About Us - Austin History Center

The AHC's Reading Room will reopen with reduced capacity on Thursdays and Fridays, 10am-6pm, starting on May 13, 2021. Limited space is available by appointment and for walk-in researchers. We will also continue to offer expanded remote reference services for those unable to visit us onsite. For more information and to submit a request, please visit our Reference Services page.

The Austin History Center's mission is to procure, preserve, present and provide the historical records that make up Austin's unique story.

As the local history division of the Austin Public Library, the Austin History Center provides the public with information about the history, current events, and activities of Austin and Travis County. We collect and preserve information about local governments, businesses, residents, institutions, and neighborhoods so that generations to come will have access to our history. 

The Austin History Center's rich collections and expert staff support exhibits, programs, remote reference service, and research by the public in our Reading Room.

Watch a video about us to learn more.

Image ID: PICA 28189, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.