Lavender Legacies Guide: United States: Texas

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Archives of the Episcopal Church
Charles Botts Memorial Archives
Gulf Coast Archives and Museum of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender History, Inc.
Happy Foundation
Phil Johnson Historic Archives and Research Library and Research Center
Resource Center of Dallas
University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center
University of Texas at San Antonio
Texas Woman's University

Archives of the Episcopal Church
Location: 606 Ratherview Place
Austin, TX 78705
Address: PO Box 2247
Austin, TX 78768
Phone: (512) 472-6816 Fax: (512) 480-0437
Contact: Mark J. Duffy, Director
Email: research@episcopalarchives.org
Internet address:   http://episcopalarchives.org
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM, M - F, please call for an appointment
Wheelchair Access: yes
History
The Integrity, Inc. Collection, the National Steering Committee for Human Sexuality Dialogues: Human Sexuality Survey Questionnaires Collection, and records of the National AIDS Memorial, Inc. are part of the larger Archives of the Episcopal Church.
Information about holdings
Organizational records: 32 cubic ft.

Time periods/geographical regions documented:
National coverage, 1974 - 1995.

Significant People/organizations/subjects documented:
Integrity, Inc. Collection, 14 cubic ft.; National Steering Committee for Human Sexuality Dialogues: Human Sexuality Survey Questionnaires Collection (NSCHSD:HSSQ), 16 cubic ft.; records of the National AIDS Memorial, Inc. (NAM, Inc.), 2 cubic ft.
Collecting interests
Mission Statement, Nov. 4, 1993, ". . .records created by and about the Episcopal Church, related Anglican bodies, and individual Episcopalians. . ."
Use requirements
See comments below.

Comments about access/use:
The archives' policy is as follows. Open records: material dating from more than 30 years ago and in good physical condition and that do not have specific restrictions. Confidential records: material dating from the past 80 years that includes personnel records or documents containing sensitive information. Restricted records: material dating from the past 30 years that includes privileged communications of the creating church agency. Such material may be restricted beyond 30 years; special access may be granted when release of the information serves an essential public interest or a vital personal need.
[The collections described above all date from the past 30 years and therefore are not yet open records. Check with the archivist regarding use.]
Collecting areas: Records of prominent Episcopal organizations and individuals involved in LGBT ministry, and issues of full recognition.
Services

Research space, copying, reference assistance on site, and telephone reference.
Indices, finding aids, collection descriptions
Computer database of collection holdings available for staff use only.
News about collections
The archives is developing a newsletter that will occasionally feature articles on recent accessions.


Charles Botts Memorial Archives
Address: Resurrection Metroploitan Community Church
2025 West 11th
Houston, TX 77008
Phone: (713) 861-9149
Contact: Ralph Lasher
Email: mccr@airmail.net
Internet address: http://www.resurrectionmcc.org
Collecting areas: Wealth of gay and lesbian literature dating back to the 19th century and a large collection of letters, brochures, clippings, books, periodicals, and newspapers from and about the GLBT community in Houston and throughout the world.


