HPL News

In this issue: The Voices of Gregory: John Hightower; Volunteer Spotlight: Andrea Estrada; Preserving the Black Press

The Voices of Gregory: John Hightower  

by Aleah Parsons, MLIS | Archivist II/Oral History Archivist

Here at the African American History Research Center (AAHRC), we prioritize conducting oral histories with alumni who remember the school and the community of Fourth Ward during the 20th Century. The following is a recollection of John Hightower’s experience at the Gregory School.  

A New Start in Houston & Attending the Gregory School 

John Hightower was born in 1937 in Huntsville, Texas, to David and Daisy Hightower. John spent the first few years of his life living on his grandparents’ farm in Huntsville. He remembers fondly swimming in water holes, riding his horse, playing with his dog and just being a boy. All of that changed when John moved with his family to Houston, Texas, around 1940.  

He and his family moved to Fourth Ward and lived on Shaw Street next to Antioch Baptist Church. About a year later John began attending the Gregory School. Because of his schooling in Huntsville, John was far ahead of the other students in his class and often felt bored in school. At the Gregory School, Principal Butte, known as a strict disciplinarian to all students, decided to skip John from the fourth to the fifth grade. Shortly after, he was skipped to the sixth grade, but this was not enough for John, who had his own dreams of attending Booker T. Washington High School in Houston and playing basketball. John pretended to be his father and successfully enrolled himself into Booker T. Washington to achieve his dream. Sadly, after a couple of days, his mother found out and made him go back to the Gregory School. John recalls being afraid to return to the Gregory School believing that Principal Butte would punish him for leaving. However, Principal Butte was merciful towards John and promised to keep him busy for the rest of his time at the Gregory School.  

In 1950, John successfully graduated from the Gregory School and went on to achieve his dream of attending Booker T. Washington and playing basketball, which he was very good at. 

To learn more about other Gregory School Alumni check out our oral history collection Houston Oral History Project - Gregory School Interviews - Houston Public Library Digital Archives (oclc.org) on the Houston Public Library Digital Archives and stay tuned for the publishing of John Hightower’s oral history.

Volunteer Spotlight: Andrea Estrada

I’m Andrea Estrada and I’ve been a volunteer with the AAHRC for about a year and a half. I’m a history and general science studies student at Austin Community College. I’m a born and raised Houstonian, and I grew up visiting HPL’s libraries as often as I could, leaving with an armful of books. I plan on attending the University of North Texas this fall to finish my bachelor’s degree in information science, and hopefully I will complete my MLIS to continue to work in archives.  Outside of school and my volunteer work, I love to travel to U.S. National Parks (I’ve visited 15 of the 64 parks so far!), cross-stitch, play Dungeons and Dragons with my friends, and read.  

Volunteer Work at the AAHRC: 
I’ve worked on a wide array of projects and collections during my time at AAHRC. Some of my favorites include writing metadata for oral histories of local community figures, transcribing correspondence written during World War II between Clifford and Hortense Smith, and inventorying a collection donated by the Houston branch of The Links, Inc., which included photos of Links members with U.S. Representative Mickey Leland. I’ve also helped organize and inventory funeral programs of local community members as well as cassettes and CDs with sermons recorded at Trinity United Methodist Church.  

I’m currently processing a collection of works donated by Dr. Michael Botson that he used to write his book Labor, Civil Rights, and The Hughes Tool Company. The contents of the collection include handwritten notes, photos, and recorded interviews with retirees from the Hughes Tool Company who fought against unfair wage scales based on race. Although I’ve never processed a collection by myself, the archivists here at AAHRC have been very helpful and patient, giving me guidance and experience that I wouldn’t ordinarily have until at least a couple of years down the line in my academic career.  

In between my projects, I also enjoy walking around the reading room and browsing the books, wishing I could check them out. Through my time here, I’ve been able to learn so much more about Houston’s African American history while also acquiring skills and general archives knowledge that I will be able to apply in my future studies and career. It has been such a rewarding experience to volunteer at AAHRC and I encourage anyone with time and an interest in history and public service to volunteer as well!

Preserving the Black Press

by Sheena Wilson | Manager

Newspapers are an invaluable primary resource that document the rich, multifaceted history of communities across the world. These publications have chronicled pivotal moments of both success and struggle in the daily lives of Black communities globally. Local Houston newspapers, such as the Houston Informer, Houston Defender, Houston Forward Times, and the Negro Labor News among others, have provided essential voices to the community, offering perspectives often omitted from mainstream media. 

