New Online: Recent Updates to Finding Aids and Digital Images Available Online

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Color image of a hand holding a tablet computer with the text New Online at the top.

As our archives staff work on an ongoing basis to arrange, preserve, describe, and make available to the public the materials under our care, we spotlight new additions to the website in a regular feature from Out of the Stacks. The column lists new and revised finding aids recently made available online, along with fresh uploads to the Texas Digital Archive, our repository of electronic items. For a comprehensive list of all recently added and updated finding aids visit Archives: Finding Aids (New & Revised).

FY 2025 Q2

New Finding Aids

State Records

Color photo of vote being taken in the House Chambers of the Texas Capitol. Several men gather at the podium under the US and Texas flags.
Vote being taken, 1974.  Texas Constitutional Convention of 1974 audiovisual materials,2025/057-0008. View in TDA.

Texas Constitutional Convention of 1974 audiovisual recordings – all audiovisual recordings are electronic files that are part of the Texas Digital Archive

The Texas Constitutional Convention of 1974 was the culmination of a three-part process to revise and simplify the ninety-seven-year-old Texas constitution. These audiovisual materials date 1974 and document the Constitutional Convention of 1974 (convened on January 8 and closed on July 30), which failed to result in a revised constitution to submit to voters. Digital copies of the color slides, film footage of the convention, film productions about the convention, and the original audio recordings regarding the convention, document its ceremonial aspects; selection of convention officers; committee appointments, assignments, and meetings; floor debates; testimonies; press conferences; information prepared for the public; and the film productions The Making of the Texas Constitution and A New Constitution for Texas. These digital copies were created by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission with grant funding provided by the Library Services and Technology Act, Institute of Museum and Library Services, and are part of the Texas Digital Archive.

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles records – includes electronic records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles provides title, registration, and license plate services; licenses and regulates motor vehicle dealers, manufacturers, converters, lessors, and lease facilitators; enforces the law regulating motor vehicle dealer sales practices (regarding manufacturers’ warranties and fraud, unfair practices, discrimination, impositions, and other abuses); and investigates consumer complaints under the “lemon law” of 1983. These Texas Department of Motor Vehicle records include correspondence, minutes, organization charts, and a draft of the agency’s sunset self-evaluation report, dating 1997-2022.

Texas Guardianship Certification Board meeting agenda and minutes

The Texas Guardianship Certification Board oversaw the certification, registration, and licensing of state-appointed guardians, under the direction of the Office of Court Administration (OCA) of the Texas Judicial Branch. A legal guardian is a person who has been appointed by a court or otherwise has the legal authority to make decisions relevant to the personal and property interests of another person, known as a ward. These Texas Guardianship Certification Board meeting agenda and minutes, 2006-2013, document aspects of the certification process, disciplinary proceedings against guardians, and committee activities.

Manuscripts

Scanned document. Image of a schedule (chart) of clothing and material from the Spanish American War.
Company H schedule of clothing and material: item 3, 1890s. George Willrich Spanish-American War papers, 1948/016.

George Willrich Spanish-American War papers – these papers have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive.

George Willrich served as captain of the Fayette Light Guard, first organized in 1886 as part of the Texas Volunteer Guard. On April 24, 1898, he joined for duty and enrolled at La Grange, Texas, to serve as captain of Company H, 1st Volunteer Infantry, during the Spanish-American War and was mustered into service the following month. The George Willrich Spanish-American War papers, 1898-1899, 1928, bulk 1898-1899, document his service and that of Company H in Havana, Cuba, during that military conflict. These papers consist of quartermaster records; correspondence relating to personnel and military court matters; ordnance and ordnance stores records; infantry equipment inventories, schedules, and correspondence; muster rolls; an annual report of the Adjutant-General of the Army to the Secretary of War; and correspondence sent to Willrich in 1928 asking him to organize an encampment of Spanish-American War veterans. These papers have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive.

Hull-Daisetta Rotary Club collection (at Sam Houston Center)

The Hull-Daisetta Rotary Club was chartered on April 1, 1926, in Hull, Liberty County, Texas. Rotary clubs are local chapters of an international service organization that seeks to build fellowship and understanding between business and professional leaders. In 2006, several local individuals and organizations began working to support renovation of the Hull-Daisetta Rotary Club building and preserve its legacy. It was moved to the grounds of the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in June 2010 and now houses an exhibit on the heritage of Rotary clubs and community service in Southeast Texas. The Hull-Daisetta Rotary Club collection documents some of the activities of the club. These records are attendance and program records, membership rosters, correspondence, financial records, newsletters, photographs, posters, and artifacts. Materials date 1926-1979, 2010, bulk 1949-1979.

R.D. (Bob) Evans rice production slides (Sam Houston Center)

Robert Dawson (Bob) Evans was a prominent rice farmer in Devers, Liberty County, Texas. This collection consists of 275 color slides of photographs, maps, and statistical information pertaining to rice production in Southeast Texas, primarily Devers in Liberty County. Materials date 1961-1965.

