Austin History Center, Local history archive in downtown Austin, United States.
The Austin History Center is a local history archive housed in a Renaissance Revival building in downtown Austin. The facility features research rooms, exhibition galleries, and extensive storage areas where historical documents and records are kept.
The archive was founded in 1955 and relocated to its current building in 1979, which was originally built as a library in 1933. The move occurred after a new central library opened to serve the growing city.
The archive holds photographs, letters, and records that show how Austin and surrounding communities grew and changed over time. Visitors can browse materials about the people, businesses, and neighborhoods that shaped the city.
Personal items must be stored in lockers before you enter the research areas, and you can only use pencils when handling documents. Request the materials you need through the slip system so staff can locate them for you.
The building was designed by architect Hugo Kuehne and holds both National Register of Historic Places status and Recorded Texas Historic Landmark designation. This dual recognition shows the building's importance to both national and local preservation efforts.
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