While the need for access to historical newspapers is clear, preserving physical copies poses significant challenges. Over time, the naturally acidic nature of paper causes it to deteriorate when exposed to fluctuating environmental factors like humidity, light, and temperature. Limited storage space and financial constraints further hinder efforts to properly archive and maintain these historical documents.  To ensure these records remain publicly accessible, we have undertaken a newspaper digitization project in recent years to tackle these preservation challenges. By converting microform and physical newspapers into digital formats, we aim to ensure their longevity, increase user-friendliness, and enable continued use for future generations. Most importantly, the digitized papers will be searchable, making them a more valuable tool for researchers. 

Houston Forward Times  
The Houston Forward Times stands as the largest Black-owned and independently operated newspaper in Houston and the American South. Launched in 1960 by Julius Carter, this weekly publication focuses on stories relevant to Houston's Black community, departing from the national scope of most newspapers to provide a narrative that reflects the interests of its local readership.

The Houston Forward Times digitization project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Grant # LS-252486-OLS-22). * (2023) and Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Grant # LS-256843-OLS-24). * 2024

Read digital issues of the Houston Forward Times: https://cdm17006.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p17006coll12/search

The Houston Informer  
The Houston Informer, established in 1919 by C.F. Richardson Sr., was a prominent weekly newspaper that gave voice to the Black community in Houston and across the state. The Informer frequently published content addressing issues of importance to the community, including discriminatory voting practices and education. In later years, the Houston Informer merged with the Texas Freeman, becoming the Informer and Texas Freeman, before eventually being renamed simply as the Informer. A smaller-scale project is underway to digitize and upload this periodical online.  

Read digital issues of The Houston Informer:

https://cdm17006.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p17006coll183/search

Browse a list of historical African American newspapers available at the research center from cities in Texas and Louisiana:

https://houstonlibrary.org/ld.php?content_id=66825685

Request a Speaker

Are you interested in deepening your understanding of Houston’s African American history? The African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus offers a wealth of resources to support your research and learning. We provide both virtual and in-person workshops and presentations that delve into our extensive archives and research materials.

If you would like to request a speaker for your event or learn more about our outreach offerings, email us at hpl.gregoryschool@houstontx.gov.

Sign up to receive our other HRC eNewsletters!

In this issue: Learn about family history using HPL’s History Resource Center YouTube Channel playlists; Electronic resources we like: National Geographic Magazine Archive (1888-present).

Learn about family history using HPL’s History Resource Center YouTube Channel playlists

By Irene B. Walters

Almost every day we are asked at the library if there are classes or resources that people can use to learn more about how to research their family history. Happily, the short answer to this question is yes. Along with the live webinars that are offered by Clayton Library, there are many past webinars that have been recorded and are available on the Houston Public Library’s (HPL) channel on YouTube.

HPL’s YouTube Channel was first created in 2007. Videos offering similar content are grouped together in “playlists,” making it easy to find whatever interests you. Videos of webinars of help for those interested in genealogy can be found on the playlist for “HPL History Research Centers.” The videos presented by HPL’s Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus (FHRC or Clayton Library), mostly have a title beginning with the words “Clayton Library Presents,” or “HPL/HPL Resource Clayton Library.” We have produced more than twenty-four videos of interest to family history researchers under our YouTube umbrella. The videos cover records topics like census records, finding funeral records, and research methods for beginners. Research topics include Beginning Genealogy, Irish immigration, German resources, Native Americans, French, and African American history. There are also several how-to genealogy topics covered: “Family History Research,” “Researching Court Records,” “Thinking Like a Genealogist: Using Your Five Senses,” “Scrapbook Preservation,” and more. Most likely any family history researcher could find at least one video with valuable insights on a favorite topic. 