Revised Finding Aids

State Records

Texas Department of State Health Services organization charts

Texas Governor Allan Shivers lieutenant governor files

Texas Governor Allan Shivers senate files

Texas 3rd Court of Appeals records – a portion of the Indexes and registers has been digitized and along with electronic selected case files are part of the Texas Digital Archive.

Texas Education Agency historical school district action files – card file indexes have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive.

Texas State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners records

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners records – includes electronic records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive.

Galveston County (Tex.) Justice of the Peace records. Digitized records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive.

Texas Animal Health Commission meeting records – includes electronic records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive.

Texas Attorney General’s Office Assistant for Information records

Texas Historical Commission History Programs Division records – oral history recordings, transcripts, and related photographs have been digitized and, along with electronic records received from the agency, are part of the Texas Digital Archive.

Manuscripts

Texas State Archives Broadsides and printed ephemera collection

Sibley Cooley 36th Division Association audiovisual collection – the entire collection is part of the Texas Digital Archive

General John A. Hulen papers – select photographs have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive.

Air Day in Texas

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By Andrew Hempe, Archivist

Governor Coke Stevenson issued proclamation no. 41-29 designating September 7, 1946, as Air Day in Texas. The proclamation was issued in recognition of the important role played by the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, that much of the training of the Air Corps’ pilots took place in Texas, and the increasingly important role that civilian air traffic was playing in Texas. The proclamation noted that Texas had more airports, “more feet of airport runways,” and more privately owned airplanes than any other state.

Image of portion of newspaper front page with Governor Proclaims 'Air Day In Texas' For Harlingen above the masthead for Valley Morning Star. A photo of the governor signing the proclamation is featured on the front page.
Front page, Tuesday, July 23, 1946, Valley Morning Star newspaper, Harlingen, Texas. Air Day in Texas, 4-14/154. Texas Governor Coke R. Stevenson records.

Air Day was hosted in Harlingen, home to the Army Airfield (later Harlingen Air Force Base and today Valley International Airport). Attendance at the event was estimated to be between 15-20,000. Approximately 300 aircraft flew to Harlingen. Festivities included performances by military aircraft, including acrobatic and precision flying, simulated combat flying, and an appearance by a new jet-propelled plane that flew over the crowd. The delegation from Cuero, Texas, proposed a stunt that was ultimately not allowed due to safety concerns: dropping a live turkey from a low flying plane onto the audience. A beauty contest was also held, with the contestant from San Antonio named “Miss Air Queen.”

Western Union telegram stamped Sep 6 with text from Earl Warren Governor (of California) to Governor Coke Stevenson = State Capitol Austin Tex = Appreciated invitation to first annual "Air Day in Texas" tomorrow and regret commitments here prevent my being with you. Know it will be an outstanding success. With cordial good wishes to you and the people of Texas.
Some of the many dignitaries invited to the event were not able to attend. Governor of California and future Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren sent his regards. Telegram, Governor Earl Warren to Governor Coke Stevenson, September 6, 1946. Air Day in Texas, 4-14/154. Texas Governor Coke R. Stevenson records.

Air Day in Texas followed on the heels of Air Force Day, held on August 1, 1945, and again one year later on August 1, 1946. While the focus of Air Day in Texas was both civilian and military air travel, the Air Force Days were focused exclusively on military applications of flight. August 1 was the anniversary of the founding of the US Army Air Corps in 1907 and the proclamations for each of the Air Force Days noted that more Air Force bases were located in Texas and more Air Force pilots were trained in Texas than in any other state. The US military presence and the veterans who continue to contribute to communities long after their service has concluded, helps define the legacy and spirit of Texas.

Collections at the State Archives help document the long history of civilian and military aviation in Texas. To learn more about these and other materials at the State Archives, visit https://www.tsl.texas.gov/arc or contact reference staff at 512-463-5455 or ref@tsl.texas.gov.

Apply Now for TSLAC’s Research Fellowship in Texas History

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graphic with red background and black and white image of an individual in a library with books and laptop open. Text reads: Research fellowship in texas history applications now open. $2000 award for research at TSLAC in 2026. Apply by January 15, 2026. Logos for TSLAC and TXLAF.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Research Fellowship in Texas History. The fellowship includes a $2,000 stipend and is awarded for the best research proposal utilizing the collections of the State Archives in Austin or the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty, Texas.

The TSLAC Research Fellowship in Texas History is made possible by the generous support of the Texas Library and Archives Foundation.

The application must include the purpose of the proposed research, collections of interest, a discussion of how this research will contribute to a greater understanding of Texas history, plans for dissemination and a curriculum vitae. The recipient of the fellowship will be asked to present the results of their research at a TSLAC event. Judges may withhold the award at their discretion.

