The Herzstein Library has more books per square foot than the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.
San Jacinto Museum of History © 2003

The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Library will be closed from December 21, 2009 until January 4, 2010.  Please contact a staff member after that time for help with your research questions.

One of Texas’s Best-Kept Secrets

The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Library began in 1939 with gifts from the descendants of Texas heroes, including Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, Mirabeau B. Lamar and Sidney Sherman. In addition, a major gift was granted by founding President, George A. Hill, Jr.

Though many materials relating to early exploration and statehood can be found in the library, emphasis is on colonial Texas as a part of Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and the early days of Texas statehood. The library’s holdings include books and other research materials on any subject related to Texas culture and development.

The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation donated over $1 million to the Museum, allowing the library, archives and museum to re-catalog and classify its collections.

The library has books from early convents and monasteries in Mexico with rare brandings. It offers a complete listing and biography of San Jacinto Veterans. And it houses some of Sam Houston’s personal belongings, including a signed copy of the U.S. Declaration of Independence!

And we’re not just talking about history books. Antique and contemporary books on everything from science to art to etiquette can be found here. In addition, the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Library holds a cache of historical manuscripts, maps, blueprints, photographs, and lithographs.

From a 1556 mathematics book to the latest biography of a San Jacinto veteran, the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Library is a feast for researchers, scholars and the intellectually curious. Visit us today!