The best way to experience the HPL History Research Centers’ YouTube channel is via a free subscription. Anyone with a YouTube profile (you have one if you have a Google account such as Gmail or Google Drive) can click on the Subscribe button on the channel homepage. The playlist can be found by clicking the Playlists heading and then scrolling through the Created Playlists. Clicking on the bell icon next to Subscribe on the channel homepage will enable a notification whenever a new HPL video is posted. Remember to watch this space, so you don’t miss out on great new content.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Houston Public Library YouTube Channel (2024 March 1). Houston Public Library’s YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@houstonlibrary

Electronic resources we like: National Geographic Magazine Archive (1888-present)

By Melissa Hayes & Irene B. Walters

For this issue, we’d like to highlight an electronic resource that should bring a touch of nostalgia to many of our customers or a possible new look at the world for others. It is the National Geographic Magazine Archive (1888-present). This database is found under subject headings of “Magazines, Scholarly Journals, & Publications,” Science, and “Travel & Geography” in the A-Z Databases research tab on the Houston Public Library website. The name reflects the content. It is a collection of the monthly issues of the National Geographic Magazine from 1888 to present. Yes, those same National Geographic Magazines with the yellow spine and border around the cover image that many of us had stacked up in our homes, or grandparents’ homes, and that we would see on the shelves of school or public libraries. The magazines that gave us glimpses of exotic places around the world long before the days of the internet and search engines. For those that didn’t grow up with it in your world, the National Geographic Magazine is an iconic magazine famous for its high-quality photojournalism covering cultures, nature, science, technology and the environment.

The database contains every issue of the original magazine from 1888 to today and the National Geographic Kids magazine. New issues are added after a minimum 45-day embargo period, so the current latest issue posted is from December 2024. Everything is searchable, text, photographs, maps, even the words in the advertisements. From the main page you can do a simple keyword search, browse the magazines, or click explore topics. The topics to explore are Animals, Environment, History, People and Cultures, Science and Technology, or Travel. There is also an advanced search option. With this option you can add your search terms, then limit the search to a particular date or range of dates, limit by document type, content type, or type of illustration in the article. Your search might bring up a full article or a news brief and or an entire magazine issue of that subject. For example, I searched DNA and found 40 featured articles, 89 Brief Articles, 3 Magazine Covers, and 42 Advertisements. I clicked on the 3 magazine covers and opened the cover page Entitled: What dogs tell us: The ABC’s of DNA. The article was in the February 2012 issue entitled: New Tricks from old dogs. It talks about genetics and studies made on or with dogs. Even though the broad search method of keyword searching for a place or event will probably be the most popular search, try the limiters too. You might be surprised at what you find.

You may ask yourself, “What is in a magazine that is not about the history of a specific place or people that will help me in my genealogy?”  Well, you may find that searching the National Geographic Magazine for the places your ancestors lived may give you some nice background about their home city, state, or country. You can also find information about the wars that have taken place since the magazine’s founding in 1888.  Browsing the issues can be enjoyable as well. It can be interesting to read what your 20th century relatives read without getting decades of dust all over you.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Houston Public Library. (2025 March 1). Houston Public Library A-Z Databases page https://houstonlibrary.org/az/databases?s=209037

National Geographic Magazine. (2025 March 1). National Geographic Magazine Archive (1888-present) [database on-line]. Gale, A Cengage Company https://go.gale.com/ps/start.do?p=NGMA&u=txshrpub100185

Sign up to receive other HPL eNewsletters!

Tour the Julia Ideson Building

As one of the oldest buildings in downtown Houston, the Julia Ideson Building is a treasure trove of history and architectural beauty. In honor of Women's History Month, City of Houston’s HTV intern Vanessa Wilcox takes us inside this iconic building to explore its timeless charm and the remarkable story behind its name.

The building is named after Julia Ideson, the first librarian of the Houston Public Library, who served from 1903 to 1945. Julia Ideson was a trailblazer in her field, helping to expand library services to the community, particularly advocating for library access for underserved groups. Her legacy lives on not only in the building that bears her name but in the lasting impact she had on Houston's cultural and educational landscape.

During the tour, Vanessa hears from Shawn Kuehn, Special Events Manager at Houston Public Library, who shares insights into the history of the building, its stunning architecture, beautiful murals, and the critical role it has played in the community over the years.

The tour, captured and edited by Vanessa Wilcox, showcases the rich history of both the Julia Ideson Building and the legacy of women like Julia Ideson, who continue to inspire future generations. This Women’s History Month, it’s a perfect time to walk in and take a tour. The building is open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. So, come and reflect on how far we’ve come and the trailblazing women who paved the way.

Plan your visit today and experience the history and beauty of the Julia Ideson Building in person!

