Listen Closely

What Sounds Define Such an Eclectic City as Houston?

From zydeco to metal to chopped and screwed, the city’s sound is as sprawling and unexpected as the city itself.

04/18/2025 By Chris Becker

Ever Wonder Why…

Why Do Texans Love H-E-B Like No Other?

Not all grocery stores are built equally...and no store does more.

04/16/2025 By Uvie Bikomo

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

The Classics

How Yale Street Grill Has Thrived by Staying Exactly the Same

The restaurant might now be known for its delicious burgers and breakfast plates, but when it opened in 1923, it was known as Yale Street Pharmacy.

03/18/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

The Classics

Inside the Century-Long History of Christie’s Seafood & Steaks

This restaurant with over 100 years of business in Houston and Galveston prompted its successor’s family to undergo a name change.

02/21/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

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

Ever Wonder Why…

Why Is No Houston Building Taller than 75 Stories?

The story behind the JPMorgan Chase Tower’s brush with the FAA.

02/12/2025 By Uvie Bikomo

Bayougraphy

Legendary Swimmer Johnnie Means Is an Athletics and Civil Rights Hero

He desegregated competitive swimming three years before the Civil Rights Act and coached Houstonians through athletics and life for over 60 years.

12/09/2024 By Meredith Nudo

Ever Wonder Why…

What’s the Deal with Houston’s Blue Tile Street Signs, Anyway?

The iconic tiles had to come from somewhere. We asked Preservation Houston to tell us a little bit about how the legend was born.

12/02/2024 By Meredith Nudo

The Must List

Heritage Society’s New Exhibit Centers Karankawa History and Culture

Karankawa: An Enduring Culture of Texas educates visitors on Houston’s original inhabitants and addresses concerns regarding artifact ownership in the museum industry.

11/26/2024 By Meredith Nudo

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

The Classics

A Deep Dive Into the History of West Alabama Ice House

First opened as a literal icehouse in 1928, this Montrose icon is still a gathering place for Houstonians to enjoy an ice-cold beer.

10/30/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Ahoy

Everything We Learned on the Free Ship Channel Boat Tour

The 66-year-old Sam Houston Boat Tour takes visitors through the first seven miles of the Port of Houston, dredging up educational treasures along the way.

10/18/2024 By Meredith Nudo

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

Holy Spotlight

Inside the Miraculous Growth of Sri Meenakshi Temple

A home for local worshippers, the Hindu temple in Pearland has expanded into a 35-acre complex with prayer spaces, a vegetarian restaurant, and more.

09/25/2024 By Uvie Bikomo

Guardians of History

Meet the Houstonians Preserving the Past to Serve the Future

Multiple local groups are protecting historic landmarks despite the city’s penchant to tear down the old and build the new.

08/26/2024 By Uvie Bikomo

Ever Wonder Why…

Where Did Houston’s Sports Teams Get Their Names?

It might not surprise you to find out that energy is a big theme.

08/14/2024 By Uvie Bikomo

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

Ever Wonder Why…

How Did ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown’ Become a Thing?

For more than 20 years, the safety warning has educated many about the dangers of driving through floodwaters.

07/01/2024 By Uvie Bikomo

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