The Archived TJHS Collection
The TJHS Collection has been established at the Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin. The Collection contains the official records of the Texas Jewish Historical Society, as well source materials; documents; and family, community, and organization histories, dating from 1824 to the present. The Collection is organized by the Briscoe Center into nine series: Administration of TJHS, Communities, Family Histories, Rabbis and Cantors, Texas Jewish Organizations, Published Materials, Photographs, Audio, and Video and Film.
Texas Resources
Click on the buttons below to access the following Texas organizations that maintain information resources for historical and genealogical research on Texas Jewish families and communities.
Briscoe Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin
The Briscoe Center for American History is an organized research unit and public service component of The University of Texas at Austin. The Briscoe Center preserves and makes available documentary and material culture evidence encompassing key themes in Texas and U.S. history. Researchers, students, and the public use its collections for a wide range of academic, professional, and personal uses. The Texas Jewish Historical Society maintains its archives at the Briscoe Center.
Dallas Jewish Historical Society
The mission of the Dallas Jewish Historical Society is to preserve and protect collections of written, visual and audible materials that document the history of the Dallas Jewish community, to make these materials available to the public and researchers, and to keep the past as a living legacy for the community.
Greater Houston Jewish Genealogical Society
The Greater Houston Jewish Genealogical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving and disseminating genealogical information, techniques and research tools among individuals who are interested in Jewish genealogy and family history. The Society has members with a broad-range of genealogical skills and knowledge who are willing to share information with both the beginner and more experienced researchers.
Houston Jewish History Archive
The Houston Jewish History Archive is a collaborative effort between Rice University’s Program in Jewish Studies and the Woodson Research Center in the Rice University Fondren Library. Founded in 2017 in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, the Archive is dedicated to the study and preservation of Jewish life in Houston and throughout South Texas.
San Antonio Genealogical and Historical Society
The San Antonio Genealogical and Historical Society was chartered in 1959 with a mission to teach and promote genealogical and historical research, publish and preserve records, and increase awareness of genealogy and history. It maintains a library of over 15,000 books, publishes an award-winning semiannual journal and society books, and conducts educational seminars, classes, and workshops.
Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies, University of Texas at Austin
The Schusterman Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, was founded in 2007 with an approved undergraduate major. The Center’s core mission is to integrate Jewish Studies into the undergraduate curriculum and to make the University of Texas at Austin a center of excellence in research and teaching of Jewish Studies.
Texas Historical Commission
The Texas Historical Commission is the official state agency for historic preservation. Its mission is to protect and preserve the state’s historic and prehistoric resources for the use, education, enjoyment, and economic benefit of present and future generations. Its staff consults with citizens and organizations to preserve Texas history through its architectural, archeological, and cultural landmarks.
Texas State Historical Association
The Texas State Historical Association, organized in Austin in 1897, is the oldest learned society in the state. Its mission is to “foster the appreciation, understanding, and teaching of the rich and unique history of Texas and, by example and through programs and activities, encourage and promote research, preservation, and publication of historical material affecting the state of Texas.” The association’s publications include the Southwestern Historical Quarterly, more than 150 scholarly books, the Texas Almanac, and the well-known Handbook of Texas Online.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
The Texas State Library and Archives is the official archive of the State of Texas. In addition to the main Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library in Austin, it also maintains the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty, Texas. The Texas State Library and Archives has recently created a Texas Digital Archive as a repository of state government information in electronic format, as well as the TexShare and TexQuest programs bringing digital content to residents of the state through local libraries.