Shot and Edited by Vanessa Wilcox

Houston Public Library (HPL) is excited to introduce a brand refresh for its History Research Centers (HRCs). These centers house a diverse, carefully curated collection that support a wide range of research interests—from African American history and genealogy to local Houston history and Hispanic heritage. Each center plays a vital role in making history accessible and engaging, offering expert staff and resources that are among the best in Texas. Together, these centers represent the pinnacle of historical research and preservation in Texas. 

The New Logo: Symbolism and Meaning 

At the core of each logo is the open book, a timeless symbol of knowledge, learning, and the preservation of history. The book represents the vast collection of stories, documents, and resources that form the foundation of the HRC’s. 

Rising from the pages of the book is the tree, symbolizing growth, connection to the past, and the branching out of ideas. The tree’s roots are signified as an anchor in history, while its branches represent the exploration and development of new insights. This imagery underscores the intertwined relationship between the past and present. 

Combined, the book and tree elements create a cohesive logo family that aligns with the mission of the History Research Centers—preserving, sharing, and exploring history while inviting others to engage with and contribute to the ongoing narrative. 

"To further connect with a broader audience, a new logo family was designed for the History Research Centers. While the previous logo emphasized the historical significance of each site, the new design focuses on research and learning. By combining the symbolism of the book and the tree, we’re emphasizing the growth and discovery that our centers foster. This redesign is a visual representation of our commitment to preserving the past while inspiring future generations,” said LaDonna Weems, Deputy Assistant Director of Communications. 

"As we continue to make history more accessible to our community, this new logo beautifully captures the essence of our work. We are excited to share this new chapter with our visitors and look forward to welcoming even more people to explore our collections," said Miguell Ceasar, Senior Manager of History Research Centers.

Local civil rights icon and founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Reverend William "Bill" Lawson passed away on May 14, 2024, leaving a rich and celebrated legacy. If you would like to learn more about Reverend Lawson, HPL Digital Archives offer some fascinating primary sources.

Our Audiovisual Archives contain two interviews with Reverend Lawson: one originally recorded in 1974, and a second interview from 2008 (from the Mayor Bill White Oral History Collection) which was also videotaped. These two interviews provide a fascinating historical perspective on his work and life in Houston during the years of the Civil Rights Movement.

Reverend Lawson, Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza and Rabbi Samuel Karff were known as the "Three Amigos" or "Three Wise Men" for their decades-long friendship and interfaith activism in favor of human rights and the betterment of life for all Houstonians. Archbishop Fiorenza and Rabbi Karff were also interviewed in 2008 and 2007 respectively as part of the Mayor White Oral History Collection. 

In December 2015, Reverend Lawson was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Mrs. Audrey Ann Hoffman Lawson. Mrs. Lawson's funeral program is part of HPL Digital Archives' African American Funeral Program collection and provides a unique perspective into her career as an activist in her own right, and the love and family that she and Reverend Lawson shared. 

The Lawson Collection, or “Lawson Letters,” not only document Reverend William and Mrs. Audrey Hoffman Lawson’s young adulthood and courtship, they also were the primary means of courtship. Beginning in September 1952, young Bill and Audrey exchanged letters for months before ever meeting in person, and what began as a friendly dialogue blossomed into love during the next two years of correspondence. Later in life, Reverend and Mrs. Lawson made their letters available to HPL for digitization. They are available online, an indispensable resource for historians—and anyone who appreciates a great love story!

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.”

Houston History Research Center Manager Letrice Davis was interviewed by Mister McKinney and Heidi Vaughan for the Houston Hour radio show on KPFT 90.1 Friday, October 27. 

The interview is archived on the KPFT web page—to listen, just go to the Archives Page and scroll down to the Friday, October 27 entry for The Houston Hour. The interview begins around the 32 minute mark.

KHOU's Brandi Smith interviewed Houston History Research Center Manager Letrice Davis for this Hidden Gems segment all about the Julia Ideson Building! 

From the story:

Since the building is part of the Houston Public Library system, the HHRC is open to the public, including its microfiche, old yearbooks and even its 4,000-piece photo collection.

"It's important to preserve the documentary evidence of Houston because it allows researchers to come in and understand how the city started, what significant things have happened here and how the people have changed," said Davis.

