The Ransom Center officially began operations in 1957, based on a speech given by Harry Hunntt Ransom where in he outlined the idea of the museum.

"I propose that there be established somewhere in Texas?let's say in the capital city?a center of cultural compass, a research center to be the Biblioth?que Nationale of the only state that started out as an independent nation."

Since that time the museum has met many milestones, notably reaching a million books in 1952, and it's second million in 1968.

The center continues to add new attractions, most recently acquiring "Becoming Tennessee Williams" for it's 100 anniversary.