TAMIU's Expanding Special Collections and Archives Receives Church, Laredo History

As anniversary celebrations pop up around Laredo, many local organizations, churches or schools may have started to research their history. Others may have already finished celebrating and might wonder, is there anyone else interested in our group's history? How can we preserve our research?
Texas A&M International University's Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Special Collections and Archives will expend special care to items donated to the TAMIU Killam Library.

First Presbyterian Church of Laredo recently donated two copies of its history.

"We are pleased to receive this gift and add it to the Killam Library's expanding Special Collections and Archives," said Rodney M. Webb, Library director.

"I donated the church's history to the Library in case anyone else is doing research and so that in 25 years, for the 150th anniversary celebration, someone can go to the Library and find this research," said Rev. Dale Youngs, First Presbyterian Church of Laredo minister.

Youngs, who scoured through old scrapbooks, newspapers, church meeting minutes and an earlier history done in the 1950s, said his research is not limited to the Presbyterian Church.

"The history of the church is connected to Laredo's history. That year, four churches started right after the railroad came to town. The Laredo Regional Food Bank started in the church. The church also chartered United Day School and the local Habitat for Humanity also started in the church. When President Nixon closed the Air Force Base, the church membership lost 125 people overnight," Rev. Youngs explained.

The University encourages families and organizations to follow Youngs' example and donate significant historical materials-especially original documents to the Library's Special Collections and Archives. The Library will place appropriate materials under the care of professional staff trained in archival management and provide a proper physical environment for secure, long-term preservation.
"Donors will see their donated historic documents become more valuable in the context of other related papers, books, maps and documents held in the Archives, that collectively form an increasingly rich resource for University and community researches investigating the development of our region," noted Webb.

Patrons interested in checking out the Church's history, gaining access to the Special Collections and Archives reading room or donating materials should contact Jeannette Hatcher, Reference/Special Collections librarian at jhatcher@tamiu.edu or 326.2404 or visit the second floor of the Killam Library and make a request. Items are for in-library use only.

Just this past week, the Library dedicated the 8,000-volume King Spanish Collection, including the King Romance Seminar Room. It also launched the Memorial Library Fund and Friends of the Library.

Special Collections and Archives hours are 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fridays, but hours are subject to change.

For information on how to donate a collection or archives, please contact Webb at rwebb@tamiu.edu or call 326-2400.

University summer office hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. - noon, Fridays.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu