windows on the past

Windows on the Past

Austin History CenterAustin, TexasJanuary 2005

Overview

Three Goals– Basics of using the archives for

research– Specific resources within the AHC– Wonderful resources in other

locations

Archives – History in Your Hands

Austin treasureshttp://www.cityofaustin.org/library/ahc/

Email AHC_Reference@ci.austin.tx.us

Using the Archives

– Handling & Care of Material• Lock up belongs and use pencils only• Plan to take your time• Expect our staff to help you and one

another

– Preservation Tips http://www.cityofaustin.org/library/ahc/preserve.htm• Watch your elbows• Do not stack materials on top of one

another• Be careful when photocopying

Collection Resources

BooksAerial Photography

Maps

Architectural Drawings

Staff Members

Photographs

House/ Building

FilesDirectories

Newspapers

Architectural Drawings

• Over 150 architects represented• Kinney -- Fehr -- Jessen --• Page Sutherland Page –• Pinkney – Kuehne –• Master Builders &

Mechanics

•Hundreds of maps of the city and county

•Sanborn maps

Maps

Books

Title: Austin and its architecture Author: American Institute of Architects. Austin Chapter. 1976.Call Number: 720.976431 Am Title: A field guide to contemporary American architecture Author: Rifkind, Carole. 1988.Call Number: 720.9730904 Ri

Title: Survey and multiple property nomination of Abner Cook structures in Austin : final report to the Texas Historical Commission and the Heritage Society of AustinAuthor: Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1989.Call Number: A 724.23 Ha

City Directories• Print and microfilm• 1872 to present

House/Building Files

• Example– Saloons

By Address

By Name of establishmentBy Owner name

– Use your creative thinking power

Hotels, Taverns, Boarding HouseExpand your vocabulary: Abbatoir

Newspapers

• Villager• Gossip• Austin

American-Statesman

• NOKOA• Westlake

Picayune• Lake Travis

News

• Pflugerville Pflag

• La Vanguardia• Downtown

Planet• La Prensa

• Periodicals• Austin File

Chronological

Photographic ImagesTornado

1922

Where to go from here --

Alexander Architectural Archives Center for American HistoryTravis County Clerk’s Office -- now on Airport Blvd.Travis County Courthouse – court documentsTravis Central Appraisal DistrictTexas State Library and ArchivesTexas Historical CommissionHistoric Preservation Officer

Three Goals

• Basics of archives and their use• Exploration of a few sources at

the AHC• Hints about other institutions in

our fine city that have equally wonderful staff and helpful resources

Concluding Advice

• Good Luck and Have FunLooking into the Windows of the Past!

• http://www.cityofaustin.org/library/ahc/•

AHC_Reference@ci.austin.tx.us

Many thanks to our Austin History Center staff members for their expertise and courteous assistance and to the many volunteers who assist us in our work

Austin History Centervolunteers at work