Austin, TX — Last week, State Senator Robert Nichols (R) toured the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center located in Liberty, TX.

During the 83rd Texas Legislature, Senator Nichols worked closely with Sandy Pickett, a Commissioner with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission which oversees the operations of the Center, to obtain a $1 million appropriation for improvements to the facility and grounds of the Center.

"I was pleased that we were able to receive the funding during Session for improvements to the Sam Houston Center. This center is very important to not only maintaining the history of East Texas but also the state of Texas," said Senator Nichols.

The appropriation will be used over the next two years for various projects including the installation of a security system and exterior safety lighting, asbestos abatement and construction of handicapped parking areas. Corrections to damage causing drainage issues across the property will also be a part of the improvement process.

"We are grateful for Senator Nichols and other members of the Legislature who worked on our behalf to obtain the funding for repairs," said Sandy Pickett. "This funding will help us continue to protect and care for these valuable historic treasures."

The late Governor Price Daniel donated 114 acres for the Center in 1973 and it was officially dedicated in 1977. It provides 17,600 square feet of classrooms, offices, exhibit space and archival storage space to preserve the heritage for 10 East Texas counties.

In addition to their special collections, including the Jean Houston Baldwin Collection of Sam Houston images which is the largest known collection of photographs and illustrations of Sam Houston, the Center also features four historic structures. These include the 1848 Gillard-Duncan House, which is one of the oldest standing homes in Southeast Texas, and the Jean & Price Daniel House patterned after the Texas Governor's Mansion. The public is invited to tour by appointment.

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