Help FAQ - General Questions

What is the Portal?

The Portal is a gateway to Texas history materials for educators, lifelong learners, and researchers. It includes collections from museums, archives, historical societies, libraries, and private collectors throughout the state of Texas. It is maintained by the University of North Texas Libraries' Digital Projects Unit.

What is in the Portal?

The Portal's content embraces all geographic areas of Texas and covers prehistory through the twenty-first century. It features digital reproductions of newspapers, photographs, maps, letters, documents, books, artifacts, and more.

Why did I get an error message?

You may be using an unsupported web browser version. Try repeating your action with a more current browser. If you still get an error message, click on the Report Problems link from the bottom of any Portal page to send a technical issue to the Portal staff.

How do I report a technical problem?

Near the bottom of every page there is a Report Problems link which you can use to report a problem to our technical support. Our staff reads every comment and question and will respond in a timely manner.

Whom can I contact if I notice a mistake or have additional information about an item?

Near the bottom of every page is a Questions/Feedback link which you can use to report corrections or additional information. Once we confirm that the information is accurate, we will update the information in the Portal.

How do I become a Partner?

The Portal's partners include private and family collectors, as well as institutions such as libraries, museums, archives, churches, and historical commissions. Placing materials on the Portal to Texas History is a great way to provide free public access to people wanting to connect with your information and materials. Please see our section on Collaboration for more information.

Can you tell me the value of an item in my collection?

Quite often we receive questions about the value of a historical item belonging to a personal collection. Unfortunately, we cannot provide appraisal information; however, we can recommend that you visit the Smithsonian Institution's FAQ: Appraisals of Objects, which provides an overview on identifying and valuing collectible objects. The page includes links to several American appraisal organizations and a reference list of auction galleries and helpful books and magazines.

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