The HHRC occupies a small portion of the first floor. Just outside its doors, the history lessons continue via a free audio tour of the building. Visitors can learn about the building itself and its façade. About a dozen other stops fill you in on how a tile mural of Don Quixote came to be, what the other murals in the building are all about and what’s special about the Norma Meldrum Children's Room.

"Ninety-five percent of the furniture in that room was original to the building," Davis pointed out.

The chairs, tables and shelves all date back nearly a century. It’s all been not just preserved, but restored.

"When they did the restoration, they made sure that they even went back and got microscopic paint chips so that they could restore even the color to the building," said Davis.

Its uniqueness is highlighted in spots like the Reading Room, complete with a Venus de Milo statue.

"(It's) really amazing to work here with so much history," Davis smiled. "It's just really a beautiful building. I understand totally why it's such a draw for people who are having events or just visiting the city and want to look around."

Houston Public Library (HPL) leadership, staff, and honored guests gathered on Wednesday, September 13 at the Houston History Research Center (HHRC) within the historic Julia Ideson Building for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and rededication of the HHRC's Texas Room. The former Texas Room is now officially known as the Dorothy Knox Howe Houghton Reading Room. Speakers at the event included, HPL Director Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson, Friends of the Texas Room President Mister McKinney and Dr. Rowena Dasch, daughter of Dorothy Knox Howe Houghton. Also in attendance was Dorothy Knox Howe Houghton's second daughter Dr. Adele Houghton. Architectural Historian Stephen Fox gave the keynote address. The ceremony was followed by a reception.

A sixth-generation Houstonian, Dorothy Knox Howe Houghton (1944 - 2018) was a gifted historian, author and researcher, and a fierce advocate for historic preservation in Houston. The archival materials she and her co-authors assembled for the book "Houston's Forgotten Heritage: Landscape, Houses, Interiors, 1824 - 1914" are now housed in the HHRC. She founded the Friends of the Texas Room and served as its president for years, supporting the work of the HHRC, and was instrumental in the restoration of the Julia Ideson Building.  

"Dorothy Knox is a descendant of the founders of Houston as well as the founders of Houston Public Library," said Lawson.

 "This is such an important and fitting honor for not only the founding president of the Friends of the Texas Room, but also for one of the most active members of Houston's historical community," said Mister McKinney of Mister McKinney's Historic Houston, who serves as the second president of the Friends group founded twenty years ago in 2003.

 "Dorothy Knox's spirit of relentless historic preservation through the support of the HHRC archives serves as an example and reminder of the difference that one dedicated person can make, and the results when you can motivate others to follow. Houston's future will benefit from Dorothy Knox’s support of its historical past."

ABOUT THE HOUSTON HISTORY RESEARCH CENTER (HHRC) Created in 1976, the HHRC is Houston Public Library's special collection focusing on Houston and Texas history. Its archival collections include one of the largest architectural archives in Texas, a significant local photographs collection, and a growing Hispanic collection. Other holdings include rare books, pamphlets and maps, and an extensive collection of oral histories. Through HHRC’s efforts, researchers can view original materials from local Houston groups, listen to oral histories, and browse a selection of digitized materials online. Learn more about the HHRC at houstonlibrary.org/hhrc. The Friends of the Texas Room offer continual and invaluable support in the enrichment of the HHRC through donated materials and volunteer effort.
 

The following article is a guest post from Rebecca Grimes of the HPL Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus. It is published in the July 2023 issue of the Clayton Crier quarterly newsletter. To subscribe to this and other History Research Center newsletters, sign up here.

By chance do you have ancestors who signed the Declaration of Independence?  How do you connect your genealogy line to these signers?  The signers of the Declaration of Independence came from the original 13 colonies of the United States which were:  Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York State, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia.  There were a total of 57 delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence.  In this article we will be looking at two individual volumes and a seven volume set of books found in the Houston Public Library’s Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus about these men.  Hopefully, these books can offer insight in connecting to your historical ancestors who made a huge impact on the founding of our country.

Lives of the signers to the Declaration of Independence by The Rev. Charles A Goodrich. (973.3 G654 USA)  Since this book was written just 53 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it doesn’t give you any ancestors or descendants of the signers.  It does give you a little information on how these men became to be signers of he Declaration of Independence.  Great information can be obtained from this book about the signers’ background and what they achieved in life.

