Preserving El Paso’s history through archives, education, events, and community engagement.
Preserving El Paso History Since 1954

Discover the people, places, and stories that shaped El Paso.

The El Paso County Historical Society fosters research into the history of the El Paso area, acquires and shares historic materials with the public, encourages historical writing, and helps build public consciousness of the region's rich heritage.

Mission

Research, preserve, publish, and share El Paso history.

In March, 1954, at the urging of Cleofas Calleros, the Women’s Department of the Chamber of Commerce undertook the project of creating an El Paso Historical Society. Since that time we have collected items pertaining to the history of El Paso and have published a quarterly publication, “Password” with historical articles pertaining to the area.

EPCHS fulfills its mission through public programs, preservation advocacy, archival stewardship, and publications that connect the community to the region's past.

News & Announcements

Latest News

Read the latest announcements, press releases, and stories from the El Paso County Historical Society.

Hall of Honor: Celebrating Our Honorees
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Hall of Honor: Celebrating Our Honorees

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El Paso County Historical Society holiday hours, last minute gifts ideas

Looking for a last minute gift for the history lover in your life? ...

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Traces of Stardom in El Paso: Bessie Love.

Bessie Love(1898-1986)was a famous and successful actress during th...

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Thank You, El Paso, for Your Support During El Paso Giving Day 2026!

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Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Honoring El Paso's Community L...

Programs & Events

Attend programs that connect you with El Paso history

EPCHS hosts and partners on events that often center on speakers, films, exhibits, tours, and public history experiences.

Apr 30, 2026 2:00 AM

Tickets on sale for El Paso County Historical Society’s 2026 Hall of Honor, November 8, 2026 at El Paso Country Club at 5:30 P.M.

Tickets for the El Paso County Historical Society’s Hall of Honor b...

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Apr 19, 2024 5:00 PM

Local history organizations to host free events celebrating the railroad in El Paso. Here's what to know.

Union Pacific Foundation Sponsoring Railroad Exhibit at El Paso Cou...

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Oct 30, 2023 4:00 AM

Meet the El Paso County Historical Society 2022/2023 Hall of Honor inductees

Among the individuals to enter the Hall of Honor is Raymond L. Tell...

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Archives & Research

A clearer path into archives, genealogy, and member-only research

The Jane Burges-Perrenot Research Center contains an extensive Southwest archive with more than 20,000 photos, thousands of historical documents, and numerous three-dimensional items.

  • Browse archival collections and historic materials
  • Read PASSWORD journals and regional writing
  • Explore genealogy and research resources
  • Connect with member-only archive access
  • Request research help and public history support

Clippings

People, subjects, and early newspaper material tied to local history.

Historic Homes

Place-based research and preservation content connected to El Paso architecture.

Obituaries

Historical records that support family research and community memory.

PASSWORD Journal

Decades of historical writing and regional scholarship preserved through the Society.

Support EPCHS

Help preserve El Paso’s history through membership and giving

Memberships, donations, and community support help sustain archival work, public programs, the Burges House, and future preservation efforts.

Visit

Plan a Visit

EPCHS welcomes the public to the Burges House and its research resources during regular visitor hours.

Plan your visit
Burges House

Learn about the Burges House

The Society maintains its headquarters in the Burges House and continues fundraising for its care and repair.

Explore Burges House
Shop

Books, cards, and historical gifts

Featured items like Lost Restaurants of El Paso help extend the Society’s public history mission through the shop.

Visit the shop
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