A Houston landmark is facing demolition, and the clock is ticking. The Garden Oaks Theater, a 1947 neighborhood cinema with original mid-century design, could be gone within weeks. Local nonprofit ArtHouse Houston is stepping in with a plan to save the building and transform it into a Cultural Arts & Film Center for the community. In this segment, co-founder Maureen McNamara and filmmaker Rachael Acosta share the urgent effort to preserve this historic space and how Houston residents can help.

And as Texas celebrates 190 years of independence, we're getting a look at some of the artifacts that connect us directly to the fight for freedom. They've been carefully preserved for generations and now finally on display at the Bryan Museum in Galveston for a limited time.

A historic hospital in Houston’s Third Ward is getting new life nearly 100 years after it first opened during segregation.

It's a new book by former KPRC-TV reporter ReShonda Tate. She wrote the story behind the marriage of pianist and child prodigy Hazel Scott and politician Adam Clayton Powell Jr. It was a relationship shaped culture, politics, and civil rights. ReShonda joins Houston Life's Derrick Shore and Tessa Barrera to unpack why this love story was as influential as it was complicated.

If you think you know the Alamo… buckle up. Because what’s happening in San Antonio right now is nothing short of extraordinary. Houston Life’s Melanie Camp hit the road for a classic Texas day trip — music up, Buc-ee’s pitstop included — and rolled into downtown San Antonio to see what a $550 million investment is going to look like when it’s poured directly into one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

Cocktail historian Elizabeth Pearce is back in Studio B to share the fascinating stories behind some of the world’s most iconic drinks, including the Sazerac, Negroni, and Vieux Carré. Known for blending history with hospitality, Elizabeth brings these cocktails to life by connecting them to the people, places, and events that inspired their creation. Plus, we got plenty of fun facts you’ll want to share at your next happy hour.

The deadliest natural disaster in the history of the United States happened at the turn of the 20th century in Galveston.

A lawn crew uncovered an old World War I-era artillery shell while working at Houston’s Memorial Park on Tuesday. Houston police safely detonated the shell later that day.

For decades, Camp Mystic has been a destination where Texan girls learn skills beyond the usual camp itinerary. Sure, fishing and crafts are common activities for Mystic campers, but the true magic of Camp Mystic comes from the character lessons that the camp instills.

Commemorate 160 years of Juneteenth by exploring historic towns and celebrating community gatherings from Houston to Galveston.

One of the most common questions our Chief Meteorologist gets when visiting schools is: “How do hurricanes get their names?” Take a deep dive into the nomenclature history and discover if we could get our first named storm in two weeks.

Milby High School's Centennial Anniversary Celebration on March 27-28, 2026! Whether you’re a proud alum or a community supporter, this is your chance to join the fun, share some laughs, and reconnect with old friends.

A bell cistern was uncovered during renovations in Freedmen’s Town, adding to its rich history.

A bell cistern was uncovered during renovations in Freedmen’s Town, adding to its rich history.

Join us as we tour the iconic Brick Street, a historic path just two blocks from the African American History Research Center. This classic red brick road symbolizes the struggles and sacrifices of Freedmen’s Town ancestors, embodying their enduring spirit.

Explore the oldest building in Freedmen’s Town, home of Elder Yates and young Rutherford Yates. In 1922, he and his brother Paul launched Houston’s first Black-owned printing press, giving voice to the community.

Explore the J. Vance Lewis house, built in 1907 for pioneering lawyer Joseph Vance Lewis and his wife, Pauline. Known for his vibrant personality, Lewis played a significant role in Freedmen’s Town. Designated a City of Houston Protected Landmark in 2007, this historic site invites you to discover its intriguing history.

Discover the Gregory School in Freedmen’s Town, a historic site and first African-American public school. Open for free visits, it offers lessons and stories year-round.

Explore Marty Bennett’s artwork in Freedman’s Town, showcasing the creations of NFL Super Bowl winner Martellus (Marty) Bennett. Join a special tour that celebrates cherished childhood memories in the childhood home of Mayor Sharonda Johnson. Immerse yourself in nostalgia as you admire the original wood and vibrant art.

Explore Bennett Road in Freedman’s Town, featuring the works of Michael Bennett, NFL Super Bowl winner from Houston and Creative Director of Studio Kër. Join Mayor Sharonda Johnson for a special tour celebrating themes of identity and community. Don’t miss this unique experience!

This article invites you to explore Freedmen’s Town in Houston through a virtual adventure. It highlights the area’s rich history and hidden gems, making it easy for anyone to learn about its cultural significance. Join the journey and discover what makes Freedmen’s Town special!

Welcome to the Freedman’s Town Visitor Center! Since May 2024, it’s been the hub of events and activities. Click the video to explore, and check the map for your next adventure!

Houston is home to a large population of Palestinian refugees, but many may not understand the gravity of an exodus, For historians, this story sounds familiar, and a reality many should be concerned about.

If you grew up in a Black household, then you may be familiar with the following recommended movies and TV shows. But if not, grab a snack and relax for a weekend this February by enjoying some classic Black films or TV shows that have become a household name.

In a candid conversation with Houston Life’s Melanie Camp at the Fondé Recreation Center, Sweet Lou Dunbar, a retired Harlem Globetrotter and current coach, reflected on his nearly five-decade journey with the iconic basketball team. Dunbar shared his experiences and insights into the Harlem Globetrotters' rich history and cultural impact.

We dug through our archives looking for any other events such as this in the stations history.

After a student was killed by a train while walking to school, nearby residents admitted knowing the railroad track's dangers, but a University of Houston historian argues the problems have been around longer than we might have thought.

The Houston Astros’ home will get a new name on Jan. 1, becoming Daikin Park under an agreement through the 2039 season.

The Houston Astros’ home will get a new name on Jan. 1, becoming Daikin Park under an agreement through the 2039 season.

Ban Tien has been appointed as the first Asian American Police Chief of the METRO Police Department in Harris County, marking a significant milestone for the organization.

The Astrodome Conservancy revealed plans to bring the historic landmark back to life with revenue-generated structures: a space for tenants, offices, and hotels. It also included an arena, event, and entertainment venue space along with an area for food and beverages.

Assistant Chief Marion Spann has made history as Fire Marshal, making her the first Black woman to have such a critical position. But this isn’t her first time making breaking barriers.

The historic theater's revival and restoration showed it wouldn't suffer the same fate as many iconic buildings; but instead, get rebooted (pun intended) into a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience for even new residents to make memories.

It's been 23 years since the tragic day when on September 11, 2001. A remembrance event will be held at the University of Houston on Wednesday at 9 a.m. on the South Lawn of the Student Center, where there’s a steel beam from the Twin Towers.

Labor Day weekend is just around the corner and Galveston is gearing up for their big, weekend long celebration!

41 years ago today, Hurricane Alicia made landfall near Galveston as a powerful category 3 storm.

Many of the homes in Houston’s Freedmen’s Town have stood since the 1920s, embodying the ingenuity and strength of their builders.

Join the Houston Life team in exploring Houston’s connection to Juneteenth with a trip to The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park in Downtown Houston.

Nearly 160,000 soldiers, 11,000 aircraft, 7,000 ships and other vehicles participated in what still is the largest seaborne invasion ever.

Wednesday marks 23 years since the formation of Tropical Storm Allison, a storm which would go on to heavily impact the Houston area.

Check out the rich history and ongoing struggles of Acres Homes, a historic African American community in Houston. From its early days as a rare opportunity for African American families to own substantial acreage to its current challenges of inequality and limited city services, Acres Homes has a story that deserves to be heard. #AcresHomes #HoustonCommunity #EqualityMatters

Step into a moment locked in Houston history at the DeLUXE Theater

The neighborhood was carved out specifically for the African American community, according to a City of Houston “Super Neighborhood” report. The idea of so-called “restricted communities” was born out of racism and segregation.

Celebrating women during Women's History Month.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Discover the inspiring journey of freed slaves and how faith propelled their emancipation From the Chains to the Church.

This Black History Month, the Houston Heritage Society is inviting the community to join their tour where you can learn about past leaders who helped shape Houston.

When he arrived in Houston, roughly 75,000 people lined the streets to see his motorcade ride from the airport to the Rice Hotel.

Just in time for Halloween, we’re going inside the museum which has the largest display of funeral service memorabilia in the country.

For three months, Holocaust Museum Houston is taking visitors back in time to an exhibit with ties to the city.

Experience all Louisiana has to offer when Derrick and Houston Life crew head east to Lafayette

Here are the 10 biggest by the number of striking workers, according to Statista.

Houston’s firsts, from the momentous to the mundane and everything in between

The speech was a part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, an event organized to advocate civil and economic rights for African-Americans.

San Antonio isn’t just a fun road trip from Houston, it is a great place for a family getaway.

The Texas Archive of the Moving Image is calling for donations of video decks and other equipment in the organization’s undertaking of preserving Texas’ digital history, which includes thousands of archived KPRC 2 tapes.

The play debuts at The Ensemble Theatre as a Rolling Roll Premier

NASA has chosen four people for their Mars analog simulation mission in Houston.

Tuesday marks the anniversary of a significant discovery made in an ocean: Sept. 1 is the 35th anniversary of the remains of the Titanic being discovered in the Atlantic, an occasion that brought headlines around the world in 1985.

Juneteenth has been observed in Texas for 158 years, but its roots are just as deep in a small village in Mexico

On Sunday, hundreds of people headed out to Discovery Green to celebrate Juneteenth.

KPRC 2′s own meteorologist Frank Billingsley got a personal look inside an area iconic landmark this month.

What do you think of when you hear the words “Kentucky Derby?”

Has it really been about 100 years since arguably America’s first true sports icon was in his heyday?