Visit www.tsl.texas.gov/arc/researchfellowship to apply by January 15, 2026.

THRAB Announces 2025 Archival Awards

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The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Archival Awards. THRAB has named former Vice-President for Digital Media Production at NBC5/KXAS Television Brian Hocker as the recipient of the Advocacy for Archives Award. The David B. Gracy II Award for Distinguished Archival Service has been awarded to John H. Slate of the Dallas Municipal Archives.

The Advocacy for Archives Award acknowledges an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to ensure the preservation and availability of the historical record of Texas. Brian Hocker was instrumental in helping to preserve the extensive media collection of the first television news station in Texas (NBC/5/KXAS-formerly, WBAP-TV) and ensuring the historic footage would be made available to the public. Hocker identified the University of North Texas (UNT) as a partner in this endeavor and coordinated with the University Libraries’ Special Collections to archive and digitize decades worth of footage of events in the North Texas area. He went on to serve on the UNT Libraries Advocacy Board after retirement from NBC5 and engages with various community and business groups to promote the archive.

Learn more about the NBC5/KXAS (WBAP) Television News collections at UNT

THRAB has awarded John H. Slate the 2025 David B. Gracy II Award for Distinguished Archival Service. The award recognizes an individual or organization that has provided outstanding leadership, service and/or contributions to the archival profession in Texas. Slate began his professional career in archives in Austin and San Antonio and has served as archivist for the City of Dallas since 2000. In his current role, Slate has led by example and raised awareness about the relevance of municipal archives. The book he co-authored, Managing Local Government Archives, has become a key resource. Slate has contributed to the profession through service on committees and leadership in organizations at every level, including as a Fellow of the Society of American Archivists (SAA), the highest honor offered by that group. Slate has presented and written on archival subjects throughout the years and has generously mentored many others in the field.

Learn more about the Dallas Municipal Archives

THRAB congratulates the 2025 archival award recipients and will present each of the awards during Texas Archives Month in October.

About the Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB):
THRAB serves as an advisory body for historical records planning and supports efforts to preserve and provide access to archival collections throughout the state. Funding for THRAB is provided by the National Historical Publications Records Commission (NHPRC), the grant-making arm of the National Archives and Records Administration. The state archivist is appointed by the governor to preside over the nine-member board.

Featured Book Display: A Texas Spooky Season

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By Robyn Moore, Reference Librarian

black and white photo of entrance to a bridge in Denton County.
Denton County’s Old Alton Bridge, also known as “Goatman’s Bridge.” Texas Historical Commission History Programs Division records, 10DN hist pic_1988_1. View in the TDA: https://tsl.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_2b3b7c23-f5ae-43b4-aff8-b9d4eb197835/

Autumn creeps into Texas slowly. First, just a breath of cool air to break the baking heat of the sun, then colorful pumpkins, gourds, and squash sprout up in gardens and farms signaling the harvest season. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has plenty of books to accompany the spirit of fall and currently has select titles on display. Follow Hummingbird as he grows his own garden in Hummingbird’s Squash, or check out titles such as Easy Gardening, Squash at TSLAC to start planning your own harvest for next year.

Photo of 3-shelf book case with books on display.

Squash and gardening aside, there are also eerie themes to explore. You can read the story of one of the most feared ghosts in Texas in Maya’s Children: The Story of La Llorona. Or, if you dare, peer inside Ghost Lore: A Collection of Ghost, Phantom and Legendary Mysteries, Chiefly of Texas and of Old Mexico for a tale that will send a shiver down your spine. Immerse yourself in Texas’ unique scary legends and learn about the Goatman’s Bridge up in Denton, but if you don’t want to go cryptid hunting and risk an encounter with the vengeful spirit, you can visit from the comfort of the library by looking at Geography of Denton County to find the bridge yourself.

Black and white photo of Denton's Old Alton bridge. Photo is from below looking south.
Denton County’s Old Alton Bridge, also known as “Goatman’s Bridge.” Texas Historical Commission History Programs Division records, 10DN02 hist pic_south elevation_1988. View in the TDA: https://tsl.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_9e31b4ce-675b-4001-8a4a-a9bc1eaa2d6a/

Another spooky Texas  legend is that of the ghost town; towns that were once booming but are now completely abandoned. If you stand on Main Street, will you hear the whispers of days past? How do these dead places come to be born? Check out one such place in The Birth of a Texas Ghost Town: Thurber, 1886-1933.

Not all Texas ghosts are scary, though. The Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is widely celebrated across Texas, too. Families honor those who have already passed on and celebrate their memories. Read more about this tradition in Corridos & Calaveras, a celebration of the music of Día de los Muertos. Or try Mexican American Holidays and Festivities, published by the Benson Latin American Collection at the University of Texas at Austin for a full picture of the celebrations.

