Investing in Austin’s History
The Austin History Center Association aims to empower our community to preserve and reflect on the diverse stories of Austin through engaging programs and support for the Austin History Center.
The Austin History Center is a cultural gem and we are proud to have played a role in saving the first Austin Public Library built in 1933 by Architect Hugo Kuehne, from the wrecking ball in 1980. The adjoining John H. Faulk Building by Architect Fred Day served as Austin’s Central Library from 1980 to 2017.
Become a part of Austin’s history! Your donation to the Austin History Center Association ensures that our community can continue to explore and learn from the city’s diverse past through the preservation of Austin’s oldest civic building.
Campus Expansion: The Future
The Austin Public Library continues its work to bring the Austin History Center (AHC) and the John Henry Faulk Central Library up to code and complete critical repairs. Funded by voter-approved bond elections in 2012 and 2018, these upgrades are essential to ensuring that both buildings remain safe, functional, and ready for the next chapter of Austin’s historical preservation.
With these improvements nearing completion, AHCA has entered into a new agreement with the City of Austin, solidifying its role in shaping the future of the AHC and Faulk buildings. This partnership allows AHCA to collaborate on exhibits, programming, and fundraising, expanding the impact of the AHC while laying the groundwork for its transformation into a state-of-the-art Research and Archival History Campus.
AHCA is actively working with community leaders and supporters to bring this vision to life. The plan builds upon the 2019 Gensler Reimagining the Faulk vision project, with the goal of modernizing interior spaces while preserving the historic architecture. This transformation will create a museum and research campus where the public can digitally and visually engage with Austin’s extensive historical collections.
Once completed, this campus will serve as the centerpiece of a Downtown Historical Corridor, seamlessly integrating into the Downtown Wayfinding Plan and ensuring that Austin’s history remains fully preserved, accessible, and celebrated for generations to come.
If you would like to donate to development of the master plan, send your check to:
Austin History Center Association
P.O. Box 12546
Austin, TX 78711