Welcome to the MFAH Archives

A Great Place to Learn About the MFAH

One of the country's first art museum archives, the MFAH Archives was established in 1984 with a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). Since that time, the archival holdings have grown more than threefold to its present size of 2300 linear feet. In 1991 the MFAH Archives moved to its present secure, environmentally-controlled, off-site facility.

The MFAH Archives consists of more than one hundred years of institutional records and sixty manuscript collections from individuals or organizations closely associated with the MFAH. Primary source material in the MFAH Archives chronicles not only the history of the MFAH, but also the artistic and cultural development of Houston and the larger art community. The MFAH Archives is an important resource for the establishment of provenance and in the preparation of catalogues raisonné, as well as for art historical literature, regional histories, and architectural surveys. The archival collection is also a valuable source of information about museum education and administration.

The MFAH Archives depends on volunteers to assist in many aspects of its daily operations. Volunteers are needed for filing, data entry, and assisting with the processing of ephemera, photographs and other archival materials. There is a job for every skill level, so if you would like to volunteer, please contact Lorraine A. Stuart at 713-639-7733 or Joi Williams at 713-639-7578.