Windows on the Past Austin History Center Austin

Windows on the Past Austin History Center Austin, Texas January 2005

Overview Three Goals – Basics of using the archives for research – Specific resources within the AHC – Wonderful resources in other locations

Archives – History in Your Hands Austin treasures http: //www. cityofaustin. org/library/ahc/ Email AHC_Reference@ci. austin. tx. us

Using the Archives – Handling & Care of Material • Lock up belongs and use pencils only • Plan to take your time • Expect our staff to help you and one another – Preservation Tips http: //www. cityofaustin. org/library/ahc/preserve. htm • Watch your elbows • Do not stack materials on top of one another • Be careful when photocopying

Collection Resources Aerial Photography Maps Architectural Drawings Staff Members Photographs House/ Building Files Directories Newspapers Books

Architectural Drawings • • • Over 150 architects represented Kinney -- Fehr -- Jessen -Page Sutherland Page – Pinkney – Kuehne – Master Builders & Mechanics

Maps • Hundreds of maps of the city and county • Sanborn maps

Books Title: Austin and its architecture Author: American Institute of Architects. Austin Chapter. 1976. Call Number: 720. 976431 Am Title: A field guide to contemporary American architecture Author: Rifkind, Carole. 1988. Call Number: 720. 9730904 Ri Title: Survey and multiple property nomination of Abner Cook structures in Austin : final report to the Texas Historical Commission and the Heritage Society of Austin Author: Hafertepe, Kenneth, 1989. Call Number: A 724. 23 Ha

City Directories • Print and microfilm • 1872 to present

House/Building Files • Example – Saloons By Address By Name of establishment By Owner name – Use your creative thinking power Hotels, Taverns, Boarding House Expand your vocabulary: Abbatoir

Newspapers • Villager • Gossip • Austin American. Statesman • NOKOA • Westlake Picayune • Lake Travis News • • Pflugerville Pflag La Vanguardia Downtown Planet La Prensa • Periodicals • Austin File Chronological

Photographic Images Tornado 1922

Where to go from here -Alexander Architectural Archives Center for American History Travis County Clerk’s Office -- now on Airport Blvd. Travis County Courthouse – court documents Travis Central Appraisal District Texas State Library and Archives Texas Historical Commission Historic Preservation Officer

Three Goals • Basics of archives and their use • Exploration of a few sources at the AHC • Hints about other institutions in our fine city that have equally wonderful staff and helpful resources

Concluding Advice • Good Luck and Have Fun Looking into the Windows of the Past!

• http: //www. cityofaustin. org/library/ahc/ • AHC_Reference@ci. austin. tx. us Many thanks to our Austin History Center staff members for their expertise and courteous assistance and to the many volunteers who assist us in our work

Austin History Center volunteers at work