INSIDER
How Houston’s iconic River Oaks Theatre got its own reboot
Read full article: How Houston’s iconic River Oaks Theatre got its own rebootThe historic theater's revival and restoration showed it wouldn't suffer the same fate as many iconic buildings; but instead, get rebooted (pun intended) into a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience for even new residents to make memories.
University of Houston holds 9/11 memorial event on 23rd anniversary
Read full article: University of Houston holds 9/11 memorial event on 23rd anniversaryIt's been 23 years since the tragic day when on September 11, 2001. A remembrance event will be held at the University of Houston on Wednesday at 9 a.m. on the South Lawn of the Student Center, where there’s a steel beam from the Twin Towers.
From fireworks to a drone show, Labor Day weekend in Galveston promises nonstop family fun
Read full article: From fireworks to a drone show, Labor Day weekend in Galveston promises nonstop family funLabor Day weekend is just around the corner and Galveston is gearing up for their big, weekend long celebration!
Revitalization efforts in Freedmen’s Town preserve history and community spirit
Read full article: Revitalization efforts in Freedmen’s Town preserve history and community spiritMany of the homes in Houston’s Freedmen’s Town have stood since the 1920s, embodying the ingenuity and strength of their builders.
Explore the history and meaning behind Juneteenth with Houston Life
Read full article: Explore the history and meaning behind Juneteenth with Houston LifeJoin the Houston Life team in exploring Houston’s connection to Juneteenth with a trip to The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park in Downtown Houston.
‘Our Town’: The story of Acres Homes, Houston’s historic community
Read full article: ‘Our Town’: The story of Acres Homes, Houston’s historic communityCheck out the rich history and ongoing struggles of Acres Homes, a historic African American community in Houston. From its early days as a rare opportunity for African American families to own substantial acreage to its current challenges of inequality and limited city services, Acres Homes has a story that deserves to be heard. #AcresHomes #HoustonCommunity #EqualityMatters
Our Town: Sunnyside’s history and residents today who are making a difference
Read full article: Our Town: Sunnyside’s history and residents today who are making a differenceThe neighborhood was carved out specifically for the African American community, according to a City of Houston “Super Neighborhood” report. The idea of so-called “restricted communities” was born out of racism and segregation.
‘From Chains to Church’ Immerse yourself in the remarkable history behind the doors of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
Read full article: ‘From Chains to Church’ Immerse yourself in the remarkable history behind the doors of Antioch Missionary Baptist ChurchBLACK HISTORY MONTH: Discover the inspiring journey of freed slaves and how faith propelled their emancipation From the Chains to the Church.
Jack Yates’ great granddaughter shares how you can learn more about the people who shaped Houston
Read full article: Jack Yates’ great granddaughter shares how you can learn more about the people who shaped HoustonThis Black History Month, the Houston Heritage Society is inviting the community to join their tour where you can learn about past leaders who helped shape Houston.
The National Museum of Funeral History a unique experience unlike anything else
Read full article: The National Museum of Funeral History a unique experience unlike anything elseJust in time for Halloween, we’re going inside the museum which has the largest display of funeral service memorabilia in the country.
‘Negro Motorist Green Book’ exhibit helps Houstonians travel back to dangerous yet hopeful past
Read full article: ‘Negro Motorist Green Book’ exhibit helps Houstonians travel back to dangerous yet hopeful pastFor three months, Holocaust Museum Houston is taking visitors back in time to an exhibit with ties to the city.
IN PHOTOS: 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech
Read full article: IN PHOTOS: 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speechThe speech was a part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, an event organized to advocate civil and economic rights for African-Americans.
Help save KPRC 2, Texas history: Here’s how to donate your old A/V equipment to help preservation effort
Read full article: Help save KPRC 2, Texas history: Here’s how to donate your old A/V equipment to help preservation effortThe Texas Archive of the Moving Image is calling for donations of video decks and other equipment in the organization’s undertaking of preserving Texas’ digital history, which includes thousands of archived KPRC 2 tapes.
