Cotulla Archives to be Housed in TAMIU’s Special Collection

While nearby Cotulla is growing boisterously, the history of its quieter times will now be safeguarded in Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library Special Collection and Archives.

Cotulla and TAMIU officials gathered last week to initiate a Memorandum of Understanding that makes the University the custodian of the Cotulla Archives, providing for their protection and accessibility to future researchers.

TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck, himself a Cotulla native, said the University is pleased to be able to provide the service to Cotulla.

“In our fast-paced world, history is so easily lost:  papers go missing, ownership changes and history is lost forever. The City of Cotulla can now rest assured that their history is professionally archived and protected in our Special Collection for generations to come,” Dr. Keck said.

Cotulla Mayor José Javier García noted humorously that in addition to its inclusion in the Collection, Cotulla is finally visible.

“For so many years the only visible sign of Cotulla from the highway was our courthouse.  Now, we have a skyline with hotels and businesses popping up everywhere. We’re very happy that as we move forward, our past will be protected here. I’m looking forward to future students writing about Cotulla’s history,” Garcia noted.

Cotulla City Manager Larry Dovalina observed that archiving history is especially important to him and encouraged other cities in the region to follow Cotulla’s lead.

“As Laredo’s former City Manager, I remain disappointed that our own Laredo archives remain housed in San Antonio, instead of Laredo.  Our action here today should encourage other cities in this region to do the same thing,” Dovalina observed. 

Jeanette Hatcher, TAMIU’s Special Collection librarian, said the Collection is a growing and important research resource.

“The Special Collection is dedicated to housing a diverse and growing collection focused on the powerful history of Laredo and the region.  Within it, you’ll find everything from personal, family and regional histories to photographic collections with haunting images of communities like Guerrero Viejo that no longer exist,” she noted.

“We encourage that those interested in preserving their history for generations to come at the Killam Library contact us to discuss our archival services,” she concluded.

For additional information, contact Hatcher at 956.326.2404, email jhatcher@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.  More on the Special Collection and archives is available online at library.tamiu.edu

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