houstontx.gov.

Have fun exploring HPLDA and learning more about Houston’s wealth of Black History!

Preservation Processes – Rehousing the Houston Forward Times Newspapers  

Victoria Alvarenga | Archivist I/Processing Archivist

One of our major long-term projects at AAHRC is the digitization of the Houston Forward Times newspaper. While we do have a selection of microfilm reels of this and other newspapers, having a format that can reach a wider audience is essential to share our mission of preserving and showcasing the history of Black Houstonians. As one team diligently edits files and makes the text readable, the last step in the process isn’t uploading items to the digital archive, but rather when we rehouse and preserve the original copies.

Like our other newspaper collections, the Houston Forward Times was a weekly serial rather than a daily publication, and each issue is dated on Saturdays. It was established by Julius P. Carter in 1960 and succeeded by his wife, Lenora Carter, upon his death in 1971. At that point, the newspaper was the third most popular publication in Houston and reported on both local and national news.

We have thirty-four bound volumes of the Houston Forward Times, spanning from 1961 to 1979, with a few duplicates, and several boxes of unbound issues from the 1980s. We don’t have scales to get the exact weights, but I would say the volumes generally weigh about thirty pounds or more, before the rehousing process adds an extra two to three pounds. These books are so thick that the issues are screwed together, in addition to the normal bookbinding process.

Even with the best preservation efforts, newspaper materials are extremely sensitive to damage, and the paper itself is guaranteed to disintegrate over time.  The edges of the newspapers would crumble even with gentle handling, and many volumes were exposed to water or liquid damage, which resulted in stains and even severe mold growth. One of the more unfortunate forms of damage is the holes in both the paper and volume covers, caused by insects eating away at the materials. With the compounding types of damage, we needed to ensure that any preservation methods would be enough to ensure these items wouldn’t decay further.  

For each volume, I would wear gloves to prevent any oils from my hands transferring to the already delicate covers and papers, and to prevent any contamination between each book. I wrapped each volume in a few layers of tissue paper and ensured the open edges were tucked securely to avoid any fragments from spilling into the box. I then placed the books into individual boxes, and for the larger boxes, I added filler boards to prevent the volumes from shifting around in the open space.

During this project, we used acid-free tissue paper and boxes to improve preservation outcomes. Apart from limiting physical contact with the volumes, they also help minimize environmental damage, such as light and dust exposure. Once all of the volumes were rehoused, they were moved to the archives and placed on the shelves in pairs and organized by year. Even with unlimited space, I would not put more than three volumes on top of each other due to their sheer weight.

Now that these volumes are safely preserved, it’s unlikely that they will be removed for displays or direct use. Often in archival work, one of the best preservation strategies is to limit or outright restrict direct handling of materials, but that doesn’t mean access is denied. You can find these issues, along with other newspapers, scanned and uploaded to the Houston Public Library Digital Archive for easy reading and faster research in the Houston Forward Times Collection - Houston Public Library Digital Archives. 

Adinkra Symbols: Sankofa

Tracey King | Sr. Library Assistant/Gift Shop Manager

Sankofa is one of the eight Ghanaian akansha symbol systems created by Africans to communicate with each other (SANKOFA – Learn from the past – African Burial Ground National Monument (U.S. National Park service), n.d.). The Sankofa bird is looking back with her feet planted forward while her head is facing backward, holding her precious egg in her mouth. It literally translates she is looking back in time to shape her future.

The Ghanaian people of Africa believe that there must be a steady rhythm of moving forward and new learning as time passes (The Sankofa bird teaches us about the future | Global Sisters Report, 2021). The Sankofa Bird inspires us to honor our ancestors and respect the collective journey they faced during a difficult time in American History. To continue our forward march, the knowledge of the past must never be forgotten, forgiven, or repeated. The past shall set you free.

After the enslaved Africans were freed in Texas on, June 19, 1865, they found their way to Houston and settled on uninhabited land on the outskirts of town. Their new settlement was called Freedman Town, now the Freedmen’s Town Historic District. This area is the oldest established African American community in Houston (Houston Public Library, 2019).

In traditional Akan art, the Sankofa symbol frequently appears, and has been adopted and used on many African American buildings and Diaspora communities to represent the need to contemplate on the past to build a successful future (Sankofa - Wikipedia. (2006). You can find this symbol and others at the front entrance of the African American History Research Center.