Discovery of Titanic was like finding treasure for historians, collectors
Read full article: Discovery of Titanic was like finding treasure for historians, collectorsTuesday marks the anniversary of a significant discovery made in an ocean: Sept. 1 is the 35th anniversary of the remains of the Titanic being discovered in the Atlantic, an occasion that brought headlines around the world in 1985.
Discovering Juneteenth in Mexico and how it’s celebrated in the small village Nacimiento de los Negros
Read full article: Discovering Juneteenth in Mexico and how it’s celebrated in the small village Nacimiento de los NegrosJuneteenth has been observed in Texas for 158 years, but its roots are just as deep in a small village in Mexico
PHOTOS: Frank Billingsley gets a look inside Bolivar Peninsula’s iconic lighthouse under restoration
Read full article: PHOTOS: Frank Billingsley gets a look inside Bolivar Peninsula’s iconic lighthouse under restorationKPRC 2′s own meteorologist Frank Billingsley got a personal look inside an area iconic landmark this month.
These old Titanic photos show just how much has changed since April 1912
Read full article: These old Titanic photos show just how much has changed since April 1912Each year on April 15 marks another Titanic Remembrance Day, a time to reflect on the lives lost when the famed ship sank into the North Atlantic’s icy waters back in 1912.
How Vonetta Flowers made history for Black Olympians worldwide
Read full article: How Vonetta Flowers made history for Black Olympians worldwideWith the first weekend of the Winter Olympics coinciding with the first weekend of Black History Month, it’s a good time to look back at how both Olympic and Black history was made 20 years ago this month at the Winter Games.
Brush up on your Black history: 10 good-to-know facts, stories
Read full article: Brush up on your Black history: 10 good-to-know facts, storiesWhether you feel like you have a strong understanding of black history, or you're working to learn more, we've assembled 10 facts, or anecdotes, from history.com, to help you grow your knowledge base.
Celebrating Kwanzaa: What you need to know about the holiday and its principles
Read full article: Celebrating Kwanzaa: What you need to know about the holiday and its principlesKwanzaa is an annual holiday that affirms African family, tradition, and social values. The holiday is celebrated primarily in the United States from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Pearl Harbor Day: Photos of damage still resonate, more than eight decades later
Read full article: Pearl Harbor Day: Photos of damage still resonate, more than eight decades laterThursday marks the anniversary of one of the most significant days in U.S. and world history, a day that still lives in infamy, 82 years later.
Julia Roberts says Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King paid the hospital bill for her birth
Read full article: Julia Roberts says Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King paid the hospital bill for her birthIn honor of Julia Roberts’s 55th birthday, fans are recirculating the unbelievable historical fact that connects her to Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
Peek inside the DeLorean Motor Company headquarters in Humble
Read full article: Peek inside the DeLorean Motor Company headquarters in HumbleThe car made famous by the movie ‘Back to the Future’ is headed to the future with its first new model in 40 years. That is right, a new DeLorean has been announced and in anticipation of its arrival, Houston Life headed to Classic DeLorean in Humble to take a look at a bit of the company’s history.
That used to be WHAT?: These iconic Houston buildings aren’t exactly what they used to be
Read full article: That used to be WHAT?: These iconic Houston buildings aren’t exactly what they used to beSometimes, the building outlives the business. Though these notable Houston structures were renovated and repurposed, longtime Houstonians remember what they were in their heyday.
Juneteenth Historian Sam Collins joins Courtney and Derrick to share the history of Juneteenth in Galveston
Read full article: Juneteenth Historian Sam Collins joins Courtney and Derrick to share the history of Juneteenth in GalvestonHistorian Sam Collins shares the history of Juneteenth and the journey to freedom in Galveston with Courtney and Derrick
‘Mama, keep praying’: Galveston resident recounts grandmother’s powerful journey on Juneteenth
Read full article: ‘Mama, keep praying’: Galveston resident recounts grandmother’s powerful journey on JuneteenthGeneral Order Number 3 was issued by Union General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, two years after the original issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.
