Download - 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 [email protected]
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/•
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