Finally, these are some of the last days to observe the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats in Austin before they fly away to Mexico for the winter. Though many people are spooked by bats, these little creatures are actually our best friends, especially during a buggy summer. Try the Resource Book on Texas Bats: with Special Emphasis on Mexican Free-tailed Bats, Tadarida Brasiliensis to learn more about our seasonal neighbors.

Search the TSLAC catalog for more publications about these and other spooky subjects! more information about access to the titles on display, please contact TSLAC reference services at ref@tsl.texas.gov or call 512-436-5455.

Title call numbersectionavailable digitally
Maya’s Children: The Story of La Llorona398.2 An18m YALLRef RR 
The Ghost of Sifty-Sifty Sam813.54 M467g YALLRef RR 
Ghosts Along the Texas Coast133.1 W671GMAIN 
Haunted Texas: Famous Phantoms, Sinister Sites, and Lingering Legends133.1 W675h 2017MAIN 
Witchcraft in the Southwest; Spanish and Indian Supernaturalism on the Rio Grande133.409789 SI47MAIN 
Ghost Stories of Old Texas, III398.25 F829G 1995MAIN 
Phantoms of the Plains: Tales of West Texas Ghosts398.25 W671pMAIN 
Spirits of San Antonio and South Texas398.25 W671SMAIN 
Ghost Lore: A Collection of Ghost, Phantom and Legendary Mysteries, Chiefly of Texas and of Old Mexico398.4 Y38gMAIN 
The Haunted Hacienda813 C7862hMAIN 
Famous Modern Ghost Stories813.5 F211mMAIN 
Humorous Ghost Stories813.5 H883gMAIN 
Corridos & Calaveras784.4972 T494 OVER-TMAIN 

Bat-watching sites of Texas.		P400.8 B31WA 2007TXD 

Resource book on Texas bats : with special [sic] emphasis on Mexican free-tailed bats, Tadarida brasiliensis		P400.8 R312BOTXD 

Easy gardening, squash		Z TA245.7 L47 NO.1582TXD 

Bats of Texas		Z TA475.8 B321 2012TXD 

The birth of a Texas ghost town : Thurber, 1886-1933		Z TA475.8 G289BITXD 
Brujerías: Stories of Witchcraft and the Supernatural in the American Southwest and BeyondZ TT422.8 G165BUTXD 
More Spooky Texas TalesZ TT422.8 T493MOTXD 
Texas ghost stories : fifty favorites for the tellingZ TT422.8 T493TE 2004TXD 
Mexican American holidays and festivitiesZ UA273.7 B471 NO.35 1990TXD 

America’s neighborhood bats : [understanding and learning to live in harmony with them]		Z UA380.8 T887AMTXD 
The Supernatural: Haunted Houses and Legendary GhostsC 47.12/2:10USD 
Recipe cardsHE 20.3202:R 24/3USD 
Hummingbird’s squashHE 20.7002:H 88/4USDYes
Garnet Ghost TownI 53.2:G 18/2USD 
Halloween SafetyY 3.C 76/3:11-3 H 15/2USD 

Let’s Talk Tacos!

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If the Lone Star Menu exhibit on view in our lobby has you craving a conversation about Texas cuisine, the Texas Center of the Book has just the event for you! Please join us on Monday, Sept. 22 from 2:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. for a talk with The Tacos of Texas author Mando Rayo.

Rayo is a taco journalist and the co-creator of the United Tacos of America TV show, host of the Tacos of Texas podcast (now in its fifth season), and author of The Tacos of Texas book. As an avid taco ambassador, food explorer, and street ethnographer, Mando has traveled across the U.S. to uncover the tastiest tacos, from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas to L.A. and from New Orleans to New York City. Mando was also a James Beard Foundation Awards finalist in 2022. He will be in conversation with Texas Center for the Book Coordinator Michele Chan Santos for the September installment of #TXBookChat LIVE.

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online at https://bit.ly/TXBookChatRayo.

Hosted in the Public Event Space at the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building located in the Capitol Complex, 1201 Brazos St. in Austin, this event is free and open to the public.

Readers can pre-order The Tacos of Texas online at www.texascapitolgiftshop.com/210866/the-tacos-of-texas.html.

Parking is available at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage across the street. Additional parking options, including handicapped parking, along with directions and maps, is available on TSLAC’s website at www.tsl.texas.gov/visit.

The Texas Center for the Book’s #TXBookChat series has provided a platform for discussions with authors, librarians, and literary professionals since 2020. These informal events offer a quick look into different aspects of the state’s literary world. For more information, and to view videos of past events, visit the website at www.tsl.texas.gov/txbookchat.

One of 50 state centers affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Texas Center for the Book is under the direction of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. For more information, contact Michele Chan Santos at mcsantos@tsl.texas.gov or visit www.tsl.texas.gov/centerforthebook.