2,000 wins! Dusty Baker hits historic milestone as Astros beat Mariners
Read full article: 2,000 wins! Dusty Baker hits historic milestone as Astros beat MarinersIt was a historic night Tuesday at Minute Maid Park, as Astros manager Dusty Baker became the 12th ever to win 2,000 games as a Major League Baseball manager.
On the cusp of history: The significance of Dusty Baker reaching 2,000 managerial wins
Read full article: On the cusp of history: The significance of Dusty Baker reaching 2,000 managerial winsHouston Astros manager Dusty Baker is on the cusp of hitting 2,000 career wins as a Major League Baseball manager, and it's truly a historic accomplishment.
PHOTOS: Galveston opening its lovely historic homes to the public two weekends in May
Read full article: PHOTOS: Galveston opening its lovely historic homes to the public two weekends in MayCertain homes in Galveston are known for their long history, and Tom Schwenk Galveston Real Estate and the Galveston Historical Foundation want to showcase them for a few weekends in May.
How much do you know about some of the most famous women in history?
Read full article: How much do you know about some of the most famous women in history?March marks Women’s History Month, and the world has spent the past few weeks highlighting and remembering some of the most famous achievements by women throughout the course of history.
Texas time machine: Step back in time with these vintage photos of Big Bend National Park
Read full article: Texas time machine: Step back in time with these vintage photos of Big Bend National ParkLocated along a distinctive bend of the Rio Grande on the U.S.-Mexico border, the 801,832-acre wonderland of gorges, mountain peaks, canyons and mesas known as Big Bend National Park is often referred to as Texas’ Gift to the Nation.
A closer look at the women who’ve served on the Supreme Court
Read full article: A closer look at the women who’ve served on the Supreme CourtIn the wake of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement announcement in January, President Joe Biden has nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to be his replacement.
This Harriet Tubman mural is so powerful – just like the moving story of how it came to be
Read full article: This Harriet Tubman mural is so powerful – just like the moving story of how it came to beMichael Rosato knew he had an incredibly important assignment on his hands when he was commissioned to paint a Harriet Tubman mural in Cambridge, Maryland.
History-making Houston judge retires after 28 years on the federal bench
Read full article: History-making Houston judge retires after 28 years on the federal benchIn 1994, Judge Vanessa Gilmore made history as the youngest person serving on the federal branch. Now, Gilmore is hanging up her robe and preparing for a new life outside of the courthouse.
This salt dome discovery transformed Texas forever
Read full article: This salt dome discovery transformed Texas foreverOn Jan. 10, 1901, what began as a discovery of oil at Spindletop Hill, a salt dome formation south of Beaumont, would soon transform Texas into a major petroleum producer and industrial power.
7 things everyone should know about Veterans Day
Read full article: 7 things everyone should know about Veterans DayEach year, our nation commemorates Veterans Day on Nov. 11, to pay tribute to all American veterans -- living or dead -- but especially to those who served our country honorably during war or peacetime.
A look at some of the world’s major crowd disasters
Read full article: A look at some of the world’s major crowd disastersFans at a Houston music festival surged toward the stage during a performance by rapper Travis Scott, triggering panic in the crowd and leaving at least eight people dead and many more injured, authorities said. Here’s a look at some of the major crowd disasters in recent decades:
The haunted history behind Dean’s Downtown, the spooky Houston bar with plenty of boos
Read full article: The haunted history behind Dean’s Downtown, the spooky Houston bar with plenty of boosThey say the more spirits you drink, the more spirits you see, and you’ll definitely want some liquid courage to brave this historic haunt in the heart of Houston. Located near the corner of Preston and Main St., Dean’s Downtown boasts a rich history dating back more than 120 years. Today, the former department store turned bar is still a hot spot for activity, and we don’t just mean for happy hour. Katie Harrison, Operations Manager of Nightly Spirits, shared her expertise on the historic building.