Each year on April 15 marks another Titanic Remembrance Day, a time to reflect on the lives lost when the famed ship sank into the North Atlantic’s icy waters back in 1912.

Sports are so powerful -- they transcend just the court, the mat or the field: They have the power to change lives.

With the first weekend of the Winter Olympics coinciding with the first weekend of Black History Month, it’s a good time to look back at how both Olympic and Black history was made 20 years ago this month at the Winter Games.

Whether you feel like you have a strong understanding of black history, or you're working to learn more, we've assembled 10 facts, or anecdotes, from history.com, to help you grow your knowledge base.

It all started with one week in 1926, when one organization chose the second week of February to promote the achievements by Black Americans and other people of African descent.

National Michigan Day is Jan. 18.

Kwanzaa is an annual holiday that affirms African family, tradition, and social values. The holiday is celebrated primarily in the United States from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.

Thursday marks the anniversary of one of the most significant days in U.S. and world history, a day that still lives in infamy, 82 years later.

You're not going to believe how much glitter is on each of those huge big red bows!

Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to learn more: For some, more about your own heritage, or for others, perhaps another culture.

The car made famous by the movie ‘Back to the Future’ is headed to the future with its first new model in 40 years. That is right, a new DeLorean has been announced and in anticipation of its arrival, Houston Life headed to Classic DeLorean in Humble to take a look at a bit of the company’s history.

Sometimes, the building outlives the business. Though these notable Houston structures were renovated and repurposed, longtime Houstonians remember what they were in their heyday.

Historian Sam Collins shares the history of Juneteenth and the journey to freedom in Galveston with Courtney and Derrick

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, symbolizes the end of slavery in America.

General Order Number 3 was issued by Union General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, two years after the original issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

It was a historic night Tuesday at Minute Maid Park, as Astros manager Dusty Baker became the 12th ever to win 2,000 games as a Major League Baseball manager.

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker is on the cusp of hitting 2,000 career wins as a Major League Baseball manager, and it's truly a historic accomplishment.

Certain homes in Galveston are known for their long history, and Tom Schwenk Galveston Real Estate and the Galveston Historical Foundation want to showcase them for a few weekends in May.

Shining a spotlight on Houston's Vietnam War Memorial and the late artist and veteran Thong Pham.

March marks Women’s History Month, and the world has spent the past few weeks highlighting and remembering some of the most famous achievements by women throughout the course of history.

In the wake of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement announcement in January, President Joe Biden has nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to be his replacement.

St. Patrick’s Day is here! How much do you know about the holiday, beyond the green beer? Do you know anything about St. Patrick himself, or why we celebrate?

Tuesday marks the start of Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate and celebrate the vital role of women in American history.

Michael Rosato knew he had an incredibly important assignment on his hands when he was commissioned to paint a Harriet Tubman mural in Cambridge, Maryland.

In 1994, Judge Vanessa Gilmore made history as the youngest person serving on the federal branch. Now, Gilmore is hanging up her robe and preparing for a new life outside of the courthouse.

On Jan. 10, 1901, what began as a discovery of oil at Spindletop Hill, a salt dome formation south of Beaumont, would soon transform Texas into a major petroleum producer and industrial power.

Here’s a look at some of the key Houston historical anniversaries coming up during this particular calendar year.

Each year, our nation commemorates Veterans Day on Nov. 11, to pay tribute to all American veterans -- living or dead -- but especially to those who served our country honorably during war or peacetime.

They say the more spirits you drink, the more spirits you see, and you’ll definitely want some liquid courage to brave this historic haunt in the heart of Houston. Located near the corner of Preston and Main St., Dean’s Downtown boasts a rich history dating back more than 120 years. Today, the former department store turned bar is still a hot spot for activity, and we don’t just mean for happy hour. Katie Harrison, Operations Manager of Nightly Spirits, shared her expertise on the historic building.

September 11, 2001, was a tragic day etched in history. Twenty years later in a classroom at Beck Junior High School in Katy, many of Ms. Madison Hughes ESL students are hearing about 9/11 for the first time.

Battleship Texas, a beloved Lone Star State landmark, will once again welcome visitors aboard -- well, temporarily at least.

48 years ago, Dean Corll, one of the country’s most prolific serial killers, was shot dead at his home in Pasadena, Texas. Texas EquuSearch announced Sunday it will soon begin searching for the remains of any additional victims.

When we think of castles, we often think of kings and queens, or maybe even some fairytale Disney movie -- but always some extravagant place, and certainly not one in which we’d be able to stay -- until now.

The gift of storytelling is an art form that has the ability to entertain, educate and even heal. Naomi Mitchell Carrier has been using her talents to teach a generation through powerful performances. From writing and composing the renowned historical musical “I Am Annie Mae” to founding the Texas Center for African American Living History (TCAALH), Carrier is helping to lead the charge to preserve Texas’ Black history and has no plans of slowing down.