The Signers of the Declaration of Independence: a biographical and genealogical reference by Della Gray Barthelmas. (923.273 B285 USA) This book lists in alphabetical order the signers of the Declaration of Independence.  A bibliography is given about the life of the signers with genealogy information about them.  It gives information about who they married and can give information on their children also.  The genealogy information is sometimes a little bit confusing since it is not given in the form of a genealogy chart.  In the back of the book in an index, selected biography, and an appendix.

Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by The Rev. Frederick Wallace Pyne. Volumes 1-7 (973.313 P997 USA)

V. 1:  The New England States (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island) (2nd Edition)
V. 2:  New York State
V. 3:  New Jersey
V. 4: Pennsylvania
V. 5: Delaware and Maryland
V. 6: Virginia
V. 7: Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

This genealogical register set contains genealogical information about the descendants of the signers only, not information about their ancestors.  In the interest of making this as complete as possible all descendants have been included: those who died young (dy), those who never married (unm), and those who married, but never had issue (children).  To find a descendant you must know the name of someone you believe to be a descendant of a signer.  Look in the every-name index at the back of the volume to find the name of that person.  There is a table of contents to each book that goes by state and tells you what signer or signers were from that state.  This is an excellent set to use because it starts with the first generation and can have information forward for multiple generations.

These books and family histories of some of the signers can be found at the Family History Research Center and hopefully they will be helpful for researchers trying to connect to an ancestor who signed the United States Declaration of Independence.  To search for these materials using the HPL catalog use the keywords “Declaration of Independence” in quotes. Remember after your search, limit your search using the filters to “Family History Research Center” to get the items that are located at our location.

Preserve the Past and Remember the Glory: The History of the Prairie View Interscholastic League (PVIL)
The African American History Research Center at the Gregory School

1300 Victor Street, 77019 | 832-393-1440
July 1, 2023 – December 30, 2023

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) was established by the University of Texas in 1910 to make rules and settle disputes for academic and athletic competitions at white high schools in Texas. Recognizing a need for a separate organization for Black high school students, the Texas Interscholastic League of Colored Schools (TILCS) was created in 1920 by the Colored Teachers State Association of Texas and the Negro School Division of the State Department of Education. The TILCS changed its name in 1923 to the Prairie View Interscholastic League (PVIL) when it came under the control of Prairie View A&M College. 

Modeling itself after the UIL, the PVIL held its own competitions for Black high school students in athletics, typing, declamation, music, and extemporaneous speaking. Starting with 40 schools, the PVIL quickly grew to include 300 schools by 1927 and enrolled 500 schools at its peak. PVIL participants include Houston’s Barbara Jordan (Phillis Wheatley High School), the first African American U.S. Congresswoman from the Southern United States. In 1965, the UIL opened membership to all public schools and the PVIL was disbanded at the end of the 1969-70 school year.

This exhibition features documents, photographs, and vintage uniforms and trophies from the Special Collections & Archives Department (SCAD) of the John B. Coleman Library at Prairie View A&M University and the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association.

This exhibit is free and open to the public. Exhibit dates are subject to change.

February 11, 2023 – May 4, 2023

The African American Library at the Gregory School
1300 Victor Street, 77019 | 832-393-1440

AND Central Library | 1st Floor Gallery
500 McKinney St., 77002 | 832-393-1300

Cover image: “Texas Queens” by Laura Casemore.

L-R: "When It's Time" by John Gilchrist; "Let Freedom Reign" by La'Toya Smith.

The biennial Citywide African American Artists Exhibition is a collaboration between the University Museum at Texas Southern University and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The exhibition offers all artists of the African Diaspora in the Greater Houston area the opportunity to show their work to a broader public and art-collecting community. 

The exhibition celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022 and was curated by Michelle Barnes, CEO of the Community Artists’ Collective. The artist prizes were juried by artists Earlie Hudnall, Jr. and Vicki Meek; and Anna Walker, executive director of Lawndale Art Center.

The exhibition is spread over two HPL locations. On view at the African American History Research Center at the Gregory School are works by 47 different artists, including Curator's Choice Award winner La'Toya Smith, First Place winner James E! Walker, and Honorable Mention winners Janice McCloud Warren and AFI ESE. The Central Library's First Floor Gallery will display works by 25 different artists, including Second Place winner Eddie Filer, Jr., Third Place winner Shawn Artis, Honorable Mention winner Emmanuel Olaiyan, and 5A Choice Award winner Maria Modjo. 

