About The Texas Collection

Founded in 1923 with an initial gift of Texas history volumes from Baylor alum and Waco physician Dr. Kenneth Hazen Aynesworth, The Texas Collection is now one of the largest Texana collections in the world. While the focus is on the Lone Star State, The Texas Collection holds information on the Southwest, Mexico, westward expansion, and beyond. Materials date from the 15th century to the present and tell the story of Texas from pre-Republic, Republic of Texas, and statehood. Scholars from all over the world come to the collection to research facets of Texas including history, agriculture, literature, religion, politics, and education. 

The Texas Collection is also home to the University Archives, the official repository for Baylor University. The mission of the University Archives is to collect, preserve, and provide access to records related to Baylor University. These records include presidential papers, departmental and student organizational records, and university reports. Materials in the University Archive shine a light on the important decisions that have made Baylor the institution it is today, providing valuable insight into our storied past.

Appointments for research are highly recommended.  The Texas Collection Reading Room hosts Baylor classes, special presentations, and programming and may occasionally be closed to researchers.