Gulf Coast Archives and Museum of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender History, Inc.
 Address:
P.O. Box 130192
Houston, TX 77219-0192
Phone: (713) 692-8735 (curator)
E-mail: info@gcam.org
Internet address:http://www.gcam.org
History: The Han-Net (a Houston area activist network) archives show that on June 3, 1999, Rick Hurt stated: "Montrose includes the Museum District. Where is the Gay (glbtf) Museum?" From that one comment began a discussion about why there was not one, and on July 17, 1999, 13 people came together in a small meeting room at the Montrose Public Library and so began the seed that would become GCAM. GCAM was incorporated in Texas as a non-profit corporation on October 14, 1999, and received its 501-c-3 letter from the IRS in May 2000, dated retroactively to October 14, 1999.
Mission Statement: Gulf Coast Archive and Museum of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender History, Inc. was created to collect, preserve and provide access to historical items from the glbt community. The archive shall encourage education of and research by anyone (regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age or religion), interested in learning about any aspects of the glbt community. The museum shall sponsor meetings for the communication and display of collected materials.
Bylaws:see http://www.gcam.org/bylaws.pdf
Information about Holdings:
Approximately 200 standard boxes of periodicals, including the nearly complete copies of "This Week in Texas", the "Houston/Montrose Voice", "OutSmart" and "Rita!". The collections also contain various copies of "The Advocate", the "Bay Area Reporter", the "Washington Blade". Additionally, there are bound volumes of thirteen years of "This Week in Texas" and a complete bound set of "The Letter", including index. There are about 400 books on glbt topics. There are another 20+ boxes containing various erotica magazines. There are 4 boxes of photographs covering various times in the Houston area.
The museum owns several dresses (beaded/rhinestone/feathers) and several costumes and costume pieces from various organizations and various times. There is also a t-shirt collection of 200-300 including the majority of Houston Pride t-shirts and many other special events from the Houston area, as well as around the country. The majority of the collections are from the Houston/Gulf Coast region, primarily since 1970.
Collection Growth: GCAM collections continue to grow from all walks of glbt life around the globe, with a special emphasis on the Gulf Coast region of the United States. No collection is too small or too large to be salvaged. Our collections currently include everything from ink pens to beaded dresses and large costume pieces to personal letters and memorabilia (not to mention a certain double-headed hand-carved wooden sexual apparatus).
Access and Use: Currently the archives are open to the public by appointment only (713-692-8735).
Although there is no charge for the use of the museum or archive, we request acknowledgement in published materials (using our archives as a research tool) and we do accept donations. The site is on the ground floor and is somewhat wheelchair accessible. We request that someone making plans to do research contact us as much in advance as possible with a basic list of their research plans.
Services: Given time to prepare, there may be research space and some reference assistance on site. We currently have no copying services. Telephone reference may be possible depending on the scope of the request - although the telephone and archive are in different physical locations (e-mail might be better). We have a VCR/TV unit for some of the available VCR (VHS) tapes. We laso have a cd and cassette player. We have planned a photography project which will be available on the internet. We are willing to consider Exhibition loan agreements. We currently have no borrowing privileges for individuals.
Indices: Currently we are in the process of cataloging our collections. When complete, they will be available on our website.


Happy Foundation
Address: c/o Gene Wesley Elder
411 Bonham Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (210) 227-6451
Contact: Gene Wesley Elder
Email: elder4tomato@yahoo.com
Hours: Hours: Wed, Thurs, and Friday from noon till 4:00. anyone needing information can call me at home anytime 210 732-3238. We are not wheelchair accessible.

History
We are located in the Bonham Exchange Building which is an historic building and part of the Alamo Historic District and on the National Register of Historic Places. The Bonham Exchange is a very popular gay disco and saloon next to the Alamo. It began in 1981. The HAPPY Foundation was started in 1988 and named after Arthur "Happy" Veltman who died of AIDS and started the Bonham Exchange. Hap was a very well liked businessman involved in all aspects of downtown San Antonio, the river, historic preservation, tourism, business and the arts.
Gene Elder started the archives after realizing that our history was being thrown out with old newspapers and magazines and photos by negligent families who disposed of all traces of their departed family members who had died from AIDS.
Kenneth Garrett is the living partner of Arthur Veltman and the president of the HAPPY Foundation.
Mission Statement: The HAPPY Foundation is dedicated to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, collecting GayBLT history, encouraging contemporary art, and promoting ballroom dancing.

Information about holdings
Holdings: We have magazines and newspapers mainly from San Antonio, but also around the U.S. A library of books and 12 filing cabinets of files on everything that is an important topic of discussion nationally; murders, military, marriage, theatre, arts, people, places and marches, psychology, sports, business, advertising, I know no limits as to what will start a file. (I know I am suppose to measure all this in feet,which I have never done) Included in the archives is the Toby Johnson library and papers of gay spirituality and the Harry Haines erotic library. I recently received a box full of memorabilia from Scott Lifshutz who is the San Antonio/New York artist behind Wig Stock. A complete series of T-shirts from all the years and video and papers. Other artists are represented as well.
Two major research projects are in progress: 1) Melissa Gohlke researching various aspects of Gay/Lesbian life in San Antonio in the past and how these communities formed. 2) Amy Stone is researching the political history of San Antonio's GayBLT community.