CITATIONS

African Americans in Texas: A Lasting Legacy. (2016). Texas Historical Commission.

Houston Public Library. (2019). Welcome to the African American Library at the Gregory School [Brochure].

SANKOFA – Learn from the past – African Burial Ground National Monument (U.S. National Park service). (n.d.). NPS.Gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service). Retrieved January 26, 2022, from https://www.nps.gov/afbg/learn/historyculture/sankofa.htm.

The Power of Memory & History:  Why Our Stories Must Be Preserved Now More Than Ever

Sheena Wilson | Manager

Archives are indispensable links serving as hallowed spaces where fragments of scattered stories of lives can be reassembled as documented evidence of history. Archival sources offer a tangible connection, pulling individuals out of a historical void and rooting them and their family in the community’s heritage and historical narrative. By providing access to these experiences, through letters, photographs, oral histories and more, the archive gives an unfiltered lens into past lived realities, habitually omitted from mainstream historical narratives. More importantly archiving allows cultural and ethnic groups to define themselves rather than be defined by others.

In recent years, there has been a surge of misinformation and revision history in marginalized communities. By preserving these communities’ histories, archives counteract false narratives and stand as irrefutable evidence by contributing primary sources to ensure historical accuracy and accountability. This is essential to maintaining the integrity of collective history. Archives are indispensable tools for education and for uncovering and preserving historical truth. The African American History Research Center (AAHRC) provides primary source materials for researchers and the general public. If you’ve visited, our exhibits offer a brief unfiltered lens of everyday life in Black Houston. But there are many more narratives preserved within the physical archives.

Preserving our collective history is not merely an act of remembrance, rather an investment in protecting the historical accuracy of history for future generations. Certain historical documents and artifacts are truly irreplaceable. They are not just relics, but direct channels to the past offering singular insights that cannot be replicated. An original charter, a handwritten letter, a rare photograph of a building which no longer stands, or a scrapbook which documents an organizations events provide tangible evidence of how people lived, detailing a story that no secondary source can replicate.  A loss of these sources is not simply a disappearance of an object, but a permanent erasure which may lead to irreparable gaps in the understanding of history.

Equally important, and possibly more valuable are the experiences held within the memories of our elders. These living repositories contain stories, traditions, and wisdom, which offer personal perspectives that written records seldom capture. The urgency of preserving these narratives cannot be overstated, as they are inherently tied to undocumented experiences.  When an elder passes, a library of undocumented history vanishes forever. Safeguarding both the physical keepsakes and lingering echoes of these narratives is more important now than ever. As archivists, we are the custodians of our history for those who come after us. The testament of this history is documented with the collection at the AAHRC.

How YOU Can Be a Part of This Essential Work?

The AAHRC is only possible with community support. Over the past fifteen years, all the items in our 500 collections were donated by people like you.  YOU can be a part of this important work by donating your personal, family, or organizational records. We are seeking photographs, videos, documents, scrapbooks that document everyday Black life in the Houston area. Not sure if you are ready to let go of your family photos? That’s normal and its okay, we are here to answer any questions and ensure you understand the benefits of archiving your history. If you have items, you would like to donate, or questions contact us https://houstonlibrary.org/contact-hrc. The most important thing you can do is to spread the word that we exist and share the archive's mission with your family and friends.

Scholar-In-Residence: The Chitlin' Circuit in Texas

The current Scholar-in-residence for AARHC and Rice University’s CERCL is researching the Chitlin’ Circuit in Texas—those legendary night clubs and juke joints where music, dance, food, and community come alive.  She is seeking participants to share their memorable experiences of attending performances at Chitlin' Circuit venues in Texas (primarily the southeast portion of the state).

If you are interested in sharing your story as part of her oral history project, email chitlincircuittx@gmail.com or take the survey.

Centennial Celebration

Get ready to celebrate a century of learning! The iconic 1926 Gregory Elementary School building on Victor Street is turning a spectacular 100 next year. If you once walked these historic halls, we're looking for YOU to join our centennial celebration! Share your fabulous oral histories and treasured photos of your time there. Let's make this milestone unforgettable together! Want to be a part of history? Email us at hpl.gregoryschool@houstontx.gov to participate.

