News
In October 2015, Texas will join archival repositories across the nation to celebrate Archives Month and promote the preservation of our country's documentary heritage. Archives Month in Texas aims to celebrate the value of Texas' historical records, to publicize the many ways these records enrich our lives, to recognize those who maintain our communities' historical records, and to increase public awareness of the importance of preserving historical treasures and making them available for use by present and future generations.
The 84th Texas Legislature has increased the appropriation of the State Library and Archives Commission by $7.6M for the 2016-2017 biennium. The new funding includes resources to launch the Texas Digital Archive to preserve and make available electronic archives of state government as well as $6M to offer Texans greater access to online information via the popular TexShare and TexQuest programs. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission also gained funds in the new state budget to address salary needs and to implement a new automated accounting and payroll system.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission recently approved funding for 36 Texas libraries to address early learning priorities in their communities and ensure that all children enter school ready and able to learn through training provided by Family Place Libraries™. Expanding the traditional role of children's services, Family Place builds on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parental involvement and supportive communities play a critical role in young children's growth and development.
Electrical repairs originally slated at the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center for April 21-22 have been rescheduled for May 5-6, 2015. As a result, the Center will be closed both May 5th and 6th as staff continue to work to address critical safety and security needs within the Center’s buildings and grounds.
One day into the bombardment of the Alamo, the 26-year-old commander of the makeshift fortress, William Barret Travis, addressed a letter “To the People of Texas and All Americans in the world.” Dated February 24th 1836, “The Travis Letter” has become the single most revered and studied document in Texas history. The iconic letter will be on display for 12 days, symbolically representing the lengthy siege fought by the defenders of the Alamo, from Feb 23rd - March 6, 2015.
In less than 200 years Texas has evolved from a fledging republic to one of the most powerful states in the Union. Texans have witnessed and fought in the struggle for independence and peace on the frontier and continue to make strides in the contest toward racial and gender equality.
The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center has re-opened following a series of renovations made to address critical safety and security issues at the historical resource depository in Liberty, TX. Repairs and upgrades were made possible in part by funds awarded from a $1 million appropriation by the 83rd Texas Legislature to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC).
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) announced today that it will acquire the records of outgoing Governor Rick Perry. The records held within this collection document the administration of the longest-serving governor in Texas history. Included in Governor Perry’s archives are policy files, appointments, correspondence, press releases, speeches, executive orders and memoranda documenting key policy issues pertaining to the Governor’s initiatives on economic development, education, workforce investment and improved quality of life for the people of Texas.
The Texas State Library and Archives announces the culmination of a digitization project that expands access to the Texas Senate audio recordings dating from 1972 to 2006. The project was made possible in part by funds awarded to TSLAC through the Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in February of 2013. Under guidelines set by IMLS, financial resources were applied to expand services for learning and public access to information and educational resources.