Historical Societies

Professional organization for architects and related persons. Through a diverse catalog of programs, members have access to resources and tools to shape the built environment of Greater Houston. While its interests are contemporary, it does maintain a strong interest in historical architecture of Houston. Forums and tours are included in its activities. 

Professional organization of numerous archivists. AHA! exists to increase contact and communication between archivists and those working with records, to provide opportunities for professional development, and to promote archival repositories and activities in the greater Houston, Texas area.

Founded in December 2006 as the Greater Harris County Family Tree Club, the society changed its name on January 14, 2009.  The Atascocita - Kingwood Genealogical Society (AKGS) mission is to instruct and provide educational opportunities for its members in genealogical research through careful analysis and documentation using quality genealogical standards.  To fulfill this mission, we hold informative monthly meetings to provide a forum for members to meet, to get to know each other and exchange information, to advance the study of family history. 

The main purpose of the society is education.  To create, foster and maintain interest in genealogical research.   

Purpose is to further historical and literary pursuits related to the discovery, collection, preservation and publication of historical data relating to Baytown, Texas, and the surrounding area.

The Baytown Society incorporates Baytown and the surrounding communities of Highlands, Anahuac, Dayton, Crosby, Wallisville, Cove, Mont Belvieu, LaPorte, Beach City and Huffman. In 1986, the Society became a non-profit corporation. Meetings are on the second Monday of month at 10:00 am at the Library. Library closed during June. Hours: Wed 10-2; Thurs 10-4; Fri 10-2

It is the purpose of the Bellaire Historical Society to preserve, maintain, restore and display designated historical landmarks, natural beauty, documents, artifacts, records of persons active in the history of the City of Bellaire and any other objects distinctive of this history; all to the end that it may be a fitting memorial to those citizens and individuals who contributed so greatly of their money, zeal and time in making the Bellaire Community a proper place to live.

Purpose is to education, preserve, promote and perpetuate the history, tradition, and outstanding contributions of the Buffalo Soldier towards the development and defense of America from the Revolutionary War to the present.

“The purpose of the Cherokee Cultural Society of Houston is to build community, to preserve Cherokee heritage, to perpetuate the Cherokee culture, and to build the future of the Cherokee people.  Events and Traditions: monthly meetings, "Cherokee Messenger", a quarterly publication, and special events such as Cherokee language lessons, storytelling, and historical inquiry.

A non-profit organization that seeks to enrich the resources and facilities of Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, a unit of the Houston Public Library. In the pursuit of that mission, the officers and directors of the organization, in coordination with the manager of the Clayton Library, organize and direct fundraising projects to support the acquisition of research material for the library, to upgrade library facilities, and to enhance library services.

Archaeological and historical resources for community research.

Dedicated to the study and preservation of Czech genealogy, history, culture, and language. Members volunteer to maintain our cultural heritage library which provides space and resource materials for hands-on research.

Descendant organization dating to the Texas Revolutionary period.  Active in organizing for "Honor Days," maintaining the Pioneer Log House, research, and meetings, and the winter chili cook-off.

Caretakers of Olivewood Cemetery, Houston's first incorporated (1875) African-American cemetery.  

Protectors and promoters of 1913 Eastwood sub-division and its unusual collection of architecture, including Craftsman, Arts & Crafts, Foursquare and Mission Architecture.  The Eastwood Civic Association serves the neighborhoods of Eastwood, Broadmoor, Lawndale, W.A. Kirby, Jackson Court, Woodleigh, Eastlawn, Dissen Heights, Houston City Railroad, Suburban, L.B. Moody, Beverly Park, Eastview, Hauser, Dor Ruth, Mueller, Dixie, Georgia and Youngmens. 

“The society regularly meets on the 4th Thursday of every other month at City Hall.  If you are interested in more information on ELHS, call Randy Elms, Chairman of Programs, at 281-326-1361 or El Lago City Hall at 281-326-1951, ext. 12.”

The Friends of Fondren Library (FoFL), founded in 1950, is dedicated to stimulating growth in library resources and facilities for the 21st century. Whether you're a Rice graduate, Rice faculty or staff member, community member or just a lover of knowledge, the Friends of Fondren Library needs your support as a member to enhance the Fondren Library's collections and fulfill its ongoing need for resources and services.

