SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES

The Special Collections & Archives Division of the Mary and Jeff Bell Library at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has as its primary focus to locate, acquire, preserve, and make available to researchers materials that document the development of Corpus Christi and its South Texas environs. Its holdings include items dealing with history, urban and ethnic studies, literature, folklore, art, photography, government, anthropology, sociology, education, the sciences, business, and other disciplines. Special Collections & Archives has a growing body of papers of individuals, organizations, and institutions that reflects the growth of the Corpus Christi metropolitan area. It also contains approximately 20,000 books, periodicals, and other printed primary and secondary items dealing with Corpus Christi, South Texas, Texas and Mexico. In addition, the division has an active oral history program to supplement the written and visual materials. Special Collections & Archives works closely with faculty and students to provide local research topics to enrich the classroom experience. It plays a particularly active role in the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi history program. Students not only receive specialized assistance with research projects, but instruction on research methods, use of primary documents, and the study of public, urban, Mexican American, Texas, and local history as well as archival management and oral history technique.

Holdings of Special Note

Use of Material

Because of their fragile, rare or unique nature, the books, photographs, maps, tape recordings, and other items in Special Collections & Archives cannot be borrowed or checked out. Researchers must examine them in the secure, well-furnished reading room under staff supervision. For their preservation, all items are maintained under strict professional care. Photocopying facilities are available.

Special Features

The Daniel E. & Carol Isensee Kilgore Endowment for Texana
Dr. Hector P. Garcia Exhibit

Public Outreach

Texas A&M - Corpus Christi's Special Collections & Archives plays an active role in the network of local, state, and national institutions which preserves our history and helps maintain our region's historical consciousness. The unit serves as a bridge between the University and the larger Corpus Christi/South Texas community and strives to enrich the lives of our people through the study of our past.

A Call for Assistance

Special Collections & Archives takes pride in its active policy of locating and collecting additional research materials. We need your assistance in finding rare books, photographs, maps, letters, records of businesses and organizations, scrapbooks, and other historical documents relating to Corpus Christi and South Texas. If you or someone you know possesses materials which might be donated, please contact us.

Location

Special Collections & Archives is located on the second floor (Room 205) of the Mary and Jeff Bell Library of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Mailing Address

Mary & Jeff Bell Library
Special Collections & Archives
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
6300 Ocean Drive
Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-5702

We invite questions and/or comments and look forward to hearing from you. Contact Dr. Thomas Kreneck at 361-825-2301 or Tom.Kreneck@tamucc.edu.

• Special Collections & Archives Staff
• Special Collections & Archives Hours

Webpage revised on 05/11/2009