Tyrell Historical Library Reopens After Restoration



The Tyrrell Historical Library is located in Beaumont, Texas. The library has opened once again after having been closed for repairs.

The Tyrrell Historical Library building was originally the First Baptist Church. Captain W.C. Tyrrell purchased the building and donated it to the city for the purpose of having it be used as a library in 1923. The library first opened in 1926, and served as the main library until 1974, when the new library opened. It became the Tyrrell Historical Library at that time, with a Texana collection and genealogical collection.

Over time, the library fell into disrepair. In 1980, Alan Coleman, who spent time in the Tyrrell Library as a boy, decided to take action. He was 29-years-old, and he organized local high school students to help raise money to restore it.

Unfortunately, the Library was damaged again, in 1999 when Tropical Storm Harvey hit and Tropical Depression Imelda followed. The library had been affected by termites. In January of 2020, The Tyrell Historical Library reopened, after being closed for repairs for more than two years.

Genealogy resources at the Tyrell Historical Library include:

Archives: Jefferson Beaumont family, George W. O’Brien Civil War diaries and the O’Brian family papers, Captain Randolph Owen of Alabama autograph album which includes autographs of Confederate military leaders imprisoned by Union Forces at Johnson’s Island, Ohio after the War Between the States.

Census microfilm and indexes: 1790 through 1920

Microfilm: Magna Carta Barons and their descendants (1-7), Family History Library Catalog – Localities, AGLL Catalog, Everton Publishers “Roots” cellar, The Genealogical Helper: 1950-70, LDS Parish and Vital Records List, US Postal Guide: alphabetical lists of post offices in 1905.

Microfilm materials on may states with particular emphasis on Texas and Louisiana. It includes city directories, marriage lists, lists of confederate soldiers, Texas newspapers, Galveston passenger lists, indexes to deeds, tax rolls, probate records, some family genealogies, and more.

Related Articles at FamilyTree.com:

Genealogy Resources at Waco-McLennan County Library

Dallas Public Library and FamilySearch Team to Digitize Collection

Weatherford Public Library is Downsizing its Genealogy Section

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