HOUSTON - October is Archives Month! Learn more about the Houston Public Library's special collections library, Houston Metropolitan Research Center (HMRC), and the amazing treasures it preserves in its archive collection. HMRC is hosting the multiple programs throughout the month providing insights on the importance of archiving, insider tips on how to archive your own personal memorabilia and fun, interactive projects that the entire family can enjoy. All events are free and open to the public. For more details visit www.houstonlibrary.org or call 832-393-1313.

EVENTS SCHEDULED THIS OCTOBER

Hispanic History Loteria Night!

Saturday, October 6 | 6 PM - 8 PM

Discovery Green | 1500 McKinney ST., #R2, 77010

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Loteria Night! Questions will relate to Houston Hispanic History and the Houston Metropolitan Research Center's (HMRC) Hispanic Archival Collections. Prizes include reproductions of historic images housed at HMRC. Event is free and open to the public. For questions, please contact HMRC at TXR.Reference@houstontx.gov or call 832-393-1662.

Julia Ideson Building Tour

Saturday, October 6 | 11 AM – 12 PM

Julia Ideson Building

Meldrum Room & Reynolds Room | 550 McKinney St., 77002

Join us on the first Saturday of every month for a tour of the historic Julia Ideson Building, the beautiful Spanish Renaissance Revival style library in the heart of downtown. Learn about the building's history and use, its renovations and additions, and the significance of its art and architecture. Tours begin at the reception desk in the lobby and are available on a first come basis with a limit to 20 people.

Aquatic Rescue: Water Damage Workshop

Thursday, October 11 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Heights Neighborhood Library| 1302 Heights Blvd., 77008 | 832-393-1810

Whether the water damage comes from rain, flooding, or extensive humidity, the effect on your important records can be severe. So what can you do? Join HMRC’s conservationist to learn about preventing and responding to water damage.

Oral History 101: Family History Interviewing

Thursday, October 18 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Julia Ideson Building | Reynolds Room | 550 McKinney St., 77002

The holiday season is around the corner, a time for family gatherings and family stories. Interested in holding onto your family history? Learn the basics of oral history project development; from project planning, equipment, interviewing, to preserving and sharing your interviews.

Where’s the Book on my House? How to Research a Historic Property

Thursday, October 25 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Julia Ideson Building | Meldrum Room | 550 McKinney St., 77002

Curious about your home’s history? Don’t know where to start? HMRC's Architectural Archivist will give a basic overview of how to research a historic property, highlighting useful resources in HMRC collections. This program includes a tour of the Texas Room to introduce the public to our collections and how to access them through the reference desk.

Houston: the Poetry of Us

Saturday, October 27 | 11 AM - 2 PM

Julia Ideson Building | Meldrum Room | 550 McKinney St., 77002

Does Houston have a poetry scene? Share your experience and perspectives at our collecting event aimed at gathering the voices of Houston poets and perspectives on the history of poetry in the Bayou City. This oral history project is a collaborative partnership between HMRC and Lupe Mendez, poet and founder of Tintero Projects. Staff will be on-site with recording equipment to film brief interviews with attendees. All participants will receive a copy of their interview.