Heightened community interest and support in what will become the next History Research Center is the subject of a Houston Landing story. Read more to understand the investment and development of what is slated to be "the first of its kind for a city that's home to more than 2.3 million Latino or Hispanic residents..." in 2026, according to Assistant Director of Spaces John Middleton.
African American History Research Center (AAHRC) staff talked to American Libraries Magazine for a feature story on oral history projects, and they had the opportunity to highlight interviews included in the HPL Digital Archives.
From the article:
Collection highlights include stories about a 1963 visit that President John F. Kennedy made to the city, Latino and Latina veterans of World War II, and alumni of the Gregory School, the city’s first public school for Black children, which opened in 1872. The Gregory School interviews, which feature students who graduated from the school between the 1920s and 1960s, are among AAHRC Manager Miguell Ceasar’s favorite, because the former school has become home to the center.
“They were thriving, and they were learning, and they were proud people,” says Ceasar. “It’s a great oral history to listen to, especially for our site.”
10/28/2022
Lisa Carrico
HOUSTON – Houston Endowment awarded $500,000 to the Houston Public Library (HPL) in support of a series of archival preservation projects.
“We greatly appreciate the generous award from Houston Endowment. These funds advance our efforts to honor Houston’s rich diversity through the preservation, accessibility, promotion, and further development of HPL’s African American and Hispanic research collections,” said Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson, Director of the Library. Ann Stern, president and CEO of Houston Endowment, lauds the efforts, “We are proud to recognize organizations driving social justice and racial equity across arts, culture, history, civic engagement and education.”
HPL's goal to expand online access to materials can be achieved with significant funding for ongoing archival digitization work. Funding also provides much-needed support for the preservation and storage of physical materials. Angela Kent, Head of History Research Centers, explains, “By having funds dedicated to the collection and preservation of African American and Hispanic experiences, HPL is able to stay the course in documenting and unlocking access to our city's diverse history."
The African American History Research Center at the Gregory School (AAHRC) opened its doors in 2009 and is one of the few African American institutions in the U.S. actively collecting archival materials. Its mission to preserve and celebrate African American history is supported with a staff of professional archivists who maintain and build the collections. This highly trained staff also provides specialized skills in community archiving and knowledge of Black history for researchers. The AAHRC is still building its collections and relies on community contributions to help document and tell stories of African Americans in Houston and surrounding areas.
HPL’s Hispanic Collections benefit from the continuous care and custody of archivists through the Houston History Research Center (HHRC), which was established in 1970. The contributions of Hispanics in every industry in the Bayou City are accounted for in over 100 collections of papers and photographs. These records, coupled with oral histories, reflect a rich tapestry of the Hispanic experience and include a significant number of materials about early Houston mutualistas (mutual aid societies), big band, Tejano, and Chicano music, the lives of Mexican Americans during World War II, and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
Houston Endowment is a private foundation that partners with others to achieve a vibrant and inclusive region where all residents can thrive. It advances equity of opportunity through deep commitments to PreK-12 public education and civic engagement; supports cultural assets that engage and connect us; and drives sustainable change across the region.
HOUSTON, TX - Houston Public Library (HPL) celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 (September 15 - October 15) with programming that reflects the sheer diversity of Hispanic and Latin American culture, here at home and around the globe. A robust series of events, scheduled from mid-September to mid-October 2025, culminates in the Hispanic Heritage Music Festival focusing on music and culture from nine different Latin American countries.
HPL is partnering with L.O.U.D. Muzik once again for another unforgettable music festival on Saturday, October 11 at Central Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event honors the cultures of Belize, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua through music, dance, and community. Don't miss a special performance by Cristina Amaro, the beloved Tejano tribute artist, bringing throwback vibes and fan-favorite hits.
Other events include:
Houston Poet Laureate and author Reyes Ramirez discusses his published works with poet Võ Đức Quang in a moderated Author Talk. Reyes’ poetry and short stories explore class, race, living among conflicting histories, and the intrinsically linked idea of structural inequality.
Author Talk with Reyes Ramirez
Saturday, October 11 | 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Stanaker Neighborhood Library
Youth and families are invited to an engaging author talk and conversation with Jasminne Mendez, acclaimed Dominican American poet, playwright, and author. A recipient of the prestigious Pura Belpré Honor Award, Mendez has written several celebrated books for both children and teens.
Author Visit: Jasminne Mendez
Thursday, September 18 | 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library
All ages can enjoy a family-friendly Cultural Connections fiesta featuring a variety of activities, entertainment, and food for all ages.
Celebrate Cultural Connections: Hispanic Heritage Month
Tuesday, September 23 | 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Moody Neighborhood Library
HPL’s After School Wellness Fun program offers two special events for K-12 students, Canciones De Mi Corazon. In these interactive sessions, students explore traditions, values, and music of various Hispanic countries, and learn a song together.
Canciones De Mi Corazon
Tuesday, September 23 | 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Park Place Regional Library
Canciones De Mi Corazon
Tuesday, October 7 | 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
McGovern-Stella Link Regional Library
All ages and families are invited to enjoy music, bright costumes, amazing moves and stories at Dance and Discover: Cultural Dances from Latin America. Dancer Lily Soriano will teach attendees traditional dances in this fun, interactive program.
Dance and Discover
Wednesday, September 24 | 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Hillendahl Neighborhood Library
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.