Unlocking Texas History: UTA Libraries Digitizes the McKinney and Milam Family Papers

Understanding the past is essential to building a stronger future, and the latest development in UTA Libraries' Special Collections helps make that possible. The Libraries have digitized the McKinney and Milam Family papers—historical documents tied to the early pioneers of Texas history. These invaluable records are now accessible online through MavMatrix, providing a unique window into the lives of those who helped shape the state. 

Kera Newby, Director of Special Collections and Archives, emphasized the significance of these documents, which date from 1766 to 1860 and shed light on the formation of Collin County. 

"These records pertain to the founding of several cities and counties in Texas and allow us to share that history with a wider community beyond campus. Digitizing these items improves access so people can find connections to the past today," Newby said. "There are 954 individual items in this collection, all now available online and fully accessible." 

Tracy Hancock, Corresponding Secretary with the Collin County Genealogical Society, stated these digitized records would help to tell stories of these two families and their contribution to Texas history to a broader audience.   

“The Collin County Genealogical Society seeks to make as much information available to families who are seeking their ancestors who were part of this struggle (the Texas Revolution),” Hancock said. “The genealogic society appreciates UTA Libraries for digitizing these records so that they can see the role their families played, how they kept their courage during the fight for independence, where they lived, who they married, their income from agriculture, and how they worked together to build a new Republic.” 

Expanding Access Through Collaboration 

To extend accessibility even further, UTA Libraries partnered with the University of North Texas Libraries, where they plan to share digital copies of these materials on the Portal to Texas History website. This collaboration complements UNT's existing collection of McKinney and Milam Family documents and will create a more comprehensive digital archive for researchers, educators, and history enthusiasts. 

Newby stated that the Portal to Texas History website is a one-stop shop for people researching Texas history. The portal features digital copies of other photos, maps, letters, documents, books, and artifacts related to Texas history. The digital copies of the McKinney and Milam Family papers will complement these materials.  

She noted that while the digital copies will be available on MavMatrix and the portal, the original documents will remain in Special Collections at the UTA Central Library.  

Honoring a Legacy 

The dedication to preserving and sharing this history will be celebrated Saturday, April 12, during the opening ceremony of the Collin McKinney Day celebration at the Anna, Texas City Hall (120 W. Seventh Street) at 9 a.m. This event recognizes Collin McKinney's contributions and role in shaping Texas history, and the digitization project will be highlighted as part of the program. 

Newby expressed her appreciation of the work done by the Staff in Special Collections to make these family papers available to researchers and people wanting to learn a little bit more about their own history or the community where they live.  

The digitization of the McKinney and Milam Family papers is a testament to UTA Libraries' commitment to preserving history and making it accessible for future generations. 

For those eager to explore these newly digitized materials, visit MavMatrix or the Portal to Texas History website and step back to uncover the stories of Texas' pioneering families. 

(Featured image is a drawing of Thomas F. McKinney from the collection.)