In this issue: Visualizing Ancestors; Take a Moment to Browse; Book review: Black Lives in Alaska: A History of African Americans in the Far Northwest

Visualizing Ancestors

by Michelle Pichon

Are you a visual thinker? I am. When I am learning something new, it always helps me to see it. If I can’t physically see it, I usually create a picture in my mind to help me grasp understanding. When reading a book or hearing a story, pictures of characters and places spring up in my imagination. When doing genealogy, this is no different. I can picture my grandparents, and even some of my great grandparents, because I knew them or because I’ve seen pictures of them. But what about all those ancestors that I never knew or even heard of before discovering their name on a record or on a family tree? If having an idea of what your ancestors may have looked like is important to you, there are some ways to help you do that.

One way is to consider fashion. What our ancestors wore is a window into their lives revealing many things about them. “By studying ancestral clothing styles and fabrics, we get more than a picture of how they looked; we catch a glimpse of their lives, values, and surroundings.” 

Things to consider:

What was their occupation? If you have found your ancestor in a census record, you may know what they did for work. This can tell you what they may have worn for work, but it can also give you an idea of their economic status – working class or white collar, farmer or business mogul, the clothes compliment the career.

What was their economic standing? City directories and tax records are also good indicators of economic status which says a lot about people’s fashion choices. It can determine what kinds of fabrics were used as well as the prints used. Also, the style of dress was very often an indication of that person’s status in society (do you remember Anne Shirley’s obsession with puffy sleeves in Anne of Green Gables?) Just as economic status may hint towards the style of clothing they wore, it also points to how they did their hair. Functional or fanciful, the hairdo has a lot to tell: “Their choices often revealed much about their personalities and offered insights into their politics.” Fashionable Folks: Hairstyles, 1840-1900 by Maureen A. Taylor (391.43 T244 USA).

Where did they live? Did they live in a city, or did they live in a rural location? Did they live where it was hot, or did they live in a colder climate? Ancestors in Brazil and Norway undoubtedly had vastly different ways of dressing that reflected their cultural associations.

What religion were they?  You may have traced your ancestors’ religion, or religions, through various religious records like marriage, burial, baptismal, or even birth records. Maybe you discovered other religious clues like records of confirmation or bar and bat mitzvahs. Religion can be a heavy influence on fashion and appearance for men and women: hair/head coverings, hair styles, dress lengths, colors, fabrics used. All these details can shape the picture you create in your mind of the ancestor who you never knew.

Consider the time period. Having an idea of what the fashion trends were at certain times is helpful when visualizing your ancestors but so is knowing what was going on during that time. Was there a war going on? Was it a period of political change? Were they newly established in their location or had they been there for generations?

Photographs help even more:

While imagining your ancestors can be helpful, if you have photographs of your ancestors, what a gift! What an amazing thing to be able to know what they looked like, but a photograph can be so much more than a face. They can show us what life was like for people in different eras, from their clothes and latest fashions to how they lived and worked. By studying these old vintage photos and unlocking the clues within them, we can learn so much about the history of our modern world and the previous generations who lived through it. Photographs can offer glimpses of family traditions and economic conditions; they can reveal unspoken and secret stories (“I thought Great-Grandma had 5 siblings, but there are 6 kids in this picture. Who is that 6th kid?”). They can show us how they lived and how they celebrated. Unlocking the Secrets in Old Photographs by Karen Frisch-Ripley is an excellent resource for not only studying old photographs but offers many ways of locating photographs outside of your immediate family, such as passports, newspapers, yearbooks, obituaries, and historical societies.

Whether unlocking clues from photographs or from creating images based on known information, all these things can help you create a picture in your mind and bring your ancestors to life so that they are more than just names on a page. They become real people, embedded in your memory. What is important is the connection you have made with that person, further linking your heritage and spirit.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Doyle, Marian I (2003). An Illustrated History of Hairstyles 1830-1930. Schiffer Publishing Ltd. 391.5 D574 USA.

Frisch-Ripley, Karen (1991). Unlocking the Secrets in Old Photographs. Ancestry. 770 F917 USA.

Genealogy Voyage. (2024, Nov. 24). Ancestral Fashion and Fabrics: What Clothing Styles Reveal About Your Ancestors’ Lives. https://genealogyvoyage.com/specialized-searches/ancestral-fashion-and-fabrics-what-clothing-styles-reveal-about-your-ancestors-lives/

Leisch, Juanita (1995). Who wore what?: women's wear, 1861-1865. Thomas Publications. 391.020973 L532 USA.