Featured Book Display: World War II

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By Robyn Moore, Reference Librarian

Large group photo of U.S. army air corps intelligence school for officers with seven rows of about fifteen people each in uniform lined up on risers.
U.S. Army Air Corps intelligence school for officers held at DPS Headquarters, Camp Mabry, Colonel L.A. Dayton, School Number Three, commanding, February 1943.  Texas Department of Public Safety public relations photographs,1983/112 M-131-10. View in the TDA.

Texas played a significant role in the United States’ involvement in World War II. While the war caused great upheaval, it also opened up opportunities for various population groups. Women could train as pilots, for instance. Read their first hand stories in Women pilots of World War II. In addition, World War II and Mexican American Civil Rights illuminates the ways Mexican Americans showed up to help the war effort and simultaneously push for their rights.

Besides uniquely Texan stories, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) holds government documents and stories from the rest of the country and overseas battlefields during that time. For example, you can watch the documentary France ’44: The Encirclement at Nancy which discusses the XII Corps’ retaking of the French city of Nancy, as well as commentary describing current military tactics. Or, read Hospital at War: the 95th Evacuation Hospital in World War II to learn more about the challenges of evacuation hospitals, where soldiers were taken who were injured on the front before they could make the journey to a safe city for treatment. Many more titles about World War II are available at TSLAC, with a curated selection currently on display in the Reference Reading Room.

Photo of bookshelf displaying twenty-two books on WWII. A sign reads "Featured Books."

For more information about access to the titles on display, please contact TSLAC reference services at ref@tsl.texas.gov or call 512-436-5455.

 

Title/Catalog linkCall numberCollectionAvailable online
Claiming rights and righting wrongs in Texas : Mexican workers and job politics during World War II331.62 Z148cTexana 
Origin of names of army and air Corps posts, camps and stations in World War II in Texas355.7 AL54oTexana 
The Texas 36th Division : a history356.113 B730tTexana 
Women pilots of World War II940.54 C675wTexana 
A pictorial history of the 36th “Texas” Infantry Division940.541273 UN3p OVER-TTexana 
Two Texans, two world wars940.48173 T930Texana 
Men and women in the armed forces from Rusk County940.53 Am35rTexana 
1941 : Texas goes to war940.53 N622Texana 
Texas at war :  [radio scripts]940.53 T3t V.2Texana 
Foo, A Japanese-American prisoner of the Rising Sun 940.5421 W125Texana 
From Texas to Rome940.5421 W152Texana 
Texas women in World War II940.54 W427tTexana 
We were going to win, or die there : with the Marines at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and SaipanZ N745.8 EL74weTXD 
Hospital at war : the 95th Evacuation Hospital in World War II 1st ed.Z TA475.8 F913HOTXD 
Blood on German snow : an African American artilleryman in World War II and beyondZ TA 475.8 OW2BLTXD 
Texas and Texans in World War II : 1941-1945Z TA475.8 T312teTXD 
East of the storm : outrunning the Holocaust in RussiaZ TT422.8 EA77 1999TXD 
Latina/os and World War IIZ UA380.8 L349woTXD 
World War II and Mexican American civil rights 1st ed.Z UA380.8 W893WATXD 
Builders and fighters : U.S. Army Engineers in World War IID 103.2:B 86/2USD 
France ’44: the encirclement at NancyD 110.2:F 84USDYes
The Navy’s first enlisted women : patriotic pioneersD 221.21:W 88USDYes
Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park, CaliforniaI 29.21:R 73USD 
Combat connected naval casualties, World War II Vol. 1N 1.34/2:1USD 
Combat connected naval casualties, World War II Vol. 2N 1.34/2:2USD 

Disaster Planning and Response

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New Christian Church in Port Arthur during a flood in August, 1915. Don Kelly Southeast Postcard collection, 1991.183-1153. SHC. View in TDA: https://tsl.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_34b33997-4b12-424e-a4f6-ce5978ae97b4/

Preparing for disasters and potential harm to library and archival collections is an important aspect of collections management. While archivists and others maintain disaster plans and may occasionally need to respond to isolated leaks, minor flooding, and various pest infestations, there are times when major events occur and remind us of the tremendous power of nature and the vulnerability of our cultural collections. In recent years in Texas, Hurricane Harvey raised awareness about the urgency of disaster planning and response. Lately, the Central Texas flooding on July 4 once again brought to light the great power of water.

While life and safety are paramount, there may also be a need to recover books, paper, media, and other materials from damage. The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) provides resources online to assist with the planning and response process. We are including here in this post recordings of two webinar series on this topic with handouts available for download where available.

