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Local History Department

La Retama Central Library’s Local History Department provides patrons access to special collections and archives, reference databases, printed materials, educational websites and genealogy resources. 

Our department holds items related to Corpus Christi History, Texas History and Genealogy.

The Local History Department is located on the second floor of La Retama Central Library. Assistance is available to professional researchers and hobbyists alike, in person, by phone or email. 

Our Services

The Local History Department continuously strives to collect and preserve genealogical materials, archival, rare and unique materials in various formats to document the past and the present.  

The Local History Department encourages the donation by individuals and organizations of collected work and materials which fall within our collection parameters and primary collection areas: Corpus Christi Reference, Texas Reference, Genealogy and Hispanic Genealogy.  

Special Collections and Archives attempts to collect and welcomes donations in the following areas: yearbooks, directories, funeral arrangements, individual and family collections, records of businesses, clubs and organizations, cities and counties of Texas, photographs, scrapbooks, and other historical documents relating to Corpus Christi and South Texas. 

For more information on donating to the Local History Department contact us: 

envelope icon  localhistory@cctexas.com

phone icon  (361) 826-7030

The Corpus Christi Public Libraries is an affiliate of FamilySearch’s research and library system. 

As an affiliate: 

    • Library staff provide free personal help to anyone looking for family history information. 
    • Provides limited-access records that are not available elsewhere. 
    • Offers valuable family history website subscriptions for free. 
    • Offers computers, printers, and internet access. 

Join today for free!

» The World’s Largest Online Family Tree (familysearch.org) 

Internship and practicum opportunities can be arranged with students in a variety of disciplines. Please contact us for more information.

If you are interested in scheduling a class visit or learning what departmental materials complement your course, please contact us in advance. The Local History Department staff will work with you to choose relevant materials and develop a plan for class visits and subsequent student support.  

Special Collections and Archives has a growing body of materials of individuals, organizations, and institutions that reflects the development of Corpus Christi, Texas and the surrounding region. Such records include those of civic and political leaders, local organizations, as well as everyday families.  

Find out more about our flagship collections 

In 1929, Dr. John Frederick “Doc” McGregor (1893-1986) arrived in Corpus Christi, Texas with his family. Although a practicing chiropractor, the need to supplement his income during the depression and his love of photography led Doc to open a small photography business in his home at 1015 N. Chaparral. As a photographer for the Caller and Times local newspapers, Doc documented the daily news and events of our growing city. This collection consists of more than 3,000 Doc McGregor photographs, documenting the robust history of Corpus Christi during the 1903s and 1940s.  

It is believed that photographer Louis de Planque, a native of Prussia, came to Mexico with Maximillian’s army and eventually set up studios in Matamoros and Brownsville. He would arrive in Corpus Christi in 1868 and establish his home and studio. Louis de Planque traveled throughout the South Texas region photographing families of the area, which can be found in this extensive photograph collection.  

In addition to local resources, Corpus Christi Public Libraries is a TexShare member. Patrons can access the state-wide databases from any Corpus Christi Public Library computer. To access the databases from home, you must have a library card to obtain your TexShare Login ID and password from your local library staff. 

» TexShare Homepage

» Texas Sanborn Maps

» Texas Reference Center

The Local History Department is located on the second floor of La Retama Central Library.  

To get the most out of your visit, we encourage you to call or email us in advance to plan your research trip. When you contact us, we will discuss with you the date of your visit and your research needs. 

Materials found within the Local History Department, namely the Special Collections and Archives are fragile, rare, or unique. Items cannot be borrowed or checked out. Photocopying facilities are available. Photocopying of materials are available on a case-by-case basis.  

Black & White copies are 30 cents each. 

It is the responsibility of visitors and researchers to assist in the preservation of materials in the Local History Department. In keeping with this responsibility, visitors and researchers are required to observe the following rules which are designed to safeguard our materials. 

  1. Materials found within the Local History Department and Special Collections and Archives cannot be removed from the department.  
  2. No ink may be used.  
  3. Smoking, eating and drinking are strictly prohibited in the Local History Room.

Collections