Ask HPL: History Research Centers

Welcome to the Houston Public Library Digital Archives. Our mission is to provide broad access to the Houston Public Library’s archival collections through on-line presentation and searchable metadata, preserve archival resources by providing a digital means of accessing content, and promote the discovery and use of our unique special collections. Digital preservation makes it possible to catalog, search, and browse valuable archival collections in new and innovative ways while saving the original materials from wear and deterioration.  

Each repository or library is an expert in their own materials. The text under each item on HPL Digital Archives documents which repository or library the materials come from. The contact information for each is below: 

• African American History Research Center at the Gregory School 1300 Victor Street, Houston, Texas 77019 Phone: 832-393-1440
• Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus 5300 Caroline Houston, Texas 77004 Phone: 832-393-2600
• Houston History Research Center 550 McKinney St. Houston, Texas 77002 Phone: 832-393-1662
• Bellaire City Library 5111 Jessamine Bellaire, TX 77401 Phone: 713-662-8160 Fax: 713-662-8169
• Library Harris County Archives 11525 Todd Street Suite 300 Houston, Texas 77055 Phone: 713-274-9683

Some of the digital content on this site may contain negative, inappropriate, or offensive connotations reflective of a culture or language of a period or place in our past. These materials are presented as part of the historical record, and do not reflect the official position of the Houston Public Library or the City of Houston.

 In addition, certain content may contain actions, words, or images of a graphic nature that may be considered obscene or emotionally disturbing. This material may not be suitable for all ages. Please view it with discretion.

The Houston Public Library strives to provide context for these items through descriptive records, and where possible, may attach statements to the digitized object that provide a warning about potentially sensitive content.

HPL is excited to invite customers to participate in our archives. Crowdsourcing provides an opportunity for customers to improve the descriptions of our archival and other research collections. Your contributions will help others learn and discover more about Houston’s History! 

Before getting started, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with our terms for customer contributions. We appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge of Houston’s History! 

Be the LINK to History Submission Form

Terms for customer contributions

1. When you contribute content to HPL’s website, you are granting HPL permission to store and use that information. In most cases, this means adding information to an HPL website, like the Digital Archives. But HPL also reserves the right to use the material in other ways, such as in promotional materials. You agree that HPL may use the content you provide without payment to you or further permission from you. If you are not willing to grant these rights to HPL, please do not contribute.  
2. Please use good judgement and do not submit offensive, illegal, or otherwise inappropriate content. HPL reserves the right to edit or delete user submissions that violate this agreement or other HPL or City of Houston policies. 
3. HPL is not responsible for the veracity or appropriateness of customer contributed content.  
4. HPL makes no guarantee that your submission will be used in its collections or on its websites.  
5. HPL may amend these terms and conditions at any time. By continuing to use the website, you consent to the amended terms.

To request digital copies of materials on the Houston Public Library Digital Archives, complete the Reproduction and Permission to Publish Form and submit to the appropriate research center, found in the information below the image. Pricing and delivery terms are included in the document above.

    • Watermarked copies of items can be downloaded at no cost for personal or research use. 

    • A copy of an item without a watermark is available by completing the permissions form and paying the use fees.

Requests for reproductions of physical copies, digital scans, audiovisual materials are considered on a case-by-case basis. Conditions preventing reproduction may include but not be limited to the physical condition of the material, copyright compliance, donor restrictions, and other stipulations. The ability to fulfill a reproduction request should not be assumed in advance.

Please contact the appropriate research center for any questions about reproductions. 

Copyright

Unless expressly stated otherwise, the Houston Public Library makes no warranties about the items on this website. You are responsible for your own use. You may need to obtain other permissions for your intended use of these items.  

Take Down

By sharing material digitally, Houston Public Library aims to make archival and other rare materials as widely accessible as possible. Houston Public Library works to ensure it has appropriate rights to provide access to materials through the Digital Archives. These materials are made available for personal, educational and scholarly use.