Jackson demonstrated how to access the historic Harris County naturalization records from the District Clerk’s web site at www.hcdistrictclerk.com for history buffs and researchers at the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, a branch of Houston Public Library located at 5300 Caroline, Houston, Texas 77004.
“Shortly after taking office in November 2008, I noticed that we have naturalization records that date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries,” Jackson said. “One of my first initiatives was to make these records available online.”
To search the records, visit the District Clerk’s web site and click on Historical Documents, then enter a last name or country of origin at a special web link set up by Jackson. The historical documents available online range from 1837 to 1913 and contain naturalization records of citizens from more than 30 different countries.
Throughout the month of November, Clayton Library is hosting a display from the District Clerk’s Office that contains information about the historic naturalization documents.
“We are very pleased to have the District Clerk’s naturalization display at the Clayton Library,” said Susan Kaufman, Manager of Clayton Library. “Naturalization records are the link to the ‘homeland’ and one of the most sought after documents in family history research. Documents such as these can offer a piece of information that can open up a whole new avenue for research.
“Both the Clayton Library and Houston Public Library are very proud to offer information via the District Clerk’s display. We are also pleased through the partnership between the District Clerk’s Office and the Library during Citizenship Week to offer the community Mr. Jackson’s presentation on Harris County naturalization records.”
In-person examination of the records is available at the Historic Document Room in Room 200 of the Harris County Civil Courthouse at 201 Caroline, Houston, Texas 77002. The room is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
