What will you discover at the 2024 Austin Archives Bazaar?
Come discover the photographs, documents, films, maps, and other historical materials held in collections in and around Austin!
Austin, TX—Get ready to dive into Austin’s vibrant history in the most exciting way possible! The Archivists of Central Texas cordially invite you to the biannual Austin Archives Bazaar, which will be held on Sunday, April 14th, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Scholz Beer Garten and Saengerrunde Hall, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
The Austin Archives Bazaar promises an afternoon packed with FREE, fun-filled activities suitable for all ages. Step into a world where history comes alive as you explore tables brimming with collections showcased by several Central Texas archives. From the fascinating collections of the Harry Ransom Center and Briscoe Center for American History to notable government collections like the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, university archive collections from the University of Texas at Austin and Texas State, as well as the quirky wonders of the Scientific Anomaly Institute – Anomaly Archives, there’s something for everyone!
But that’s not all! Get your hands busy with our hands-on activities like the DIY Cyanotype station and craft area. Need expert advice on preserving your own precious mementos? Swing by our preservation station and chat with seasoned archivists. Plus, strike a pose at our photo booth, and stand a chance to win fabulous door prizes!
And what’s a bazaar without some entertainment? Relax in the beer garten with a discounted drink in hand and check out our fantastic lineup of speakers! We’re thrilled to present Robert Bednar, who teaches courses in media studies, visual/material communication, critical/cultural studies, memory studies, and automobility and is the Director of the Placing Memory Project, and Harrison Eppright, the history enthusiast who has been delighting audiences with his tours for over three decades. Plus, enjoy a special performance by the talented Austin Saengerrunde Gemischter Chor!
So why wait? The event is free and open to all ages. It is a great way to get acquainted and experience Austin’s diverse history in a single afternoon. The participating archives will show off their collections throughout the event, allowing you to experience Central Texas history at your own pace. So come and spend the afternoon with area archivists and explore the diverse cultural heritage resources available in Austin and Central Texas, all under one roof! With several interactive experiences, you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for Austin’s past.
According to Jennifer Hecker, Chair of the Austin Archives Bazaar Repository Committee, “People are curious about Austin’s rich history, but rarely know where to go to find out more, and sometimes going to an archive seems intimidating[…] here we can learn about area archives and have a great time finding out the best way to preserve our personal items. It’s so fun for people to discover all of the genuinely cool objects preserved in archives. Anyone interested in Austin history or their own family history will enjoy the Bazaar.”
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, this event is partly supported by ARMA Austin, Austin Film Society, Benson Latin American Collection, Book People, The Briscoe Center for American History, The Blanton, End of an Ear, Hollinger, Lumiere, Monocurate, Paramount Preservation Austin, UT School of Information, UT Texas, General Land Office, Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), THRAB, University of North Texas Portal to Texas History, UT Libraries, Alexander Architectural Archives, Memory Forward, and Joe’s Bakery.
The Archivists of Central Texas is a professional organization that increases contact and communication between archivists and those working with records, provides networking opportunities, and promotes archival repositories and activities in the greater Austin area.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with Austin’s rich history and the passionate archivists who preserve it! For more information and a list of participating archives, visit www.austinarchivesbazaar.org. See you there!
Media Contact:
Brooke Lake
Archivists of Central Texas
512.991.2727
brooke@monocurateatx.com