James Glassman, better known as the Houstorian, is a writer, designer, and visual artist with a particular focus on Houston history and preservation. He has a Bachelor of Arts in history from Kenyon College and a Master of Architecture from the University of Houston. Since 2006, he's been the brains and creative force behind the history advocacy group Houstorian, dedicated to telling the story of Houston. He is also the author of The Houstorian Dictionary: An Insider’s Index to Houston and The Houstorian Calendar: Today in Houston History.

Houstorian

How Streetcars and Trolley Lines Shaped Houston

From mule cars to Metro, public transit has always been a part of the city.

08/22/2025 By James Glassman

Sealed with Honor

Only Six Houstonians Have Been Featured on a US Stamp. Here’s Who Should Be Next.

From Barbara Jordan to Oveta Culp Hobby, these local legends have earned a spot in American postage history, but there are plenty more who deserve the honor.

07/25/2025 By James Glassman

Houstorian

Beyond River Oaks: How Houstonians Watched Movies Before Megaplexes

An historic movie theater can be just as much a work of art as the films shown inside, and the ones still standing are a reminder of our city’s architectural heritage.

06/27/2025 By James Glassman

Houstorian

The Spirit of the Montrose Is Alive(ish) on Lower Westheimer

A look at how the neighborhood’s vibrant artery has evolved over the decades.

05/23/2025 By James Glassman

Houstorian

Houston Astros Colors Tell the Story of the City Over the Decades

Astros critics hate to see us coming in our bright orange caps.

04/25/2025 By James Glassman

Houstorian

Our Highly Memeable Freeways Redefined Who’s a “Houstonian”

It’s true what they say: Houston is an hour from Houston.

03/28/2025 By James Glassman

Houstorian

Over 50 Years, Houstonians Have Shined on Saturday Night Live

From Patrick Swayze’s infamous Chippendales skit to President George H. W. Bush’s cameo.

02/14/2025 By James Glassman

Houstorian

A Brief History of Houston’s Attempts at Flood Control

How two catastrophic floods in 1929 and 1935 shaped the Bayou City.

01/24/2025 By James Glassman

Local Lore

Forgotten Houston Dishes

Ura gonna love Ima Hogg 'n eggs.

11/27/2024 Illustrations by James Glassman

Houstorian

The Funky Rice Village History You Didn’t Know

Houston’s shopping mecca wasn’t always home to fancy boutiques and eateries.

11/11/2024 By James Glassman

Houstorian

25 Years Ago, Minute Maid Park Was a Feat in Historic Redevelopment

The abandoned Union Station became the blueprint for the new home of the Houston Astros, revitalizing a corner of downtown.

10/10/2024 By James Glassman

Houstorian

The Tall (but True) Story of Houston’s Skyscrapers

Over more than 100 years, the city’s high-rises have reached farther and farther up to make the iconic skyline we admire today.

09/12/2024 By James Glassman

Houstorian

How to Spot the Remnants of Houston’s Rails

There’s a reason the city seal depicts a steam locomotive.

08/13/2024 By James Glassman

Houstorian

A Look at 1924, a Very Consequential Year in Houston History

Iconic landmarks were erected and Mount Rushmore–level legends were born exactly 100 years ago.

06/24/2024 By James Glassman

Houstorian

Houston’s Most Utopian Shopping Mall Is Now Its Biggest Eyesore

Westbury Square was a walkable European-style development with a quaint collection of shops. How did it fall to such disrepair?

05/10/2024 By James Glassman Photography by Shannon O'Hara

Houstorian

How Montrose Boulevard Became the Typical Houston Composite

Over a century, the tony street went from oil tycoon mansions to gas stations—and live oaks, of course.

04/05/2024 By James Glassman

Space City

Sustain Agility: the Oldest Home in River Oaks

A River Oaks redo, loyal to the original Jazz Age design right down to the sound of footsteps on gravel

07/01/2013 Photography by Paul Hester By James Glassman