“The mission of Clayton Library Friends is to enrich the resources and facilities of Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, a unit of the Houston Public Library.  In the pursuit of that mission, the officers and directors of the organization, in coordination with the manager of the Clayton Library, organize and direct fundraising projects to support the acquisition of research material for the library, to upgrade library facilities, and to enhance library services.  Since Clayton is primarily a family history and genealogical research center, an important part of the Clayton Library Friends' mission is the organization of programs that encourage family history research, provide specialized volunteer services for the library, and educate the public in the use of Clayton Library and its collection.” Basic dues $20.00.

The Friends of the Texas Room seeks to support the collections of the Texas and Local History Department, the Archives and Manuscripts Department, and the Special Collections Department of the Houston Metropolitan Research Center of the Houston Public Library.

The purpose of the Society is to preserve and maintain the Frank J. Brown Heritage Museum in keeping with the pioneer spirit and Christian ideals of the founding families by collecting and displaying the original artifacts and personal effects of the Frank J. Brown family and other early settlers of Friendswood, Texas; to identify, preserve, support and display other historical buildings and sites that also reflect the heritage of the community; to acquire and maintain a historical library and archive to preserve Friendswood's history; to educate the membership and the community about our history through tours, lectures, seminars, printed materials and events.

The Harris County Historical Commission mission is to provide a unified and effective voice to preserve, protect, and promote Harris County history and historical locations, and initiate and conduct programs suggested by HCCC. Members appointed by Harris County Judge and Commissioners.  

The Heritage Society (THS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to tell the stories of the diverse history of Houston and Texas through collections, exhibits, educational programs, film, video, and other content. Founded in 1954 by a number of public-spirited Houstonians to rescue the 1847 Kellum-Noble House from demolition, The Heritage Society has since saved an additional nine historic buildings, moved them from various locations to join the Kellum-Noble House in Sam Houston Park, and restored them to reflect their respective eras. These ten buildings, along with the Museum Gallery, serve as historic reference points and exhibition spaces for more than 23,000 artifacts that document life in Houston from the early 1800s to the mid-1900s.

A non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Houston's historic architecture and building resources. Historic Houston's Deconstruction Program actively deconstructs homes to reclaim the building materials. The reclaimed materials are then made available to members through Historic Houston's Salvage Warehouse, a regional resource for reclaimed historic building materials serving an 11-county region of southeast Texas. 

"… a 13-member board, makes recommendations to City Council on historic properties.  The board reviews requests for historic district designations, landmarks, protected landmarks, archaeological sites and Certificates of Appropriateness." 

The premier resource in the Houston area for information and hands-on experience in the art and craft of blacksmithing.

The organization's mission is to promote impartial inquiry, study, and education about the period of the American Civil War and its causes and aftermath.  

A non-profit organization founded in 1958 to promote best practices through educational seminars presented by local, national, and international experts in a broad range of genealogical and historical subjects.

The mission of the Houston Heights Association is to foster a sense of community among the diverse segments of the neighborhood.

An organization that serves as a resource for Houston's existing historical, preservation, and educational organizations and institutions.

An online community focused on Houston history.  This community is comprised of historians, educators, preservationists, civic-minded individuals and influential citizens who are very passionate about Houston's past history.  

The "rodeo" is possibly the largest annual historical re-enactment anywhere.  Demonstrating life and working techniques of cattle ranching history.  

A non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture in Houston and Texas. Houston Mod advocates the preservation of this cultural legacy and seeks support from its members and the general public in achieving this goal.

Unit within the Planning and Development agency

Serves genealogy enthusiasts in the northeast Houston, Texas area through monthly meetings. The society maintains a genealogy library housed at the Humble Museum.

“Just north of the well-known Heights district in Houston, Texas lies the historic Independence Heights, a neighborhood most Houstonians do not know much about.  This neighborhood is unique because it was the first African-American city in the state of Texas.  Today, this neighborhood generates a strong sense of community between the recent influx of Latinos and the elderly who still refer to it as, its former name.”

A Texas not-for-profit corporation that accepted the challenge of raising the funds necessary to build a new archival wing for the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, located at the Ideson Library since 1976, and enhance and restore the historic building designed by noted Boston architects Cram & Ferguson. 

Preservation Houston is Houston's only citywide organization advocating for historic preservation. Since 1978, Preservation Houston has voiced strong support for better public policy and protection of our irreplaceable historic resources. Our members, volunteers and staff are committed to preserving the best of our community's architectural and cultural heritage.