The theme for Texas Archives Month in 2019 was The Power of Water. Link to the page: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/arc/thrab/archivesmonthposter2019

Creating an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan Webinar Series 2020
Rebecca Elder, Elder Preservation, THRAB 2020

Part 1: Emergency Planning Basics and the Emergency Team  
[ Recording | Handout packet ]
Part 2: Risk Assessment and Choosing a Plan Template
[ Recording | Handout packet ]
Part 3: Contact Lists and Salvage Priorities
[ Recording | Handout packet ]
Part 4: Procedures, Supplies and Implementation
[ Recording | Handout packet ]
Part 5: How Did It Go?
[ Recording| Handout packet ]

Emergency Preparedness and Planning Series 2019
Rebecca Elder, Elder Preservation, THRAB 2019

Part 1: Emergency Preparedness: Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Fires, Oh My! Creating Your Emergency Preparedness Plan 
[Recording]
Part 2: Emergency Response: Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Fires, Oh My! Responding to Your Emergency 
[Recording]

From the Feeds: State Archives Social Media Roundup

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Featuring recent selections from our “Throwback Thursday” and other posts on TSLAC’s social media platforms. No subscription required.

January 2025

black and white photo of four men dressed in overcoats and gloves and wearing or holding bowler hats.
“Hill City Quartette — H.H. Long, C.E. Hillyer, R.H. Edmonson, and William Sidney Porter, Austin, Tex, 1886.” Richard Niles Graham collection, 1964/306-2927.

According to Frank X. Tolbert, Texas chili aficionado and author of the book A Bowl of Red, the first mention of the Texas “chili queens” in fiction was in a story by William Sydney Porter. Porter, known by the pseudonym O. Henry, described San Antonio plaza scenes and the aromatic dishes in his 1904 story, “The Enchanted Kiss.” Porter lived for years in Austin and is pictured here (front left) with fellow members of the Hill City Quartet.

February 2025

sepia-toned photo of young man in military uniform
Bee Carter, Private First Class, United States Army, 1940s. June Steusoff McGuire Collection, 1981.032. Sam Houston Center.

Bee Carter was born on May 1, 1914, in Liberty, Texas. He worked for the Steusoff Pharmacy, primarily as a delivery boy, until he was drafted during World War II. Carter enlisted on July 6, 1942, and was discharged from the United States Army on October 23, 1946. Carter died in 1985 and was buried in the Houston National Cemetery.

March 2025

sepia-toned photo of a large group of women outside posing for the photo. One row of 9 women standing and a row of 6 women sitting.
Trivium Club Members, 1914. Miriam Partlow II Collection, 1981.010. Sam Houston Center.

Founded in 1902, the Trivium Club was the first federated women’s club in Liberty, Texas. Although founded as a literary club, members also focused their attention on civic affairs. Early projects included the creation of a park in downtown Liberty and the addition of shell roads in the city’s cemetery.

April 2025

sepia-toned photo of Texas State Agricultural college featuring rows of tents on the grounds.
Student’s tent colony at Texas State Agricultural College, about 1907. William Deming Hornaday photograph collection, 1975/070-143.

On April 17, 1871, the Texas Legislature established the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, later known as Texas A&M University. According to our friends at the A&M archives, the “tent colony” pictured here provided living quarters for students as their population began to outnumber dormitory space in the early years of the twentieth century. The area was named “Camp Milner” during the administration of President Milner, who served from 1908-1913. New dorm facilities meant the closing of the colony in 1912. Texas A&M was the first public institution of higher education in the state. View more early images from the school in our TDA here: https://tsl.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/SO_a1be5898-68d1-4a15-8768-3c3928bba4c9/

May 2025

sepia-toned postcard of a city street in Mexico.
Calle del Cinco de Mayo, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, undated. William Deming Hornaday photograph collection, 1975/070-3850.

Cinco de Mayo it’s holiday time! Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican national holiday commemorating the victory of Ignacio Zaragoza’s troops over a French invading army at Puebla in 1862. The win inspired a sense of nationalism in Mexico that would lead to the annual celebration. Zaragoza was a native Texan, born in 1829 near Goliad during Mexican rule. This postcard features an undated image of a street in Ciudad Juárez named for Cinco de Mayo. View in the TDA: https://tsl.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_78e1d22a-024f-4762-8727-f88efe342069/

June 2025

black and white photo of woman sitting in a chair on a porch. Sehe wears a dress and hat. The photo has a purple mat with Emma (Brinson) Moody 1877-1972 written underneath.
Portrait, Emma (Brinson) Moody, about 1930. Mansfield African American Oral History Project, 2024099_2_02_014. Texas Historical Commission History Programs Division records.

This photo of Emma Brinson Moody from 1930 is one of several images of members of the Moody family included in an oral history project conducted in 1995. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) oversaw the project and records, including transcripts, recordings, and digitized photographs have been added to our Texas Digital Archive (TDA). One project focused on the history of African Americans in Mansfield. The Moodys were one of the oldest African American families from the Mansfield area that oral history interviewees recalled. McClendon “Mac” Moody participated in the project. The Moodys were thought to have moved to North Texas from Galveston.

