About the Harris County Historical Society
A Century of Preserving Houston's Heritage
The Harris County Historical Society (HCHS) was founded in the fall of 1923 in response to "A Plea for County Historical Societies" published by the Texas State Historical Association that July. The people of Harris County were the first in Texas to answer the call, making HCHS the oldest historical, non-genealogical, public history organization in Harris County. Among its cofounders was Andrew Jackson Houston, son of Sam Houston, who later served briefly in the U.S. Senate in 1941.
Mission and Programs
The purpose of HCHS is to encourage, advocate, and administer the discovery, collection, preservation, and publication of historical information, records, oral histories, visuals, and other materials relating to the history of Harris County, Texas. The society provides interested individuals and businesses with historical overviews of Harris County through dinner programs, informational brochures, mailers, and their website. Unlike genealogical societies, membership is open to anyone interested in furthering this purpose.
Centennial Legacy and Awards
In 2023, HCHS celebrated its 100th anniversary with a centennial celebration and established an endowed scholarship—the Harris County Historical Society Award of Excellence—at the University of Houston Center for Public History. This award recognizes students for excellence in public history work related to Houston or Harris County history. Current HCHS leadership includes Acting President Ann Dunphy Becker, author of numerous books on Houston history including "Houston: 1860 to 1900," "Houston's River Oaks," and "Remembering the Shamrock."
Get Involved
The Harris County Historical Society welcomes members interested in Houston and Harris County history. The society offers dinner programs, publications, and opportunities to participate in preserving the region's heritage. For membership information, upcoming programs, and ways to support HCHS, visit www.harriscountyhistory.org.
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