Wondering how to advocate for archives? Join AHA for a lunch & learn on August 26th @ Noon with HouArts and the SSA Ad Hoc Committee on Advocacy as they talk about their advocacy initiatives and how you can get involved.
AHA! has partnered with HouArts as our local legislative advocacy arm. Marci Dallas, HouArts Project Coordinator will present on their strategic plan and how that relates to local archives and LIS/LAM workers.
AHA! is a longtime partner with SSA; their recently established Ad Hoc Committee on Advocacy is focused on addressing advocacy issues voiced by archivists in our region; Committee Chair and SSA Immediate Past President, Danielle Afsordeh will share what they are working on and recent updates.
Come with questions and ideas or just to listen!
Zoom Info:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84840708175?pwd=HkAjKpA6903dQPyjaHU5RRkvtrEKHU.1
Meeting ID: 848 4070 8175
Passcode: 755748
Scholars, students, professionals, and community historians are invited to submit proposals for papers and sessions related to oral history research, practice, and methodology for the upcoming Texas Oral History Association (TOHA) conference. Proposals due July 15, 2026. Direct all submissions and inquiries to tohacfp2026@gmail.com.
The AHA! Summer Members Meeting will be on July 8, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. CDT on Zoom (meeting link here)! Following committee reports, please join us for a guided conversation with Traci Patterson, Megan Scott, and Sean Ferguson about SAA’s Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) certification.
Traci Patterson is an Archivist and Special Collections Librarian at the Woodson Research Center at Rice University, where she has worked for eight years. Her work focuses on managing and providing access to both physical and digital materials from Woodson’s University Archives and Special Collections. Traci received her DAS certification in January 2024.
Megan Scott is Digital Archivist at Fondren Library’s Woodson Research Center, where she manages digital preservation and supports access to digital collections.
Sean Ferguson is the City Archivist and Records Administrator of the City of Alexandria, Virginia and a consultant with Myriad Training and Consultants. Previously, Sean served as a Senior Program Officer with the National Endowment for the Humanities in the Division of Preservation and Access. He also worked for the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) as an Associate Preservation Specialist, providing preservation consultations and trainings to cultural heritage organizations nationwide. Sean earned a BA in History at Vassar College, an MS in Library and Information Science from Simmons University, and a Digital Archives Specialist Certificate from the Society of American Archivists.
Nominate Texas archivists, programs, projects, repositories, or supportive individuals for one of THRAB’s archival awards! THRAB offers awards for excellence, advocacy, and distinguished service annually with announcements made during Texas Archives Month in October. Learn more about the categories and download nominations forms: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/archivalaward.
Explore SE Texas During WWI with Author Stephen Cure at the Sam Houston Center in Liberty, May 28.
Come join SHC staff on Thursday, May 28, at 7:00 p.m. in honoring fallen military personnel the week of Memorial Day. Guest speaker Stephen Cure will explore the role of Southeast Texas in World War I, providing insight into the war, its impact on Southeast Texas, the experiences of those who lived it, and how it has been commemorated. Cure is the author of “A Centennial Perspective on Texans in the Great War” and will be signing his book, with all proceeds from book sales benefiting the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission.
In addition, visitors can experience a special display of historic items related to World War I from the collections of the Sam Houston Center and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in Austin. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Contact the Center at (936) 336-8821 or samhoustoncenter@tsl.texas.gov for more information.
The Spring AHA! Social will be on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 2pm at Flo Paris! Feel free to grab a bite there or eat ahead of time. If you want to get a drink you can, but if that is not your vibe, that’s chill too. Everyone is welcome!
Click here to add your name to the RSVP list, especially if you are looking to carpool!
Address: 5757 Westheimer Rd #105, Houston, TX 77057
Parking: Free
Do you have a big presentation coming up? Or are you looking for a chance to sharpen your public speaking skills in a fun, supportive space? Join us for our third annual Pitch & Polish PowerPoint Party on Saturday, April 25th at 1:00 pm!
Bring your slides, your notes, or just yourself. You’ll receive constructive feedback, helpful tips, and encouragement in a fun and welcoming environment. Let’s turn those nerves into confidence! Not preparing for a presentation right now, but still want to join the fun? Take a spin with one of our lighthearted, boilerplate PowerPoint decks! They’re short, completely impromptu, and make great icebreakers.
Click here to RSVP and organize carpooling if needed! Click here for the Zoom link or email us at houstonarchives@gmail.com for the in-person address.
The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty presents a free workshop on Saturday, April 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on tracing your family lineage back to the era of the American Revolution in 1776. Guest speakers from the Texas Society DAR and Texas State Library and Archives Commission will discuss the resources they offer to help me and women uncover overlooked patriots. This program is free and open to the public.
Registration required at samhoustoncenter@tsl.texas.gov or 936-336-8821.
For more information visit this link.
We invite all AHA! members and friends to attend our spring members meeting next Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. CDT. AHA! board members will share updates on ongoing initiatives and upcoming programming. AHA! members will also have the opportunity to vote in a special election for a new AHA! Vice President. Finally, we are excited to welcome Miguell Ceasar, Division Manager of Special Collections at the Houston Public Library, as our guest speaker!
At HPL, Miguell oversees four key collections: the African American History Research Center, Hispanic History Research Center, Houston History Research Center, and Family History Research Center. With 21 years of experience in archives and libraries, he is dedicated to preserving Houston’s diverse histories through a variety of materials, including books, photographs, and oral histories.
A significant aspect of Miguell’s role involves leading digitization efforts to enhance accessibility and preservation. He also ensures the preservation of historic buildings and archival storage, implementing tailored measures for various formats. In addition to his management duties, he regularly presents to stakeholders, including executive leaders and City Council Members, showcasing recent acquisitions and the ongoing needs of the collections. Miguell holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, a Master of Community Development from Prairie View A&M University, and a Master of Library Science & Information from Texas Woman’s University.
During our meeting, Miguell will present on his experiences with community-centered archival approaches and the post-custodial model within Houston’s Black community.
We hope you’ll make plans to join us and look forward to seeing you online!
Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88363665225?pwd=xRw1ZqbbPydMcRNIpQfXu8pKhrOiYa.1
Meeting ID: 883 6366 5225 Passcode: 555475