Welcome to the Museum of Undertold Texas History!

In 1720, Pedro Guízar, a mulatto, sculpted the Rose Window and façade of the San José Mission.

Image: LOC

There were two dozen Black newspapers and periodicals in Texas before 1900.

Image: The Free Man's Press. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 3, Ed. 1 Saturday, August 1, 1868

"I looks 'round Houston, but not long. It sho' was a dumpy little place then and I gets the stagecoach to Austin."

Mary Armstrong, on Houston
Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives
Image: LOC

"I [nursed] de sick and wounded clean through de war and seed dem dyin' on every side of me." 

Harriet Barrett, on the Civil War.
Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives
Image: Civil War, Map of New Orleans, LOC

In 1720, Pedro Guízar, a mulatto, sculpted the Rose Window and façade of the San José Mission.

Image: LOC

There were two dozen Black newspapers and periodicals in Texas before 1900.

Image: The Free Man's Press. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 3, Ed. 1 Saturday, August 1, 1868

"I looks 'round Houston, but not long. It sho' was a dumpy little place then and I gets the stagecoach to Austin."

Mary Armstrong, on Houston
Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives
Image: LOC

"I [nursed] de sick and wounded clean through de war and seed dem dyin' on every side of me." 

Harriet Barrett, born 1851 in Walker Co., on the Civil War
Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives
Image: Civil War, Map of New Orleans, LOC
THE MOUTH JOINED THE HISTORICAL COMMUNITY TO RECOGNIZE THE LEGACY OF BLACK TEXANS AND TO SHARE THEIR UNDERTOLD STORIES.

Undertold History

During the earliest eras of Texas' history, people of different ethnicities and backgrounds traveled the region. Though their stories evolved alongside those of our well-known and recounted heroes, they are not repeated as often. These persons and their experiences are among the Undertold Stories of Texas. 
WHAT IS UNDERTOLD HISTORY?
The persons, views, and events integral to a historical narrative often overlooked in the study of traditional history.

SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE UNDERTOLD

To uncover the many stories of Black Texans, MOUTH actively researches and investigates the lives of earlier African Americans.

The varied circumstances of Black life throughout our history add to the complexity of the Texan and American experience.

By discussing Texas' diverse heritage, we broaden our understanding of the countless paths our forebearers traveled throughout their lives.

CONNECTING TEXAS HISTORY

The MOUTH's stories connect traditional history with research and studies in Black history. 

 Our narratives provide a fuller and more equitable look into the lives of African Americans, leading to more engaging and representative historical views. 

The stories of historic African American Texans act as sources of wisdom, encouragement, insight, and many other ideals. Sharing their stories creates a valuable resource for all history enthusiasts.  

The MOUTH team belongs to a community of prominent organizations and leading historical researchers.