Dallas Public Library Holds Historical Treasures
The J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas quietly safeguards a remarkable collection of historical artifacts, offering a glimpse into the past for those who know where to look. Beyond its role as a modern library, the building houses items ranging from sports memorabilia to presidential documents, attracting history buffs and researchers alike.
Among the most compelling exhibits is a display at The Bush Center featuring artifacts from sporting legends. Visitors can view , Jackie Robinson’s glove from his time with the Brooklyn Dodgers, alongside the bat he used in the 1952 All-Star Game. Also on display are Jesse Owens’ gold medals from the 1936 Olympics, and a 1946 questionnaire completed by Robinson outlining his vision for the future of baseball.
For those interested in American political history, the George W. Bush Presidential Center features a handwritten syllogism from by Abraham Lincoln. This fragment, one of only 111 such notes remaining, provides insight into Lincoln’s early arguments against slavery. These “fragments,” as they are known, offer a personal look into the mind of the 16th president.
The historical offerings extend beyond presidential and athletic achievements. The Frontiers of Flight Museum showcases the original Apollo 7 Module and command center, used during the first crewed Apollo Space mission in . This allows visitors to step back in time and experience the early days of space exploration.
Dallas’s own colorful past is also represented. The gravesites of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the infamous outlaws, are located in Dallas cemeteries. Bonnie Parker is buried at Crown Hill Memorial Park, while Clyde Barrow rests at Western Heights Cemetery. Visitors often leave tokens such as cigarettes, bullets, and flowers at their graves.
The city’s African American history is preserved at Freedman’s Cemetery, established in as a burial ground for Dallas’s early African American population. It remains one of the largest Freedman Cemeteries in the country.
The Dallas Public Library itself is a historical landmark. Opened in , the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library was named for a former mayor who played a key role in securing funding for its construction. Designed in the modernist architectural style, it echoes the design of Dallas City Hall. Notably, upon opening, the Central Library was the first major library in the world to have its entire catalog digitally accessible.
Spanning 646,000 square feet, the library is one of the largest public library buildings in the country. Its eight floors house a diverse range of collections, encompassing not only books but also artwork, historical artifacts, LPs, and even laptops. The library’s Genealogy & History floor is recognized as one of the top ten genealogy collections in the United States, and the 8th floor is home to the Heritage Lab.
The Dallas History & Archives Division, part of the Dallas Public Library, is one of the largest of its kind in the nation. Its holdings include books, magazines, newspaper clippings, personal papers, photos, maps, and audiovisual materials, providing a comprehensive record of Dallas, the surrounding area, and Texas. Researchers can access these materials at the library’s 7th-floor location, with over 60,000 books and 1,500 periodical titles available. The collection also boasts over 1,500 print and microfilm newspapers, including comprehensive runs of the Dallas Morning News and Dallas Times Herald. The Dallas Morning News, from to , is also available online with a Dallas Public Library card.
These hidden historical gems offer a unique opportunity to connect with the past, reminding residents and visitors alike of the rich and complex history that lies beneath the surface of this dynamic city.