Severa, Joan (1995). Dressed for the photographer : ordinary Americans and fashion, 1840-1900. Kent State University Press. 391.00973 S498 USA.

Shrimpton, Jayne (2014). Tracing Your Ancestors through Family Photographs: A Complete Guide for Family and Local Historians. Pen & Sword. 770 S561 USA.

Taylor, Maureen A (2009). Fashionable Folks: Hairstyles 1840–1900. Picture Perfect Press. 391.43 T244 USA.

Take a Moment to Browse

by Aimee Burr

When was the last time you wandered through Clayton Library, just browsing the shelves with no specific resource in mind? So often in genealogy we are focused in on one specific location, time, or just one specific ancestor. There are entire classes taught about how to focus your research with laser-like precision whenever you visit a library or archive. To be sure, there are circumstances when that tunnel vision is necessary. If you only have two hours to spend at a library or archive, focusing on only one research question is essential. But what about the visits where you aren’t as rushed for time? Are you still focused on just one area of research, or do you take a step back and look at a broader range of information?

When I first started working at Clayton Library, our now retired librarian Melissa Hayes gave me an amazing bit of advice. She told me to make sure to set aside a little time to just browse the shelves, especially in the regions, periods in time, and subjects outside of my personal research. It didn’t take me long to appreciate how insightful her advice was! By browsing the shelves, I have discovered new methodologies, new record sets, and new social history information that have improved my personal and professional genealogy research skills.

Here is a list of a few of my favorite finds this month, and a tidbit about what I found useful in each book:

1. He Loves a Good Deal of Rum… Military Desertions during the American Revolution.

The bounties (cash bonus for enlisting) were higher than a soldier’s standard wage, so a Revolutionary soldier may have enlisted in militias for multiple towns, multiple states, both the American and British armies, and in various mercenary troops, all within two years.

2. The Separating Sickness = Ma’I Ho’oka’awale.

Stories from the patients and families of exiled leprosy patients in Hawaii give great insight into common medical practices and how individual society treated patients and their families due to these practices. Entire families can be relocated due to one ill member.

3. The People of the Eye.

This book discusses the ancestry, social history, and ethnicity of both the deaf and Deaf communities. It’s a perfect example of how small communities have their own identity, even when imbedded within a larger community. This book is a great reminder to genealogists that just because a family member was “disabled” doesn’t mean they were locked away in an asylum and cut off from society.

4. Mutinous Women: how French convicts became founding mothers of the Gulf Coast.

Sixty-two wrongly convicted women were forcibly sent from France to the French colony of Louisiana, where they helped shape businesses, settlements, and cultures of their own across large regions of the territory. This book gives numerous possible record types to look for your female ancestors.

5. Coffee Made Her Insane and Other Nuggets From Old Minnesota Newspapers.

The things that previous generations put in print will never cease to amaze me. Newspapers are an underutilized source of genealogical information that cannot be found anywhere else. They never fail to both inform and entertain.

In Conclusion:

I encourage everyone to take a few minutes the next time you visit Clayton and just browse the shelves. There are currently more than 140,000 volumes on the shelves, and in them is information that even the most experienced genealogists may not know. If you take the time to browse even a small section of Clayton’s collection you could find a new resource that will help expand the research of your family history.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Boyle, Joseph Lee. (2009) He Loves a Good Deal of Rum…military desertions during the American Revolution, 1775-1783. Clearfield Company. 973.78 B792 USA

DeJean, Joan. (2022). Mutinous Women: how French convicts became founding mothers of the Gulf Coast. Basic Books. 976 D326 USA

Gugelyk, Ted. (1979). The Separating Sickness Ma’I Ho’oka’awale. University of Hawaii. G492 KALAW HAWAII

Lane, Harlan. (2011). The People of the Eye: Deaf ethnicity and ancestry. Oxford University Press. 305.8 L265 USA

Meier, Peg. (1988) Coffee Made Her Insane & Other Nuggets From Old Minnesota Newspapers. Neighbors Publishing. M511 MINN

Book review: Black Lives in Alaska: A History of African Americans in the Far Northwest

by Rodney Sam

When one thinks of the 49th state, few imagine the presence of African Americans. The stories told of African American migration in the United States usually center around the “Great Migration” in the mid-20th century of African Americans from the deep south into the urban cities of the North, Midwest, and West coast. The lesser-known story of African Americans in Alaska is a rich one that began when it was still a part of the Russian Empire in the 19th century and continues today. African Americans make up 2.8% of the Alaska state population according to the 2020 U.S census. Some of those 2.8% include cousins of my mother who decided to settle in Anchorage, Alaska after leaving the military. In exploring your family history, you may uncover family members and ancestors who went on the unbeaten path to explore and settle in the far northwest.