20 years later, Katy ISD students learning about 9/11 for first time
Read full article: 20 years later, Katy ISD students learning about 9/11 for first timeSeptember 11, 2001, was a tragic day etched in history. Twenty years later in a classroom at Beck Junior High School in Katy, many of Ms. Madison Hughes ESL students are hearing about 9/11 for the first time.
‘Candy Man’ Dean Corll was shot dead 48 years ago. Texas EquuSearch will soon begin searching for the remains of any additional victims
Read full article: ‘Candy Man’ Dean Corll was shot dead 48 years ago. Texas EquuSearch will soon begin searching for the remains of any additional victims48 years ago, Dean Corll, one of the country’s most prolific serial killers, was shot dead at his home in Pasadena, Texas. Texas EquuSearch announced Sunday it will soon begin searching for the remains of any additional victims.
5 incredible real-life castles you can actually stay in
Read full article: 5 incredible real-life castles you can actually stay inWhen we think of castles, we often think of kings and queens, or maybe even some fairytale Disney movie -- but always some extravagant place, and certainly not one in which we’d be able to stay -- until now.
‘The power of living history’: Meet the woman who’s helping to preserve Texas’ Black history
Read full article: ‘The power of living history’: Meet the woman who’s helping to preserve Texas’ Black historyThe gift of storytelling is an art form that has the ability to entertain, educate and even heal. Naomi Mitchell Carrier has been using her talents to teach a generation through powerful performances. From writing and composing the renowned historical musical “I Am Annie Mae” to founding the Texas Center for African American Living History (TCAALH), Carrier is helping to lead the charge to preserve Texas’ Black history and has no plans of slowing down.
National Loving Day isn’t just a random sweet holiday. Here’s the deeper story, and why you’ll want to celebrate.
Read full article: National Loving Day isn’t just a random sweet holiday. Here’s the deeper story, and why you’ll want to celebrate.A lot has changed since the 1960s. And the world can change quickly, too. If there has ever been a time when that is clear, it’s now.
Why did it take so long for Father’s Day to be created?
Read full article: Why did it take so long for Father’s Day to be created?On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation declaring the second Sunday of each May would be “a public expressions of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country,” also known as, the creation of Mother’s Day.
5 of Houston’s oldest bakeries, dessert destinations
Read full article: 5 of Houston’s oldest bakeries, dessert destinationsIn Houston’s food scene, high value is often placed on innovation, novelty and aesthetics -on the most Insta-worthy menu items, the most unique dining experience or the latest foodie fad. It is no wonder, then, that so many of the city’s oldest bakeries and dessert shops have disappeared.
Tulsa Race Massacre, 100 years later: Why it happened and why it’s still relevant today
Read full article: Tulsa Race Massacre, 100 years later: Why it happened and why it’s still relevant todayJust decades after slavery in the United States left Black Americans in an economic and societal deficit, one bright spot stood out in Tulsa, Oklahoma — its Greenwood District, known as the “Black Wall Street,” where Black business leaders, homeowners, and civic leaders thrived.
51 years later, Apollo 13 astronauts reflect on historic mission
Read full article: 51 years later, Apollo 13 astronauts reflect on historic missionOn April 11, 1970, three astronauts and a team here on Earth dared to attempt what was expected to be the third moon landing. However, just shy of 56 hours into the mission, the crew experienced a problem that would turn into a full-fledged effort to get the crew back to Earth alive.
What the world was like the last time UH, Baylor were in the Final Four
Read full article: What the world was like the last time UH, Baylor were in the Final FourBoth the University of Houston and Baylor University men’s basketball teams have made it to the Final Four at the NCAA tournament this year.
