A Vision for the 21st Century: Gateway to Where History Happened

The Daughters of The Republic of Texas History Complex Republic of Texas History Complex A Vision for the 21st Century Nancy M. Shurtleff Chair Cynthia L.Anderson John Ellen Becker Betty S. Bird Patricia E. Horridge Gayla H. Lawson Republic of Texas History Complex

A Vision for the 21st Century

Seeks to:

 Provide the highest quality experiences for children and visitors of all ages seeking to learn about the fascinating . Republic of Texas History Complex

A Vision for the 21st Century

Will help us:

 Provide more meeting spaces for educational conferences, nonprofit gatherings, social events and other public service activities. Republic of Texas History Complex

A Vision for the 21st Century

 Consolidate museum operations at one location for more efficient DRT business operations.

 Relocate to a beloved Austin historic site for a more rewarding visitor experience.

 Enhance income opportunities that will help expand the educational activities of the DRT for the benefit of future generations. Republic of Texas History Complex

A Vision for the 21st Century

 One of the treasures of the DRT is the Republic of Texas Museum.

 Founded in 1903, it was once housed at the State Capitol. In 1916 it was moved to the Old Land Office. In the early 1990s, it was transferred to its current location. Republic of Texas History Complex A Vision for the 21st Century

 The Republic of Texas Museum is an invaluable tool for teaching young people and visitors of all ages about the unique history of the Republic of Texas.

 The Museum deserves a more appropriate historical setting and improved access to better fulfill the mission of the DRT. Republic of Texas History Complex

A Vision for the 21st Century

 Provide a state-of-the-art research facility for those seeking information about the history of Texas, and that of their own families. Republic of Texas History Complex

A Vision for the 21st Century

 Increase DRT’s role in the economic development of Austin.  Enhanced programming will attract greater numbers of visitors. Republic of Texas History Complex

A Vision for the 21st Century Republic of Texas History Complex

A Vision for the 21st Century Republic of Texas History Complex

A Vision for the 21st Century Republic of Texas History Complex

A Vision for the 21st Century

 The Vision is the roadmap to achieving our goals, composed after many months of research.

 The Vision guides our work in Austin over the next five years.

 The plan will be reviewed and fine-tuned annually to ensure its timeliness. The Daughters of The Republic of Texas

 Organized in 1891, chartered in 1895.  One of the oldest patriotic women’s associations in Texas and the nation.  7,000 members, 106 chapters, governed by a Board of Management. The Daughters of The Republic of Texas DRT Mission

 Perpetuate the memory and spirit of those who achieved and maintained the independence of Texas.

 Provide educational programs of the highest caliber in coordination with area school districts and the Texas Education Agency, as well as programs for the public. DRT Mission  Encourage research into early Texas records, preserve historic documents, and encourage the publication of historic records.

 Secure and memorialize historic sites. DRT’s mission guides A Vision for the 21st Century The Daughters of The Republic of Texas

What We Do …

 Maintain the DRT headquarters office and Republic of Texas Museum in Austin.

 Maintain the Cradle, site of the DRT’s founding in Galveston, and other historic properties overseen by chapters.

 Maintain and oversee the Alamo and DRT Library in .

 Maintain the historic French Legation Museum in Austin (since 1949). Republic of Texas History Complex Our Challenge

 DRT headquarters (510 E. Anderson Lane, North Austin), is found under an unattractive overpass at the juncture of Interstate Highway 35 and U.S. Highway 183.

 The building was not designed as a museum and is hard for visitors and school buses to find. Parking is inadequate.

 We must relocate to a more appropriate, accessible, historic setting. Republic of Texas History Complex

Republic of Texas History Center

 Viewing Theatre for educational film and video presentations  Republic of Texas Museum (relocated)  Texas Family Research Center  Meeting and Conference Accommodations  Gift Shop (relocated)  DRT Business Office (relocated)  Additional Parking Republic of Texas History Complex

French Legation Museum and Grounds

 French Legation Museum  Children’s Interactive Museum  DRT Gift Shop to Merge with French Legation Gift Shop Republic of Texas History Complex

New Facility

 Design respects the historic nature of the East Austin neighborhood.  Three floors, including16,000 square feet.  Adjacent to the French Legation - 810 ½ San Marcos Street.  Rendering by Tom Hatch, Hatch + Ulland Owen Architects, Austin. Republic of Texas History Complex

A Vision for the 21st Century Budget

$9.5 million ~ $8.5 million remains to be secured ~

Phase I Media campaign $ 100,000 Phase II Republic of Texas History Center (includes property acquisition, architectural fees, construction, furnishings) $7,400,000 Phase III Property acquisition (“buffer tract”) $1,000,000 Phase IV Preservation and Education Endowment $1,000,000 Phase V Secure French Legation property from State of Texas $ Donation A Vision for the 21st Century

 Fundraising time-line: 5 years

 All donors of $10,000 and larger to be permanently recognized in the new Center.

 Individual recognition opportunities are being developed for contributors of $15,000 and larger. Republic of Texas History Complex

Thank you! Republic of Texas History Complex

For More Information

Nancy M. Shurtleff Chair, Vision Team The Daughters of The Republic of Texas 510 E. Anderson Lane Austin, Texas 78752 512-339-1997 Republic of Texas History Complex Production Credits We are grateful for the use of photographs provided by: Alliance Francaise d’Austin John Ellen Becker The Daughters of The Republic of Texas DeGolyer Library, SMU Microsoft Office Gayla Lawson Family of Campbell Longley Paul Ridenour SXSW Trip Advisor Martha Anne Turner, Clara Driscoll : An American Tradition (Austin: Madrona Press, 1979) ~ PowerPoint by Carolyn M. Appleton, CFRE A Vision for the 21st Century

The Daughters of The Republic of Texas

February, 2010