A graphic of a folded newspaper with the title text of Texas Archival News Vol. 1 Issue 1 All Parts, Texas February 26, 2024 75 cents and the headline text of Extra! Extra! Eyes of the World on Texas.

Americans have often asked each other, “Where were you when Kennedy was shot?” Many recalled precisely where they were when they learned that the president had been assassinated, and the incident became part of the identity of the city of Dallas. Other Texas cities and sites have become associated with headline-making episodes that brought the state into the public eye.

“Houston, we have a problem” will forever connect Texas to the space program. The Galveston Hurricane holds the terrible legacy of the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States. Spindletop, an oilfield in Southeast Texas, became shorthand for the oil boom that changed the trajectory of the nation’s economy.

Other incidents may be lesser known in the modern era but had an enormous impact when they occurred. While significant stories of the past are often filled with pain and suffering, the simultaneous sharing of the knowledge through the news media connected people from beyond the borders of Texas. Each event affected many Texans and continues to define the state’s history through the documents and images left behind.

View the online exhibit of Extra! Extra! Eyes of the World on Texas
 


View past exhibits here

TSLAC regularly exhibits treasures from its collections in the lobby of the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building. We encourage you to visit to see these pieces of history for yourself. Of course we understand that not everyone is able to stop by 1201 Brazos Street in Austin, so we’ve digitized most of what we display for you to view here online. Please feel free to browse our current and previous exhibits linked to from this page.

A horizontal logo with the text Beyond the Badge: The Work and Records of the Texas Rangers, along with a graphic of a gold star Texas Ranger badge containing the text Texas Ranger.A logo with the text of Texas Governors and Their Times 1846-1946.

A Home for Texas History Logo Showing a Stylized Photo of the three brass colored doors of the Lorenzo de Zavala Building and the text of 60 Years with a red ribbon.An image of an opened wooden box with text Cabinet of Curiosities.

The Women's Power, Women's Vote exhibit logo showing that text with a check mark acting as a V in the word voteA shape of the state of Texas in red with a plate and utensils on it with the text Setting the Texas Table

A hand holding a tray with the text on top of the tray - Archives À la Carte - Staff PicksA red banner type flat with the text "Texans Take to the Trenches - The Lone Star State and the Great War

Fireworks behind text 'The Talking Book Program Volunteer Recording Studio Turns 40' on a blue background Setting Up Camp, the Early History of Texas State Parks

Image button to access lobby exhibit Historic Postcards from TexasImage button to access lobby exhibit the Evolution of the Texas Rangers

Image button to access lobby exhibit Texans' Struggle for Freedom and EqualityImage button to access lobby exhibit Texas in Focus: Early Photographs from the State Archives

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Image button to access lobby exhibit Focus: Early Photographs from the State ArchivesImage button to access lobby exhibit Texas Investigates The Assassination of President John F Kennedy and Wounding of Governor John B Connally

Image button to access lobby exhibit Texas Republic Legation PapersImage button to access lobby exhibit Travis' 1836 Victory or Death Letter from the Alamo

Image button to access lobby exhibit The Journeay Violin and the Mier Expedition (Black Bean Episode)Image button to access lobby exhibit Water in Texas  

Image button to access lobby exhibit The American Civil War in TexasImage button to access lobby exhibit Talking Book Program

Image button to access lobby exhibit Conservation Methods at TSLAC""  

 

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Page last modified: February 26, 2024