The Special Collections department at the University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries in Denton will be acquiring the congressional archive of former Congressman Dr. Michael Burgess. Burgess, who has a longstanding connection to UNT as an alumnus, represented Texas’s 26th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2003 until his retirement on January 3, 2025.
The acquisition of Dr. Burgess’s congressional archive marks a significant addition to UNT’s Special Collections, where the documents will be accessible for the benefit of researchers, students, and constituents. The archives will include various materials such as publicity materials, speeches, official correspondence, legislative files, photographs, and recordings from public engagements. These materials will offer insights into Dr. Burgess’s work and experiences during his more than two decades in Congress.
Dr. Burgess expressed his enthusiasm about the donation, highlighting the value these archives hold for education and research. He noted, “It has been the honor of my lifetime to represent the 26th District of Texas for the past 22 years. During my time in Congress, I have been privileged to meet with dignitaries from across the world while simultaneously working on impactful legislation.”
Morgan Gieringer, head of Special Collections, emphasized that the archives would provide not only educational materials but also in-depth research opportunities for political scientists and historians. “Our hope is that the Burgess Archive will be an informative resource on legislative issues important to North Texas, as well as offer the public a closer look at how a congressional office operates,” Gieringer stated.
While the archive is already partially digitized, it is expected to be several years before the entire collection is ready for public access. Once fully prepared, these historical materials will be available through the Portal to Texas History, ensuring broad accessibility.
This effort underscores UNT Libraries’ commitment to preserving important historical documents and providing valuable resources for educational advancement, thus enhancing the university’s role as a key repository of regional legislative history.