Hartman and Reamer’s book begins with the earliest mentions of African Americans and people of African descent in what is now known as Alaska. They describe that most were free persons of color from New England, the Caribbean, and from places as far away as Cape Verde (an island country off the coast of West Africa), who sought opportunities for employment sailing on whaling ships that sailed the Pacific Ocean to the Arctic regions. Some of these men were also fugitive slaves who sought the freedom and anonymity provided to them by whaling ships. Like African American migrants from the south in the 20th century, 19th century African Americans drawn to the sea wanted to escape the ills of discrimination and racism and find ways to make a good living. Whaling was a dangerous profession because of the high risk of shark and whale attacks, treacherous weather, and the ever-present specter of diseases and injuries common to men employed on sailing ships. When whaling ships docked off the coast of Alaska, some of these sailors deserted and made a life for themselves in the cold, harsh, frontier settlements of Alaska. After Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867, some African Americans migrated into the area as miners looking to strike it rich during the gold rush. Others opened saloons, bars, and restaurants to serve other travelers. If you had ancestors who were in the Civil War and remained in the military after, you may find evidence of their infantry unit stationed in Alaska. Many African American soldiers, who were veterans of the Civil War, were stationed at military posts there.

The book mentions places, names, and biographical details of some of these early African American pioneers in Alaska that provide genealogical clues for any curious researcher to pursue. Black Lives in Alaska: A History of African Americans in the Far Northwest adds nuance to the history of African Americans in the United States and reveals the unique individual journey of the people we often discover in genealogical research. The Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus has a growing collection of genealogy books relating to Alaska. We strive to expand our coverage to include those diverse places where the ancestors of a curious visitor to our library lived.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alaska State Library. Paul Sincic. Photographs, ca. 1898-1915. ASL-PCA-75. Company L, 24th Infantry, Skagway, July 4, 1899. https://vilda.alaska.edu/digital/collection/cdmg21/id/2312/

Anchorage Museum. (2025, Aug 29). Black lives in Alaska: journey justice joy. https://www.anchoragemuseum.org/exhibits/black-lives-in-alaska-journey-justice-joy/

Hartman, Ian C. (2022). Black Lives in Alaska: A History of African Americans in the Far Northwest. University of Washington Press. R288 ALASKA

National Park Service. (2025, Aug 29). Black History in the Last Frontier. https://www.nps.gov/articles/black-history-in-the-last-frontier.htm

University of Alaska Anchorage, Alaska Pacific University, Consortium Library. (2025, Aug 29). African American history in Alaska archival collections. https://libguides.consortiumlibrary.org/ASCAfricanAmericanHistory

Check out HPL's Youth and Family Services Manager LaTrisha Milton in conversation with Debra Duncan on Great Day Houston about our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Challenge and the importance of early literacy!

Left - right: Dr. Ruth Simmons, Ph.D., Mrs. Leigh McCranie Smith, Dr. Peter Hotez, MD, Ph.D., Ms. Laura D. Bellows, Hon. William H. White.

HOUSTON, TX - Houston Public Library will honor five outstanding individuals as part of the inaugural Honorary Fellows program.

The program honors exceptional individuals whose work, leadership, and contributions reflect the library’s mission to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen the community through access to information and ideas.

The inaugural Fellows are:

Dr. Ruth Simmons, Ph.D.
Fellow in Humanities & Letters

Mrs. Leigh McCranie Smith
Fellow in Arts & Culture

Dr. Peter Hotez, MD, Ph.D.
Fellow in the Sciences

Ms. Laura D. Bellows
Fellow in Industry & Commerce

Hon. William H. White
Fellow in Law & Civic Life

HPL Director Sandy Gaw will host a celebratory dinner on January 22, 2026 to install the honorees at the Julia Ideson Building.

“We are excited to take part in the great tradition of the public library being a source of inspiration and lifelong learning for all Houstonians,” noted Director Gaw. “Recognizing these outstanding Houstonians as Fellows of the Houston Public Library brings into focus the fact that all areas of knowledge—law, business, science, the humanities and the arts—are all vital parts of the life of the Library.”

