The Austin History Center is the city’s local history archive. It is located at 810 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701. You can find information on local history and a wealth of Texas history here. The Center features an extensive collection of books, exhibits, and audiovisual materials. The center is open to the public and free to view.
The Austin History Center’s building was built in 1933 and served as the main library until the John Henry Faulk Central Library opened next door in 1979. In 1983, the Austin History Center Association pooled community support to restore the old central library building. The new building housed the growing Austin-Travis County collection.
The Austin History Center offers assistance for researchers and mounts two or three exhibits a year. In addition, the center contributes to the Austin American-Statesman and produces a biannual newsletter. The museum is supported by the Austin History Center Association, which also publishes the history center’s collection under the imprint Waterloo Press.
The Austin History Center is unlike any other museum in Austin. It contains over 1 million photos and 35,000 drawings, as well as thousands of documents and oral histories. Its unique collection makes it an exceptional place to explore and learn about the city’s rich history. In addition to its unique collections, the center also hosts various activities for kids and families, including zine and printmaking activities. The center also features a “Preservation Station,” where visitors can learn how to archive their family history.
During the Republic of Texas, Austin was the capital city. The city was the seat of state government and the national government. The capitol was located on a hilltop overlooking the Colorado River. The original plan included a hilltop site for the capitol building, so that it would look down on the river from Congress Avenue.