DENTON (UNT), Texas — The Special Collections department within the University of North Texas Libraries will acquire the congressional archive of former congressman Dr. Michael Burgess (’72, M.S. ’76).

Burgess, a UNT alumnus who represented the 26^th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, retired on Jan. 3, 2025, after serving the district since 2003. His congressional archive will be housed in UNT Special Collections for use by researchers and constituents.

A congressional archive is a collection of documents, records and other items acquired by a representative over the course of their career. Items acquired by members of the House and Senate are considered personal property, but are commonly donated upon the representative’s retirement to institutions for preservation.

“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 that ultimately became law and prioritizes the needs of everyday Americans. I am grateful that I can share these unique experiences with my constituents along with the faculty and students at the UNT, who will be displaying copies of these archives from my time in Washington, D.C.,” Burgess said.

Preserved congressional archives — which often include publicity materials, speeches, official correspondence and legislative files — are typically made available to the public for research and educational purposes. Burgess’s archive will also include photographs and recordings from public appearances and town hall meetings.

“When reading these archives, students will be able to get a first-hand look into the impact their voice has on their country and communities at home. Even the smallest ideas can grow to immensely change the lives of Americans. I have spent my time in office fighting for my constituents and have my fair share of stories to tell. This archive is part of those stories and is a portal for my constituents to have a first-hand look at the history that has been made,” Burgess said.

Special Collections anticipates the Burgess archive, which is already partially digitized, will take a few years to prepare for public use. Once finished, the archive will be accessible through the Portal to Texas History.

While the collected items are of educational value to the general public, head of Special Collections Morgan Gieringer said the archive will also provide a unique, in-depth research opportunity for political scientists and historians.

“As a retiring member of Congress, Dr. Burgess has taken an important step to ensure that the records of his congressional service will be preserved and made accessible to the public. UNT Libraries’ mission is to collect and make information available to our students and faculty, and the Burgess Archive will expand research opportunities in history, political science and related disciplines. 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 said.