In partnership with:
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The University Museum at Texas Southern University

Exhibits are free and open to the public. Exhibit dates are subject to change.

On Monday, December 12, 2022, the Houston Public Library celebrated the unveiling of an Official Texas Historical Marker from the Texas Historical Commission for the Gregory School building at the African American History Research Center (AAHRC). The dedication ceremony took place amongst the exhibits inside and culminated outside at the marker's permanent location, at the corner of Wilson and Victor streets in Freedmen's Town/Fourth Ward. 

The event began with opening remarks from Angela Kent, Senior Manager of HPL’s History Research Centers and Miguell Ceasar, AAHRC Manager and Senior Archivist. Local historian and member of the African American Library Gregory Friends (AALGS) Debra Blacklock Sloan gave an official statement on the awarding of the marker. She also thanked the local officials who sent proclamations, like State Representative Jolanda Jones.

HPL Director Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson gave remarks. “When I became the Director of the Houston Public Library in 2005, implementing Mayor Lee Brown’s vision for the Gregory School, now the African American History Research Center, was at the top on my list of goals,” said Dr. Lawson. “I have had the pleasure of seeing it evolve to become a significant destination in Houston, all while providing a unique window into the local and global Black experience.  Now we have a restored facility with an official State Historical Marker designation thanks in large part to the dedication of the Friends of the Gregory School. We are very thankful for their continuing support and longtime partnership.”   

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner read the text of the marker, after which it was unveiled. 

Mayor Turner said, “We come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, but we are all here together for a common cause: to recognize the contributions of people and places like Gregory School that are sacred pillars of education and advancement within the African American community.” 

After the ceremony, attendees headed indoors for an open house and tour of the AAHRC facility.

November 12, 2022 - January 28, 2023

The African American History Research Center at the Gregory School

1300 Victor St., 77019 | 832-393-1440

Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) emerged when the country was transforming from an agrarian society of farmers to an industrialized nation of factory and office workers. The BSA’s goal was to teach boys “patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues,” as well as outdoor skills, values that critics thought were lost as families moved to cities.

The first Black Boy Scouts in Houston were organized in 1935 by Reverend J. H. M. Boyce. The following year, about a dozen men completed a training course for leaders and formed seven or eight troops in the city. Although interest in Scouting started small, with only about a dozen Black Boy Scouts per troop, by 1947, their numbers grew to almost 3,000 throughout Houston.

This exhibition features photographs, ephemera, and newspaper clippings from the Harrison Family Collection. Edwin Stafford Harrison (1912-1979) was a civic leader, Methodist minister, and the first Black Precinct judge and poll tax writer in Harris County. Harrison was a Scout Executive from 1944 until his retirement in 1975.

This exhibition is free and open to the public. Dates are subject to change.

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 - The Houston Public Library (HPL) announces that its current special collections libraries now serve under the new banner of HPL’s History Research Centers. The Houston History Research Center, formerly Houston Metropolitan Research Center, was the first HPL special collections library; the Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus, was established in 1968 as the Clayton Library for Genealogical Research; and the African American History Research Center was known as the African American Library at the Gregory School since 2009. 

The respective archives and origins of the History Research Centers are unchanged. The former Gregory School located in the historic Fourth Ward stands as the African American History Research Center (1300 Victor St.), devoted to documenting the Black experience in Houston and beyond. The Julia Ideson Building (550 McKinney St.), home to the Houston History Research Center, anchors the dual history of HPL and the city with a repository of architectural drawings, Hispanic Collections and an expansive local photographs and audio-visual collection. The house that William Lockhart Clayton built is synonymous with genealogy and family history research. The Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library (5300 Caroline St.) has grown to be among the top of its kind in the nation, with resources freely available in-person and online. 

Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson, Director of the Houston Public Library states that with this renaming, the Houston community and visitors stand to gain a greater understanding of what can be found at the History Research Centers. “The History Research Centers are wonderful destinations that will appeal to anyone wanting to discover what’s hiding in plain sight.” 

Remarking on what the public can expect, Angela Kent, Head of History Research Centers, notes, “While HPL’s special books collections and archives remain housed at their current locations, we hope that visitors can recognize and come to know all the things one can see and do at the History Research Centers. We link people to history.” Individuals and groups can tour the historic buildings, view exhibits and attend library programs, while also continuing to access and research HPL’s rare and unique special collections and archives.  