The Houston Public Library Foundation will be hosting a celebratory Robert Burns’ Supper for the installation of the Fellows. The evening will feature bagpipes, tartan, remarks by His Britannic Majesty’s Consul General in Houston, and an original poem by Reyes Ramirez, poet laureate of the City of Houston.

More details will be available at houstonlibraryfoundation.org.

About Houston Public Library

We are a dynamic public service organization serving one of the largest and most diverse areas in the nation – both in population and geography. Our comprehensive, customer-focused service delivery strategy supports the 2.3 million residents of the City of Houston.

Our system is comprised of 44 public service units, including six Regional Libraries – anchored by our flagship Central Library – 28 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, four TECHLink centers, a Satellite location at the Children’s Museum Houston, the Mobile Express outreach unit, and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Together, we provide equitable access to resources, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities for all Houstonians.

HOUSTON, TX - Houston Public Library (HPL) invites the community to join in a monthlong celebration of culture, community, and gratitude with engaging programs, family activities, and cultural observances throughout November. From entrepreneurship to Indigenous heritage, HPL’s events bring people together to learn, connect, and explore.

Empowering Entrepreneurs
In recognition of National Entrepreneurship Month, HPL is supporting small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs through free, practical workshops. Join us at Central Library (500 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77002) for:

• Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Business: Launch with Confidence – Saturday, November 1 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
• QuickBooks for Small Business – Saturday, November 8 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Participants will gain valuable insights and tools to start and grow their businesses with confidence.

Experience the Flavors of Indigenous American Cuisine with Chef David Skinner 
Tuesday, November 5, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  
Bracewell Neighborhood Library | 9002 Kingspoint Road, Houston, TX 77075

Renowned Choctaw Chef David Skinner brings the vibrant and diverse flavors of Indigenous American cuisine to life in a live cooking demonstration. Guests will watch as Chef Skinner prepares a signature dish inspired by traditional Native ingredients and shares insights into the stories and cultural heritage behind each flavor.

Chef Skinner, owner of Eculent and Kilta restaurants, is nationally recognized for his innovative approach to Indigenous foodways, blending traditional ingredients with modern culinary techniques. His work highlights the beauty and resilience of Native food culture and its influence on American cuisine today.

Cultural Connections: Native American Heritage Month Celebration 
Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 
Oak Forest Neighborhood Library | 1349 W. 43rd Street, Houston, TX 77018

Celebrate the rich traditions, diverse voices, and enduring cultures of Native American communities through music, dance, and art. 
Enjoy captivating performances by:

• Danza Azteca Macuilxochitl – Sacred Aztec dance 
• Lyndon Alec – Native American Hoop Dancer

The event also features balloon twisting, crafts, and face painting, making it a fun, educational experience for all ages.

Explore the “Besides Math” Traveling Exhibit

Discover a powerful artistic movement that redefines what it means to be Asian American in contemporary U.S. society. Created by Houston artist June Xu, the “Besides Math” exhibition highlights the rich and multifaceted narratives that shape the Asian American experience — celebrating creativity, identity, and individuality beyond stereotypes of academic achievement. 
The exhibit will be on display at the Central Library from November 1, 2025 – January 29, 2026.

“At HPL, we believe the library belongs to everyone,” said Sandy Gaw, Library Director. Whether you’re discovering a new culture, exploring a family tradition, or starting a business, our libraries are here to empower and connect Houstonians of all backgrounds.”

All events are free and open to the public. For full program details, visit houstonlibrary.org/events or follow HPL on social media.

About Houston Public Library

We are a dynamic public service organization serving one of the largest and most diverse areas in the nation – both in population and geography. Our comprehensive, customer-focused service delivery strategy supports the 2.3 million residents of the City of Houston.

Our system is comprised of 44 public service units, including six Regional Libraries – anchored by our flagship Central Library – 28 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, four TECHLink centers, a Satellite location at the Children’s Museum Houston, the Mobile Express outreach unit, and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Together, we provide equitable access to resources, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities for all Houstonians. 

HOUSTON, TX - Houston Public Library (HPL) invites the community to two compelling author events this fall, spotlighting investigative journalism and cultural exploration through the lens of acclaimed writers Lise Olsen and Sergio Chapa. 

