Welcome to the Houston Public Library Digital Archives. Here you will find unique materials for research, learning, and discovery from Houston Public Library Special Collections, including archival material from the African American History Research Center at the Gregory School (AAHRC), the Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus (FHRC), and the Houston History Research Center at the Julia Ideson Building (HHRC). Some collections are the result of collaborations with partner libraries, museums, and cultural heritage institutions.
HPL has enabled the "download" feature for collections on our Digital Archives. Customers can now download and save image files using the blue button on each page. These downloads are intended for personal or research use. To request permission to publish materials from the HPL Digital Archives, please email the AAHRC at hpl.gregoryphoto@houstontx.gov, FHRC at cla.reference@houstontx.gov, or HHRC at photo.reference@houstontx.gov.
Digital Archives
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
Digital holdings of curated and highly requested photographs, papers, and oral histories that represent the Black experience in Houston and Texas.
FAMILY HISTORY
Discover and learn more about their family history and ancestral roots with our extensive book, microprint, and periodical collections.
HISPANIC HISTORY
Over 100 collections of papers and photographs representing the contributions of Hispanics in every industry and their experience in the Bayou City.
HOUSTON HISTORY
Our unique collections focused on the history of Houston. Here you will find rare treasures and the most frequently requested materials in our holdings.
RACE & SOCIAL JUSTICE
The act of protest is an undeniable force that works to draw people together, often by courageously resisting injustice to achieve positive social change.
COVID-19 MEMORY PROJECT
Houston Public Library's Pandemic & Protest: Social Justice in the Time of COVID-19 Memory Project. Participants were invited to speak on the COVID-19 pandemic as well as race and social justice topics.
TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER
From before its founding, up to the present day, the Texas Medical Center has formed an important part of Houston's history.
HPL MEMORIAL PROJECT
A collection of memorials honoring influential figures whose lives and legacies sparked advocacy and social change, from family literacy and public service to racial justice and military reform.
Help Us Identify Photos
If you can help identify a person, place, or object please let us know!
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Featured Archives
CERTIFICATE OF DEATH
Search the digital library for researching family history, verifying ancestry, the name of a birthplace, or another keyword to quickly access accurate death records without the need for extensive manual searches.
ORAL HISTORIES
Created in 1974, these powerful narratives are made up of community members, artists, musicians, civil rights activists, politicians, and civic leaders who helped define the growth and history of the city.
PORTAL TO TEXAS
Unlock historical documents, images, and publications from across Texas. The Portal to Texas History offers access to a vast collection of resources that tell the rich and diverse story of the state.
UNIQUE PROJECTS
Voter Drives to Viva Kennedy: The Mexican American Vote in Houston, 1930s - 1960s delves into the pivotal role of Mexican Americans in shaping Houston’s political landscape.
JOHN J. HERRERA PAPERS
The materials in this collection document John J. Herrera's civic, legal, and political activities through correspondence, speeches, and other records.
JOHN J. HERRERA PHOTOGRAPHS
Born on April 12, 1910 in Cravens, Louisiana, where his father was sheriff. He graduated from Sam Houston High School in Houston, and went on to South Texas Law School in 1940.
VIVA MAGAZINE
Created and published by Blanca Hernandez, Viva! contained articles focused on education, community affairs, entertainment, electoral politics, immigration, sports, and businesses.
LULAC NEWS COLLECTION
The national publication of League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), which includes articles covering contemporary issues facing the Hispanic community.
LUNA FAMILY PAPERS
Includes immigration records, employment records, newspaper clippings, and 37 photographs taken during World War II. Items not digitized include a military garrison cap and ring.