Services
Visit us at the Houston History Research Center where our goal is to link visitors from around the world to the storied history of this city. Our collections provide a wealth of knowledge about the history of Houston and the surrounding areas. Our staff is always ready to help researchers either in person or through email.
The mission of the Houston History Research Center (HHRC) is to locate, preserve, and make available to researchers the documentary evidence of Houston’s history.
The mission of the Houston History Research Center (HHRC) is to locate, preserve, and make available to researchers the documentary evidence of Houston’s history.
Houston History Research Center at the Julia Ideson Building
Plan Your Special Occasion With Us
In the heart of Houston, the historic Julia Ideson Building, with its distinctive, elegant Spanish Renaissance-style architecture, stands out among the more contemporary buildings surrounding it. This 1926 treasure, which served as Houston’s library from 1926-1976, is a unique venue for your event. The exceptional spaces and artwork in the Julia Ideson Building make it the perfect setting for weddings, galas, formal dinners, photo sessions, business meetings, and corporate events.
Save the Date
Explore the stunning Julia Ideson Building in downtown Houston, learning about its history, architecture, and renovations. Tours are available for groups of 10 to 40 people. Please arrive on time; late arrivals over 30 minutes may result in a self-guided tour.
Schedule Tour
Discover the Julia Ideson Building through a self-guided audio tour! Explore its history, architecture, and role in the Houston Public Library System at your own pace.
Audio Tour
Stay informed with the latest updates and developments regarding the Hispanic community! Visit our blog for a curated selection of recent articles, stories, press releases, and more. Stay Linked to HPL.
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Be the first to hear about our latest updates, exclusive offers, and insider tips. Join our community of curious readers and get exclusive access to valuable resources, upcoming events, and fascinating historical discoveries!
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History
It is the first History Research Center of the Houston Public Library and is the result of a two-year funded, cooperative project in 1974 by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The project involved the University of Houston, Rice University, Texas Southern University, the Houston Public Library, and others. In 1976, the collections were handed over to the Houston Public Library, who placed them in the historic Julia Ideson Building in downtown Houston.
We further our mission by providing reference services using our unique materials including the local history book collection, archival collections, photographs, architectural drawings, oral histories, and maps.
Houston History Collections
Dr. Claude Elliott Texana Collection
The Dr. Claude Elliott Collection includes 23 rare Texas documents detailing land policies of Mexico and the Republic of Texas. The collection features official records, legal transactions, and historical accounts valuable to researchers.
HHRC Houston Photograph Collection
A collection of 2,697 photographs showcasing Houston’s buildings, cityscapes, and notable figures. Spanning from 1859 to 1973, most images are in black and white.
Houston Independent School District Records
This collection chronicles Houston ISD’s history, highlighting segregation-era policies and key documents on school integration efforts in the early 1970s
Braeswood Garden Club Scrapbooks
A collection of scrapbooks highlighting the Braeswood Garden Club’s history, events, and projects. Includes photographs, newspaper clippings, and illustrations.
Evelyn Norton Anderson Papers
A collection of costume sketches, uniform designs, and newspaper clippings, from professional attire for Astrodome Club staff to various themed costumes, featuring detailed notes on materials and construction.
IMAGE COLLECTIONS
View over 4 million images that highlight day-to-day activity in Houston and Texas, with coverage from the 1860s to the 1980s.
TEXAS JAZZ COLLECTION
Documenting the Jazz community in Texas, this collection features photographs and oral histories with a variety of jazz musicians.
HISPANIC COLLECTIONS
Original records offer a rich account of the Hispanic experience in Houston.
STEVEN FOX ARCHITECTURAL ARCHIVES
One of the largest architecture archives in the state, it features 125,000 drawings of buildings around Houston, highlighting the work of Houston architects and their designs.
Houston History Resources
Find available online items faster using guide to access finding aids, print collections, databases, and recommended resources on Houston and Texas history!
Research Guide
Digital Archives
Find select digital holdings of highly requested photographs, papers, and oral histories. Download collections and save image files for your personal or research use.
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History Research Center Events
Research With Us!
Check out our resources to help answer your research questions.
ArchivesSpace helps you find personal and business papers related to your question.
Digital Archives helps you find digital copies of some of our most popular materials.
Library Catalog helps you find books and reference materials related to your question.
The Photo Database helps you find photographs depicting your query.
The Architecture Database helps you find drawings of Houston area buildings.
Digital Archives helps you find digital copies of some of our most popular materials.
Library Catalog helps you find books and reference materials related to your question.
The Photo Database helps you find photographs depicting your query.
The Architecture Database helps you find drawings of Houston area buildings.
Friends of the Texas Room
The Friends of the Texas Room (FTxR) seeks to support the Houston Public Library’s Houston History Research Center (HHRC). Among their many educational programs and projects, the FTxR also confers the Julia Ideson Award. This award recognizes research projects that use the archival resources of the HHRC.