As the nonprofit partner of the Austin History Center, the Association (AHCA) preserves and shares the rich and diverse history that has shaped Austin’s impact on Texas, the nation, and the world since 1839.
The Austin History Center Association’s (AHCA) mission is to connect people to Austin’s culture by supporting the Austin History Center and sharing the diverse stories of our community—bridging past, present, and future.

We’re Hiring! Join Our Team

We are looking for a full-time Development and Volunteer Coordinator! If you have a passion for fundraising, volunteer management, and community impact, we want to hear from you.

Please note: We only accept applications submitted through our online portal.

Upcoming Event

Saturday, September 12th
11:00am-12:30pm

The Austin History Center invites you to a workshop led by Terri Myers and Stephanie Lang, sponsored by our nonprofit.

Whether you are a student, a family genealogist, a community activist, or just looking to learn about Oral Histories in general; this workshop will equip you with the technical and emotional skills needed to record history from the ground up.

The Latest

AHCA’s Annual Meeting was a success with over 200 attendees learning about the association’s impact, the presentation of the annual Katherine... More {{title:words:12}} AHCA has completed two key restorations: the historic lanterns on the 1933 History Center and 146 original Herman Miller chairs in... More {{title:words:12}} The 2025 Eberly Luncheon raised over $111,000 and rallied Austin’s civic force behind a clear mission: protect what remains, invest in... More {{title:words:12}} At this Fuller Circle event, author Patricia Bernstein and AHCA board member Jeffrey Dochen brought to life the courageous fight against... More {{title:words:12}} The event will feature a fine dining experience in a historic setting, alongside engaging presentations about the stories that define Austin. ... More {{title:words:12}} SEE ALL NEWS

About The Association

The Austin History Center Association (AHCA) was founded in 1979 by a dedicated group of Austinites—Sue McBee, Katherine Drake Hart, Martha Hartzog, Bob Coffee, and Audrey Bateman—who recognized the urgent need to preserve Austin’s history. Concerned that the city’s archives were at risk, they established AHCA to support the Austin History Center (AHC) and ensure that Austin’s stories would be safeguarded for future generations.

Since its founding, AHCA has played a vital role in securing funding, expanding collections, and increasing public access to Austin’s history. Our efforts have helped preserve historic photographs, personal papers, city records, and oral histories while supporting building renovations, digitization projects, and educational initiatives.


Beyond preservation, AHCA actively promotes Austin’s history through public events, educational programs, and Waterloo Press publications, ensuring that the city’s past is not only archived but actively shared. We are committed to amplifying historically underrepresented voices, broadening the narrative of Austin’s evolving story.

Through memberships, donations, and advocacy, we continue the work started by our founders, sustaining one of Texas’s most important historical institutions. Join us in protecting the past and shaping the future of Austin’s history.

Sue McBee, Founder AHCA

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Today is the 63rd anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legendary “I Have a Dream” speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Though this history is most remembered for the events in Washington DC, there were Civil Rights marches, protests, and gatherings occurring all across the country that day. This historic photo from the Austin History Center (AS-63-42087-06) depicts a thousands of Austinites gathered in Wooldridge Square Park, just across the street from the history center of today! In the background is the Heman Marion Sweatt courthouse, named in honor of the first Black student admitted to the University of Texas Law School as a result of the landmark Sweatt V. Painter Supreme Court case.
Happy birthday to the namesake of the building that houses the @austinhistorycenter: John Henry Faulk! John Henry Faulk (August 21, 1913 - April 9, 1990) was a born and raised Austinite, known primarily for his time as an entertainer and his successful lawsuit that played a large role in ending the Hollywood blacklist. That said, those accomplishments are only part of his story and legacy. Another example of his work and impact is the time he spent recording oral histories of formerly enslaved individuals across Texas, alongside Alan Lomax. The oral histories he conducted are housed at the @librarycongress and can be accessed online for no cost. It brings us great joy to collaborate with the Austin History Center in conducting oral history interviews inside the building that bears his name, continuing his commitment to storytelling and historic preservation.
Our association is mourning the loss of James Means Jr., a truly legendary Austinite. In 1964, James Means Jr. made history as the first Black student athlete to compete at the University of Texas and within the Southwestern Conference. In 1966, he also became the first Black student athlete to earn an athletic scholarship at UT. Means was also a Veteran of the United States Army, a local businessman, and a dedicated family man. We send our condolences to the entire Means family including Carol Adams-Means, a member of our Board of Directors who shared 54 years of marriage with James Means Jr.
Our team is growing! Join us in our mission to connect people to Austin’s culture by supporting the Austin History Center. Apply today! #hiring