Since 1976, February has presidentially been proclaimed Black History Month in the United States, although the celebrations began long before. 

But why February? 

Celebrations began in this month that hold the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass (February 14, 1818) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809), both key individuals involved with the Emancipation of slaves during the American Civil War.  

As February comes to a close, the Border Heritage Department would like to highlight just a small fraction of that history here in El Paso. 

Extra, extra, read all about it!

Did you know that the El Paso Public Library has a resource available to library patrons to access news articles from the El Paso Times and the El Paso Herald as far back as 1881?!?!

Ever wondered what the price of eggs was in 1958? (53 cents by the way ;)

Looking for articles from when you starred on your high school football team?  

Maybe you're a student looking for more sources for that paper you're writing?

The ProQuest Historical Newspapers: El Paso Herald/El Paso Times database can be accessed at any of the El Paso Public Libraries or even from your own home with a valid library card!

To help the library staff at the many locations around town, the Border Heritage Department has begun giving hands-on training so that any of the library staff should be able to assist in using this valuable resource. 

This short instructional video will show you just how easy accessing these newspapers can be from any El Paso Public Library location.

If you have any questions, leave a comment below or email us directly at LibBorder@elpasotexas.gov

Sun Bowl History in El Paso

It's the big week for football fans everywhere! Chips will crunched, wings will be tossed, and soon the smell of barbecues will fill the air. As we prepare for the big day we thought we would highlight our own local version of the Super Bowl.....the Sun Bowl!