Time periods/geographical regions documented:
1969 to present, Texas and U.S.

Significant People/organizations/subjects documented:
The Happy Foundation collects everything but has a special interest in art.
Collecting interests
Texas LGBT history
Use requirements
Call for appointment.
Services
Research space, copying, exhibitions, and telephone reference.


Phil Johnson Historic Archives and Research Library
and Research Center
Location: 2701 Reagan St.
Dallas, TX 75219-0869
Address: PO Box 190869
Dallas, TX 75219-0869
Phone: 214-540-4451
Contact: Shedrick Pittman-Hassett, MLS
Email: library@rcdallas.org
Internet address
Hours: 10:00/10:30 am - 6:00/6:30 pm (M-F), 10-2 (Saturday) or by appointment
Wheelchair Access: yes
History
The Phil Johnson Historic Archives and Research Library began as a few binders of newspaper clippings and assorted book donations pertaining to GLBT and AIDS issues. A permanent home for the library was established in 1994 during the the renovation of Dallas' Gay & Lesbian Community Center. In 1995 the library was named honoring Phil Johnson, a local gay historian and activist.

Information about holdings
Manuscripts: approx. 5 masters theses
Organizational records: one or two organizations (ca.1 ft.)
Printed material: Over 7000 monographic titles and over 40 journal titles
Clippings/vertical files: small amount
Objects/ephemera: Over 50 flags, t-shirts, buttons, etc.
Film/Video/Sound: Over 800 VHS holdings and nearly 100 DVD holdings. Small audio collection
Photographs: over 200 images, primarily pertaining to the Resource Center of Dallas.
Microfilm: none
Other holdings/notes: none

Time periods/geographical regions documented:
WW II to present; mostly Dallas area, but some items from Texas and the rest of the U.S.

Significant People/organizations/subjects documented:
Don Baker, Phil Johnson, and John Thomas; records of the Circle of Friends, Dallas' first homophile organization; pride marches are documented along with court cases; journals include "This Week in Texas" (TWIT), Advocate, and Dallas Voice
Collecting interests
Largest GLBT literary collection in north Texas with over 7,000 monographic titles. Most of the materials are GLBT-oriented with a significant portion related to AIDS/HIV issues. The library maintains over 40 periodical subscriptions with over half dealing with HIV/AIDS-related issues. The library also subscribes to the EBSCOHost LGBT Life full-text database.
Use requirements
Completed card application with presentation of photo ID and proof of current address. Journals/Reference/Archive materials only available on-site.
Services
Research space, copying, audiovisual facilities, reference assistance on site, telephone reference, Internet reference (email/web), and borrowing privileges for individuals.
Indices, finding aids, collection descriptions
Online catalog (www.libraryworld.com/opac Username: Phil Johnson Library). Records in MARC format.
News about collections
The Gay & Lesbian Community Center publishes a newsletter in which archives/library information periodically appears.


Resource Center of Dallas
Address:
2701 Reagan
Dallas, TX 75219
Phone:
(214) 540-4451
Contact:
Nicole Pool, Librarian
Email:
library@resourcecenterdallas.org
Internet address:
http://www.resourcecenterdallas.org
Collecting areas:
The library has about 5,000 monographic titles which are predominately gay and lesbian oriented. There are some archival materials which might be of historical interest to the gay and lesbian community for North Texas, but the material is not cataloged or organized in any systematic way.