Is daylight saving time still worth it? 5 questions as most of the nation prepares to fall back
Read full article: Is daylight saving time still worth it? 5 questions as most of the nation prepares to fall backIt’s time to adjust the clocks in the kitchen, bedroom, car and wherever else is needed, as another daylight saving time day is upon us this weekend.
$15 dollar minimum wage: What would it mean?
Read full article: $15 dollar minimum wage: What would it mean?What are the pros and cons associated with a 15 dollar minimum wage increase? Dr. Joyce Beebe is an economist and Fellow in Public Finance at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University. Yates Museum works to purchase and rehab properties in Freedmen’s Town. Yates Museum· Website: https://www.rbhy.org/Catherine Roberts, Co-Founder/Board Member, Rutherford B.H. Yates Museum· Website: https://www.rbhy.org/
Tell us: What does Black History Month mean to you?
Read full article: Tell us: What does Black History Month mean to you?We want to know: What does Black History Month mean to you? Did you talk about it, growing up? Did you attend events? We want to hear, in your words, about your experience with the month.
31 photos you’ve probably never seen, showing Harriet Tubman, Underground Railroad history
Read full article: 31 photos you’ve probably never seen, showing Harriet Tubman, Underground Railroad historyHarriet Tubman did so much for others -- she escaped slavery and went on to become a leading abolitionist, leading enslaved people to freedom along the route of the Underground Railroad.
These Houston podcasters are sharing black history to a new generation
Read full article: These Houston podcasters are sharing black history to a new generationHOUSTON – The figure of Martin Luther King is so pivotal, that continues to be an important topic of conversation for a local podcast. It’s called Gentlemen’s History Hour and its hosted by Equality and Rob Jay 10X. They chatted with Houston Life about this remarkable project and what they want people to know about Dr. King on this important holiday. Gentlemen's History Hour Podcast (Gentlemen's History Hour Podcast)In the podcast, the duo breaks down the current state of African American culture in a quick and informative conversation. The Gentlemen’s History Hour podcast airs every Thursday at 11am via Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
31 Houston-area eateries that have stood the test of time
Read full article: 31 Houston-area eateries that have stood the test of timeIn Houston’s restaurant scene, high value is often placed on innovation, novelty and newness -on the trendiest restaurant, the most unique dining experience or the latest foodie fad. His children own and operate the only Christie’s restaurant location still operating. Texas barbecue legend John Davis and his wife Leila opened the historic Houston restaurant in 1935 as Shepherd Drive Bar-B-Q. The eatery still operated out of its original location, situated at 7006 I-45 South at Woodridge. Following the success of its original location, several additional locations followed and a local fried chicken empire was born.
A former Astroworld employee reminisces about the most coveted summer job in Houston
Read full article: A former Astroworld employee reminisces about the most coveted summer job in HoustonA job at AstroWorld was the hottest thing a teenager could do in Houston in the ’80s. But when our school bus passed by AstroWorld, I often stared at the spectacular rides tucked behind the gate. AstroWorld was ours; it belonged to the children of Houston, not the world or even Texas at large, although we were willing to share. As a child, I remember the sights, sounds, and smells at AstroWorld constantly changing with each new turn in the park. In addition to manning the games and rides, AstroWorld workers were constantly hawking some candy or treat for a few bucks.
Live like royalty: This Texas castle is up for grabs-- but, it’ll cost you a king’s ransom
Read full article: Live like royalty: This Texas castle is up for grabs-- but, it’ll cost you a king’s ransomTerrell had become fascinated by the French chateaus and Belgium castles he had seen whilst abroad. Noted architect Alfred Giles, an Englishman and Texas transplant, designed the castle for Terrell. Giles was a prolific architect and designed a multitude of private homes and public buildings in Texas, many of which are now on the National Register of Historic Places and have been designated Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks. If you’re ready to call this castle your forever home, give listing agent Julie Alexander a ring at (210) 872-0109. Whether or not you’re interested in relocating to San Antonio, you can still enjoy this stately structure, courtesy of the internet.