Learn more about African Americans in Mansfield here: https://tsl.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/SO_ec3d519e-d94a-41cf-b79a-a70b43d62f02/

New Online: Recent Updates to Finding Aids and Digital Images Available Online

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As our archives staff work on an ongoing basis to arrange, preserve, describe, and make available to the public the materials under our care, we spotlight new additions to the website in a regular feature from Out of the Stacks. The column lists new and revised finding aids recently made available online, along with fresh uploads to the Texas Digital Archive, our repository of electronic items. For a comprehensive list of all recently added and updated finding aids visit Archives: Finding Aids (New & Revised).

FY2025 Q1

New Finding Aids

State Records

Texas Health Disparities Task Force meeting files
The Texas Health Care Disparities Task Force was established with the goal of identifying and eliminating inequalities in the delivery of health care to residents of Texas. It was administratively attached to the Texas Department of Health (TDH). Its purpose was to assist TDH in eliminating health care disparities among multicultural, disadvantaged, and regional populations. The task force had a close relationship with the Office of Minority Health Statistics and Engagement. These Texas Health Care Disparities Task Force meeting files consist of minutes, agendas, and supporting meeting documentation, dating 2002-2004.

Texas Health Care Information Council records
The Texas Health Care Information Council (THCIC) was established in 1995 (74th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, House Bill 1048) to develop a statewide health care data collection system to supply health care providers and the public with information on the cost and quality of health care programs. These records are minutes, agendas, and supporting documentation of meetings of the council held between 1996 and 2004, and the agency’s Sunset Commission review report and remarks from 1998; the bulk of the records date 1996-1997.

2017_09 September – ALL IG ORG CHART. Texas Health and Human Services Commission Office of Inspector General organization charts.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission Office of Inspector General organization charts – all records are electronic and are part of the Texas Digital Archive
The Texas State Health and Human Services Commission Office of Inspector General prevents, detects, audits, inspects, reviews, and investigates fraud, waste, and abuse in the provision and delivery of all health and human services in the state. Records consists of organizational charts showing the structure of the Office of the Inspector General, dated 2006-2022.

Texas Statewide Health Coordinating Council meeting records
The Texas Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) ensures health care services and facilities are available to all Texans through health planning activities. Based on these planning activities, the SHCC makes recommendations to the governor and the legislature through the Texas State Health Plan (TSHP). These Texas Statewide Health Coordinating Council meeting records, dating 1977-1996, consist of minutes, agendas, and supporting documents (including committee minutes, correspondence, council resolutions, and reports).

Texas Department of State Health Services Promotor(a) or Community Health Worker Training and Certification Advisory Committee minutes and agendas
The Promotor(a) or Community Health Worker Training and Certification Advisory Committee, part of the Texas Department of State Health Services, advises the executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission on issues related to the training and regulation of persons working as promotores(as) or community health workers. A promotora is a lay Hispanic/Latino community member who receives specialized training to provide basic health education in the community without being a professional health care worker. These Texas Department of State Health Services Promotor(a) or Community Health Worker Training and Certification Advisory Committee minutes and agenda, 2002-2013, document the work accomplished by the committee at its meetings.

Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services Council meeting records
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) was created to administer long-term services and supports for aging people as well as for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. DADS also licensed and regulated providers of these services and administered the state’s Guardianship Program. The agency was under the leadership of a commissioner who was appointed by the executive commissioner for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) with the approval of the governor. The DADS commissioner led a council, consisting of seven members (later increased to nine) that oversaw and advised on the operations of the agency. These Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services Council meeting records, 2005-2016, contain minutes, agendas, and supporting documents of meetings of the DADS Council.

Texas Secretary of State labor records
The Texas Secretary of State Statutory Documents Section and its predecessor, the Texas Secretary of State Administrative Division, were responsible for receiving labor union annual reports and issuing labor organizer cards beginning in 1943. These Texas Secretary of State labor records, dating 1943-1979, consist of labor exemption orders (1943-1971) and labor organizer card applications as filed with the office of the Secretary of State between 1943 and 1979, along with related materials such as labor organizer card revocation files and correspondence. The records also include annual reports of Texas-based labor unions (1949, 1951, 1975-1978).

Manuscripts

Friends of the Governor’s Mansion records – includes digitized records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive
In 1979, Texas Governor William P. Clements Jr. and First Lady Mrs. Rita Clements established Friends of the Governor’s Mansion, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to maintaining and preserving the historical and cultural significance of the Texas Governor’s Mansion, preserving the historical collections, beautifying the gardens, and educating the public about the home and its history. The Governor’s Mansion’s docents educate the public about the mansion and serve as trained guides for mansion tours and hostesses during special events held there. These Friends of the Governor’s Mansion records are tour schedules, function sheets, docent manuals, historians’ notebooks, correspondence, notes, oral histories, agendas, newsletters, electronic newsletters, invitations, financial reports, meeting minutes, renovation documents, historical information about the mansion, furniture and furnishing inventories, loan documentation, photographs, film reels and a VHS videotape about the history of the mansion, and ephemera related to the Docent’s Committee. Materials date 1937, 1964-2023, and undated, bulk 1979-1995. A portion of these materials have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive.

