Dallas Library Holds Trove of Historical Treasures

The J. Erik Jonsson Central Library safeguards a remarkable collection of artifacts, from sports memorabilia to presidential documents.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas houses a remarkable collection of historical artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's past. The library's holdings include items ranging from Jackie Robinson's baseball glove to Abraham Lincoln's handwritten notes, as well as the original Apollo 7 command module and the gravesites of infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde.

Why it matters

The library's historical collections provide a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to connect with Dallas's rich and complex past, from its African American history to its role in space exploration and beyond. The artifacts and archives offer a deeper understanding of the city's evolution and the people who have shaped it.

The details

The library's most compelling exhibits include a display at The Bush Center featuring artifacts from sporting legends, such as Jackie Robinson's glove and bat, and Jesse Owens' Olympic gold medals. For political history buffs, the George W. Bush Presidential Center features one of only 111 remaining handwritten syllogisms by Abraham Lincoln. The Frontiers of Flight Museum showcases the original Apollo 7 command module, allowing visitors to experience the early days of space exploration. The library also preserves the gravesites of infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde, as well as the Freedman's Cemetery, one of the largest Freedman Cemeteries in the country.

  • The Jackie Robinson and Jesse Owens artifacts will be on display through February 2026.
  • The library opened in 1982.

The players

J. Erik Jonsson

A former mayor of Dallas who played a key role in securing funding for the construction of the central library building.

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th President of the United States, whose handwritten syllogism from 1854 is on display at the library, providing insight into his early arguments against slavery.

Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow

The infamous outlaws whose gravesites are located in Dallas cemeteries, with visitors often leaving tokens such as cigarettes, bullets, and flowers.

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The takeaway

The Dallas Public Library's extensive historical collections, from sports memorabilia to presidential artifacts, provide a fascinating glimpse into the city's past, offering residents and visitors a deeper understanding of the people and events that have shaped Dallas over time.