University of Texas at Austin
Address: Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center
University of Texas at Austin
P.O. Box 7219
Austin, TX 78713-7219
Phone: (512) 471-9119
Contact: Research Librarian
Email: reference@hrc.utexas.edu
Web: http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/collections/guide/lgtbq/
Collecting areas: The Ransom Center holds various materials that document, in fact and fiction, the lives of LGBTQ people and the study of sexuality in England, France, the United States, and other countries from the 19th century to the present day. Please see the LGBTQ section of our Guide to the Collections (link above) for more detailed information.


University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections
Location: John Peace Library
4th fl.
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78236
Phone: (210) 458-5505
Fax: (210) 458-2386
Contact: UTSA Special Collections staff
Email: specialcollections@utsa.edu
Web: http://www.lib.utsa.edu/specialcollections
Hours: Mon-Thur: 9:00 am - 4: 00 pm and by appointment
Wheelchair Access: yes

History
UTSA Special Collections' was formally established in 1974 and began collecting LGBTQ materials in the 1990s under the auspices of the UTSA Archives for the Research of Women and Gender. ARWG was dissolved in 1999, but UTSA Special Collections continues to collect LGBTQ materials.

Holdings summary
UTSA Special Collections currently has seven LGBTQ manuscript collections, which total slightly more than 22 linear feet of archival material. We maintain 4 LGBTQ-related web collections through the Internet Archive's Archive-It Program.

Collecting interests
UTSA Special Collections is interested in increasing their holdings in LGBTQ history, especially related to San Antonio and South Texas history.

Use requirements
Researchers must complete a registration form, agree to follow reading room and material use rules and provide a form of photo ID.

Services
Research space; reproduction services - photocopies and digital scans; reference: on-site, telephone and Internet reference

Indices:
Finding aids for all collections, both processed and unprocessed, have been added to Texas Archival Resources Online and can be found at: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/browse/browse_utsa1.html

News about collections
News and updates can be found on the UTSA Libraries Special Collections blog - http://libtmp.lib.utsa.edu/blogs/index.php?blog=7


Woman's Collection
Address: Blagg/Huey Library
Texas Woman's University
PO Box 425528
Denton, TX 76204-5528
Phone: (940) 898-3743
Contact: Kimberly L. Johnson
Email: womansc@twu.edu
Web: http://www.twu.edu/library/womans-collection.asp
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 am - 5 pm
Wheelchair Access: yes

History
The Woman’s Collection is a preeminent research center for women’s history. Established in 1932, the collection represents the best concentration of resources on US women in Texas and the Southwest. The records range from nationally recognized collections to the stories of women who lead quiet domestic lives. Today the collection has grown to 78,000 books, over 7,000 cubic feet of manuscript collections including artifacts, clothing and textiles, 30,000 photographs, approximately 2,000 periodical titles, over 700 oral histories, and 180+ major manuscript and book collections on microform.
The Woman's Collection also houses the University Archives, which provide rich research materials on the history of women's education in Texas. An international cookbook collection offers insight into culinary and cultural history.

Information about holdings
Manuscripts: 1 collection (20 cubic feet)
Organizational records: 1 collection (15 cubic ft.)
Printed material: 1900 books; 98 journals
Clippings/vertical files: 5 files
Time periods/geographical regions documented: 20th Century; Texas women only.
Significant People/organizations/subjects documented: Texas Gay/Lesbian Task Force: see guide, record number MSS 380. Keys, Kay Elaine (1947- ): see guide, record number MSS 129.

Collecting interests
Specialized concentrations on Texas women; Collections include American women. Subjects include: war; military; aviation; education; nursing; health sciences; business; politics; government; technology and science; literature; sports. Other interests include: cookery; activism and leadership; suffrage; the women’s movement; women of color; women’s organizations; equal rights.

Use requirements
Open to researchers.
Comments about access/use:
A large number of books are available on Interlibrary loan; all other materials must be used in the library's reading room
Services
Research space, copying, scanning, audiovisual facilities, reference assistance on site, telephone reference, Internet reference (email/web), loan agreements for exhibits, and borrowing privileges for individuals.