Step into the heart of a haunting mystery with investigative journalist Lise Olsen as she shares the story behind The Scientist and the Serial Killer: The Search for Houston’s Lost Boys. In this gripping true crime tale, Olsen introduces us to a relentless forensic expert whose decades-long mission helped give names to forgotten victims and shed light on a string of unsolved murders. Through vivid storytelling and deep reporting, Olsen takes you on a powerful journey filled with heartbreak and the unwavering pursuit of justice. It’s a story that stays with you. 

       Author Talk with Lise Olsen  
       Thursday, October 30 | 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.  
       Heights Neighborhood Library  

Come along for a fascinating journey with journalist Sergio Chapa as he shares stories from Frontera: A Journey across the US-Mexico Border, a book he co-authored with scholar Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera. In this lively talk, Chapa takes you beyond the headlines and stereotypes to show you the real border region where cultures mix, cities buzz with energy, and the food is as diverse as the people. It’s a fresh, eye-opening look at a place shaped by history, resilience, and deep traditions. You’ll leave with a whole new perspective. 

       Author Talk with Sergio Chapa  
       Saturday, November 8 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.  
       Central Library   

Both events are free and open to the public. Registration is recommended; see houstonlibrary.org for more details. Parking at the Central Library complex is free on Saturdays.  

About Houston Public Library  
We are a dynamic public service organization serving one of the largest and most diverse areas in the nation – both in population and geography. Our comprehensive, customer-focused service delivery strategy supports the 2.3 million residents of the City of Houston.

Our system is comprised of 44 public service units, including six Regional Libraries – anchored by our flagship Central Library – 28 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, four TECHLink centers, a Satellite location at the Children’s Museum Houston, the Mobile Express outreach unit, and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Together, we provide equitable access to resources, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities for all Houstonians.  

HOUSTON - Houston Public Library (HPL) is preparing for Halloween by offering a wide array of spooky programs for all ages: everything from festivals to book sales, costume contests, musical performances and more. Highlights include:

Spook-tacular Fall Fun: Family-friendly Halloween parties featuring crafting, games and prizes, and other activities taking place at ten different HPL locations from Monday, October 27 through Friday, October 31. Costumes are encouraged, with some locations holding costume contests.

• Check the HPL Events Calendar to find a Spook-Tacular Fall festival near you. 

Arsenic and Old Books: a deep dive into the darker history of archives and rare books, exploring the gross, weird and sometimes deadly materials found in the archives. This presentation is perfect for teens and adults.

• Saturday, October 25, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.; Julia Ideson Building, Meldrum Room

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a vibrant and meaningful family-friendly event honoring the rich cultural traditions of Mexico and Latin America, where families gather to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed. Attendees are encouraged to bring a photo or memento to add to the community ofrenda (altar) to honor and remember departed loved ones. This event will include crafts and a storytime. 

• Tuesday, October 28, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Flores Neighborhood Library

Halloween Boo Book Bash is packed with spooky stories, hands-on crafts, and tasty treats for kids and families. Costumes are encouraged, but the only thing you really need to bring is your love of books and Halloween fun.

• Thursday, October 30, 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.; McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library

All Hallows Read festivals bring a blend of games, crafts, live music, and more. Dress up in your favorite costume and join in a day of fun and excitement.

• Thursday, October 30, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Looscan Neighborhood Library
• Thursday, October 30, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; McGovern-Stella Link Regional Library

Carya String Quartet presents Inspirations: All Hallow’s Eve Traditions Around the World highlights the traditions surrounding October 1st through November 2nd, including Halloween, Día de Los Muertos, All Saints Day, and popular culture. This interactive concert is fun and educational for all ages. 

• Saturday, November 1, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Central Library

Please note that parking is free at the Central Library Complex on Saturdays.

About Houston Public Library  
We are a dynamic public service organization serving one of the largest and most diverse areas in the nation – both in population and geography. Our comprehensive, customer-focused service delivery strategy supports the 2.3 million residents of the City of Houston.

Our system is comprised of 44 public service units, including six Regional Libraries – anchored by our flagship Central Library – 28 Neighborhood and Express Libraries, three History Research Centers, four TECHLink centers, a Satellite location at the Children’s Museum Houston, the Mobile Express outreach unit, and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Together, we provide equitable access to resources, technology, and lifelong learning opportunities for all Houstonians.