TITLE: Recognizing the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research in Houston as a valuable community and state asset.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research in Houston as a valuable community and state asset.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research in Houston is helping countless Texans learn more about their family heritage; and WHEREAS, Part of the Houston Public Library system, the Clayton Library Center traces its origins to 1921, when it was founded as a special collection for genealogical research; in 1968 the center moved into the Clayton House, the former home of William Lockhart Clayton, a prominent businessman and statesman; the property, which covers a two-block area in the heart of Houston's Museum District, encompasses a main house, a guesthouse, and a carriage house as well as a library building that was added in 1988; and WHEREAS, The center houses national and international genealogical history research materials in print and electronic versions, such as published and unpublished family, state, and county histories, birth, death, marriage, land, immigration, and military records, and other sources from throughout the United States and from other countries, including Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany; center staff offer personal research assistance, and the library features monthly programming on genealogical topics as well as rotating exhibits reflective of William Clayton's life and times and of the history of Houston's diverse neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, Named among the top nine genealogical libraries in the nation by Family Tree Magazine,the Clayton Library Center attracts thousands of researchers from across the nation every month; the center benefits from strong support from the Clayton Library Friends, a nonprofit organization that raised more than $1.2 million and purchased or donated thousands of books, periodicals, and microfilm materials for the center in 2008; and WHEREAS, By enabling researchers to explore their family legacies, the Clayton Library Center is fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history and of the ties that bind us to each other and to the past; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research as an invaluable resource for residents of the Lone Star State and extend to all those associated with the center sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the center as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Bohac Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2006 was adopted by the House on May 26, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House