Sharpstown stock-fraud litigation case file
Joe Shannon Jr. was one of the attorneys who represented Texas State Representative Thomas Clifton “Tommy” Shannon during the legal proceedings of Mutscher v. State , also known as the Sharpstown stock-fraud case. This scandal centered on Texas Speaker of the House Gus Mutscher Jr., Representative Tommy Shannon, and Rush McGinty, who were found guilty of conspiracy for taking bribes from businessman Frank Sharp. Although the convictions were confined to these three individuals, the scandal affected many other officials, resulting in resignations and electoral losses. The aftermath prompted legislative reforms requiring income disclosure from public officials. These papers assembled by Shannon, spanning 1970 to 1974, are a case file encompassing subpoena records, trial testimony, trial notes, opening witness documents, closing jury arguments, appellate research, and appellate briefs submitted to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals pursuant to the trial in Abilene, Texas. The papers also include the opinion issued by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals at the conclusion of the appeal.

Scrapbook, 1938-1941. W. Lee O’Daniel collection, 2017/096-3.View in TDA

W. Lee O’Daniel collection – a portion of the materials have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive
W. Lee O’Daniel served as Texas governor from 1938 to 1941 and as United States senator from 1941 to 1948. His work in radio advertising and country music programming made him a popular figure in Texas. This collection, dating 1937-1948 and undated, consists of photographs, artwork, maps, scrapbooks, and a lacquer disc recording of his “Hillbilly Boys” radio show. These document O’Daniel’s family; political campaigns; his farm near Burleson, Texas; and news of the day. A portion of these materials have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive.

Revised Finding Aids

State Records

Texas Attorney General’s Office Howard Hughes estate litigation case file

Texas Attorney General’s Office litigation case files – includes electronic records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Attorney General’s Office, Office of the Solicitor General litigation case files

Architectural drawings and derivatives, 1980143_139. Texas Capitol Building Commission administrative records and architectural drawings. View in TDA.

Texas Capitol Building Commission administrative records and architectural drawings – includes digitized records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Department of Water Resources water planning files

Texas Ethics Commission records – includes electronic records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas House of Representatives recordings – all recordings are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Secretary of State deed files

Texas Secretary of State Elections Division election returns (precinct-by-precinct)

Texas Department of Transportation Right of Way Division records – all records are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Board of Criminal Justice minutes and meeting files – includes electronic records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Bureau of State Health Planning and Resource Development records

Texas Historical Commission Community Heritage Development Division records

 An Act Creating the County of Dallas. 1st Legislature, Regular Session (1846), Texas Secretary of State legislative bills and resolutions filed (General and Special Laws). View in TDA.

Texas Secretary of State legislative bills and resolutions filed (General and special laws) – includes digitized records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Water Development Board Office of Project Finance and Construction Assistance records – includes electronic records are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation records – includes electronic records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners records– includes electronic records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Department of Agriculture audiovisual materials – majority of the materials have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive

 Richardson, Robert, Reconstruction Oaths, 1870. Texas Secretary of State bonds and oaths. View in TDA.

Texas Secretary of State bonds and oaths – majority of the records have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Water Commission minutes

Texas Water Development Board meeting files

Texas Department of Agriculture audiovisual materials – majority of the materials have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Secretary of State bonds and oaths – majority of the records have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Water Commission minutes

Texas Water Development Board meeting files

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation records – includes electronic records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners records– includes electronic records that are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Republic claims: We now have an improved researcher experience available for the Republic claims portion of our Texas Comptroller’s Office claims records, which is now a revised TSLAC finding aid available on the TARO website. The Republic claims portion of the records has been digitized and is part of the Texas Digital Archive.

Local Records

Galveston County (Tex.) County Clerk’s Office records

Manuscripts

Beauford H. Jester Railroad Commissioner campaign recordings and transcripts – all materials have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Price Daniel audiovisual materials and related papers – all materials have been digitized and are part of the Texas Digital Archive

Texas Brewers’ Institute records – includes digitized materials that are part of the Texas Digital Archive

image of painting of what appear to be caverns in blue ink. Wood frame.
Undersea painting at Tahiti in Coral Caverns (1), by Zarh Pritchard, about 1904-1930. Zarh Pritchard collection, 306-4025A. View in TDA.

Zarh Pritchard collection – includes digitized materials that are part of the Texas Digital Archive

A new TSLAC finding aid is now available on the TARO website for the Henry Arthur McArdle scrapbooks, which have been newly digitized and are available on the Texas Digital Archive. In addition, the online exhibit for the McArdle scrapbooks has been revised and redesigned, and the scrapbook images are also available there. We think you’ll like the new look of this very popular online exhibit.