The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) is pleased to welcome new board member Felicia J. Williamson. Williamson, who will join THRAB on February 1, 2023, has served as the Director of Library & Archives at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum since 2015, working to expand, strengthen and increase access to the Museum’s important collection of rare books, artifacts and oral history testimonies. In addition, she has received a grant from the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission to catalog oral history testimonies, as well as a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to catalog and make available artifact collections.
Williamson graduated with a BA in History, German and European Studies and a minor in Religious Studies from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She received a master’s degree in Library and Information Science with a focus in archives from Louisiana State University (LSU). A Certified Archivist, Williamson is a former member of the Executive Board for the Society of Southwest Archivists (SSA) and a member of the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). As the Head of Sam Houston State University’s Special Collections (2011-2015), Williamson instituted a program of instruction and outreach awarded the Texas Library Association’s (TLA) “Upstart Innovative Programming Award” for efforts to increase access to archival collections.
The Director of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Gloria Meraz, appointed Williamson for a three-year term expiring February 1, 2026.
THRAB works to promote awareness of historically significant records through education and training, supports public access to records, serves as a catalyst for improving storage conditions and supports the preservation efforts of institutions statewide. The board receives funding from and reviews grant requests submitted to the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board was established in 1976. Board members, appointed in accordance with federal and state requirements, have experience or interest in the collection, management, administration and accessibility of historical records. They are dedicated to the preservation and use of Texas’ documentary heritage. The State Archivist serves as coordinator for the Board, and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides staff support.