HPL’s History Research Centers are open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information visit: https://houstonlibrary.org/hrc.

July 30, 2022 – October 22, 2022 

The African American Library at the Gregory School

1300 Victor Street, 77019 | 832-393-1440

Fourth Ward, Motherward, an exhibit of photographs by Elbert Howze, is on view at the African American Library at the Gregory School from July 30 to October 8, 2022.

Elbert Howze (1951 – 2015) was born in Detroit, Michigan. He moved to Houston in 1973 and continued his education at the University of Houston, receiving a B.F.A. in fine art, a B.S. in technology and business technology, and an M.F.A. in photography.

Freedmen’s Town, Fourth Ward was founded by newly freed African Americans in 1865 and quickly grew into a successful, bustling, and self-sufficient community. By the middle of the 20th century, the landlocked neighborhood saw its population decline as residents moved to other Black communities around the city. Neglect, government redevelopment programs, private developers, and the relentless march toward gentrification led to the demolition of historic homes.

When Howze took an interest in the community in the 1980s, he described Fourth Ward as “a place of neglect and decay which appears to be deliberate by plan.” Although he acknowledged the physical decline of the area, Howze decided to focus his lens on its residents, preserving the enduring spirit of the neighborhood.

This exhibit is free and open to the public. Exhibit dates are subject to change.

September 9, 2021 - March 12, 2022

On view at the African American Library at the Gregory School 

1300 Victor Street, 77019 | 832-393-1440

Spanning over six decades of cultural production, this exhibition presents paintings, drawings and prints of works by African Americans in Texas with a combination of portraiture, landscape and abstraction on display. In collaboration with the John L. Nau III Collection of Texas Art, this exhibition features works from Texan artists including John Willard Banks, John Biggers, Sedrick Huckaby, and Kermit Oliver, supplemented with special collection materials from the African American Library at the Gregory School.

This exhibition is generously supported by:

City of Houston
Houston Public Library
The African American Library at the Gregory School
The John L. Nau III Collection of Texas Art

This exhibit was also made possible through the generosity of the Houston Public Library Foundation.

The African American Artists in Texas: Selections from the John L. Nau III Collection of Texas Art will be on view at the following HPL location(s):

Houston Public Library Hosts Inaugural Commemorative Lecture with Proclamation of George Floyd Remembrance Day

Black Art Library
On view at the African American Library at the Gregory School
April 16, 2022 - June 25, 2022

Independent curator and arts educator Asmaa Walton founded Black Art Library in February 2020 as a digital project to mark Black History Month.  During her studies and time working in museums, Walton noticed a lack of Black visual artists in both her art history curriculum and on the walls of museums. Black Art Library aims to help people learn more about Black art and artists outside of formal art institutions, which can feel restrictive and intimidating.

The project has turned into an interactive exhibition and resource. The ever-expanding collection includes over 500 anthologies, art books, children’s books, exhibition catalogues, artist memoirs, artist biographies, and other art-related ephemera. Although Black art and artists have historically been excluded in mainstream art history, museum collections, and galleries, Black Art Library is accessible for everyone: art lovers, art novices, children, and historians are all welcome.

Follow the Black Art Library on Instagram @blackartlibrary

Exhibit is free and open to the public.

Exhibits dates are subject to change.

About the Curator 

Asmaa Walton is a Detroit native, arts educator, and ardent developer of the Black cultural archive. Walton received a BFA in art education from Michigan State University in 2017 and an MA in Art Politics from New York University Tisch School of the Arts in 2018. In 2019, Walton was appointed Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellow at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Her current mission is to have a permanent space for Black Art Library in Detroit. 

This exhibition is generously supported by:

City of Houston

The Houston Public Library

The Houston Public Library Foundation

The African American Library at the Gregory School

The Library will undergo repairs to the exterior façade, roof, and exterior doors and windows. Originally built in 1926, and majorly renovated in 2008, the facility repairs will help extend the life span of the Library. Located in Freedman’s Town, The Gregory School was the 1st African American school located in Houston.

African American Library at the Gregory School
1300 Victor Street, Houston, TX 77009

April 2022 Update

Architect: tbd
Contractor: tbd
Construction Budget: $3.7M
Current Phase: Consultant Selection
Next Phase: Design in 2022
Schedule: Construction to begin in 2022.