Using the Archive

Guide to Using Religions Texas Digital Archive

Welcome to the Religions Texas Digital Archive, a rich resource that explores the diverse religious landscapes and cultural encounters in the state of Texas. This initiative is rooted in a commitment to capturing the lived experiences of individuals and communities, preserving oral histories, and promoting a nuanced understanding of religions in Texas. Whether you are a researcher, educator, student, or simply curious, this guide will help you make the most of our digital archive.

Navigating the Digital Archive

Our digital archive is designed to be user-friendly. Here's how to navigate it:

  • Homepage: Start by visiting the Religions Texas homepage. Here, you'll find featured content, recently added items, and links to various sections of the archive.
  • Browse Collections: Explore our diverse oral history collections, which you can access from the homepage or the menu.
  • Search: Use the search bar to find specific topics, names, or keywords within the archive. Our search function is designed to help you quickly locate relevant materials. To make the most of your search use specific keywords or phrases to narrow down results. Utilize filters to sort by date, collection, location, or generation.

Understanding the Approach

As you delve into the archive, keep in mind our commitment to the 'lived religions' approach and oral history principles:

  • Recognize that narrators speak from their own perspectives and contexts.
  • Consider the broader historical and social context when interpreting oral histories.
  • Understand that religious identities are just one aspect of an individual's story and they intersect with other social identities.

Citing Sources

When referencing materials from the Religions Texas Digital Archive in your work, please follow proper citation guidelines. Each item in the archive includes citation information to assist you in crediting the source correctly.

Contact and Support

If you have questions, feedback, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We are here to help you make the most of this valuable resource.