Research in Harris County

ResearchSarah Canby Jackson, CA
Harris County Archives
Criminal Justice Center
1201 Franklin, 12th Floor
Houston, Texas  77002
sarah.jackson@itc.hctx.net
713-368-7640 (phone)
713-437-4140 (fax)
http://www.hctx.net/archives


A number of archives have historical reference materials to aid in researching Harris County.  Several repositories or government entities may hold materials.  Enjoy your search!  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

 

Harris County Records


Harris County Archives – http://www.hctx.net/archives
Permanent and historic records that document the functions of the county government, for example records from the Assessor and Collector of Taxes, Medical Examiner (Institute of Forensic Science), Justices of the Peace, County Commissioners and County Judges and County Auditor.  Also, a large collection of scrapbooks.


Harris County Clerk - http://www.cclerk.hctx.net/
Maintains the records of the Commissioners Court, Probate Courts and County Civil Courts at Law and records vital documents such as property records, marriage licenses, assumed name certificates, birth and death records.  As chief election officer, maintains records of election results.


Harris County District Clerk - http://www.hcdistrictclerk.com/
Responsible for the court records for 59 District Courts and 15 County Criminal Courts, summoning juries to the jury pool, and child support collection.  In addition must account for all monies paid into the court registry.

Municipal and School Records
Check first with the individual governmental entity, then likely repositories. For example, local junior colleges in addition to local historical societies and associations may hold local history materials. 

Professional Archives
AHA! (Archivists of the Houston Area) published a brochure http://houstonarchivists.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/aha-brochure-final-2010.pdf listing a number of the local archives with their missions and contact information.  Be sure to contact a repository before visiting to confirm the holdings and to make sure the records are accessible onsite.