"The heritage of the past is the seed that brings forth the harvest of the future; those who know their community’s past are apt to feel a sense of loyalty and pride that makes them more responsible citizens in their own generation." —Austin History Center Association

	1955	The Austin-Travis County Collection is created as a part of the Austin Public Library.
	1955	Students compete in the first Historical Essay Contest sponsored by the Austin-Travis County Collection. The contest will be held each year for the next 20 years.
	1960	The Niles-Graham-Pease family papers are donated to the Austin-Travis County Collection nearly quadrupling its size.
	1961	Katherine Drake Hart becomes curator of the Austin-Travis County Collection.
	1965	Friends of the Austin Public Library begin Waterloo Press in order to feature manuscript and photographic material from the Austin-Travis County Collection.
	1975	Audray Bateman Randle becomes curator of the Austin-Travis County Collection.
	1979	The original 1933 Austin Public Library building is occupied solely by the Austin-Travis County Collection when the new central library is complete.
	1980	Austin History Center Association is formed to support the creation of the Austin History Center.
	1983	The Austin-Travis County Collection formally becomes the Austin History Center.
	1983	Judge Trueman O’Quinn donates his substantial collection of O. Henry material.
	1987	The Austin History Center constructs a photo reproduction lab to facilitate preservation of photographic images.
	1989	Biruta Celmins Kearl becomes curator of the Austin History Center.
	2000	The Austin History Center creates new Neighborhood Liaison positions to broaden its acquisitions program.
	2003	Sue Soy becomes curator of the Austin History Center.
	2004	“The Blue Bellies are in Austin: Readings from the Travis County Slave Narratives,” a Waterloo Press publication, wins the prestigious Texas Library Association 2004 Project of the Year Award.
	2005	The Austin History Center turns 50!