Austin History Center Association

08/28/2026

Today is the 63rd anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legendary “I Have a Dream” speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

Though this history is most remembered for the events in Washington DC, there were Civil Rights marches, protests, and gatherings occurring all across the country that day.

This historic photo from the Austin History Center, Austin Public Library (AS-63-42087-06) depicts a thousands of Austinites gathered in Wooldridge Square Park, just across the street from the history center of today! In the background is the Heman Marion Sweatt courthouse, named in honor of the first Black student admitted to the University of Texas Law School as a result of the landmark Sweatt V. Painter Supreme Court case.

08/21/2026

Happy birthday to the namesake of the building that houses the Austin History Center, Austin Public Library: John Henry Faulk!

John Henry Faulk (August 21, 1913 - April 9, 1990) was a born and raised Austinite, known primarily for his time as an entertainer and his successful lawsuit that played a large role in ending the Hollywood blacklist. That said, those accomplishments are only part of his story and legacy.

Another example of his work and impact is the time he spent recording oral histories of formerly enslaved individuals across Texas, alongside Alan Lomax. The oral histories he conducted are housed at The Library of Congress and can be accessed online for no cost.

It brings us great joy to collaborate with the Austin History Center in conducting oral history interviews inside the building that bears his name, continuing his commitment to storytelling and historic preservation.

07/27/2026

Our association is mourning the loss of James Means Jr., a truly legendary Austinite.

In 1964, James Means Jr. made history as the first Black student athlete to compete at the University of Texas and within the Southwestern Conference. In 1966, he also became the first Black student athlete to earn an athletic scholarship at UT.

Means was also a Veteran of the United States Army, a local businessman, and a dedicated family man. We send our condolences to the entire Means family including Carol Adams-Means, a member of our Board of Directors who shared 54 years of marriage with James Means Jr.

07/10/2026

Our team is growing! Join us in our mission to connect people to Austin’s culture by supporting the Austin History Center. Apply today!

06/19/2026

06/12/2026

Thank you to all of our attendees and community sponsors of our 2026 Annual Meeting! Our community of Austin history lovers showed up in force to this free community event.

We celebrated award winners, welcomed folks to the Austin History Center, Austin Public Library with a tour, gave out a ton of free Flora Coffee, and more! As we wrap up our 25-26 fiscal year, the next year of community impact is looking bright thanks to you 🎉

06/06/2026

What does Flora coffee have to do with 19th century Austin railroad history? Let’s find out, and be sure to join us tomorrow to enjoy our limited time single origin roast benefitting the Austin History Center, Austin Public Library and 100 years of the Austin Public Library system!

05/20/2026

Looking for a free historic 1873 map of Austin, coffee from our collaboration with Flora Coffee, and an opportunity to build community with fellow Austin history lovers at Austin History Center, Austin Public Library? This is the only event in town where you’ll find all of that and more!

RSVP for free on our website and become a Community Sponsor with any donation of $100 or more.

05/13/2026

Join us THIS SATURDAY for a free, all ages community event at the Austin History Center!

We’ll be joining the wonderful Austin History Center staff for this event celebrating crafts from a wide variety of AANHPI communities.

Special Guests:

2:00-4:00pm Sarah Doan (author/illustrator) presents “Draw Kawaii Food”

3:15pm Rumah Budaya Indonesia di Austin presents Dances from Indonesia with time for Q & A

Paper Craft Activities include:

Year of the Horse craft:
Learn your sign in the Chinese Zodiac. Draw the face of your horse and decorate their mane.

Lei making:
Share your “Aloha” with your own paper lei and learn a little about Hawaiian storytelling traditions. Weave paper Ti leaves into a bracelet lei.

Decorating Koi-nobori:
In Japan, koi-nobori is a decoration for Children’s Day—praying for a bright future for children. Decorate a Koi fish, the symbol of strength, courage, and hope.

Rangoli art:
Rangoli is floor art placed outside of the front door for festivals and celebrations. Arrange different shapes to create geometric and flower-like Indian-style Rangoli.

Wayang Kulit puppet:
Wayang is a shadow puppet performance. Wayang Kulit is an Indonesian puppet which has long arms to tell stories. Color, cut out, and build up your own wayang kulit.

Light snacks will be provided by Purple Rice Korean Grab and Go while supplies last.

Saturday, May 16 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Austin History Center, Faulk Building
800 Guadalupe St.

04/22/2026

This Austin restaurant is one of the most historic businesses and community spaces in Texas! Come join us this Sunday at the Austin Archives Bazaar to experience the history for yourself.