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A Vision for the 21 Century: Gateway to Where Texas History Happened
The Daughters of The Republic of Texas
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Republic of Texas History Complex Case for Support
The Daughters of The Republic of Texas 510 E. Anderson Lane Austin, Texas 78752 www.drt-inc.org 512-339-1997
March, 2010
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Table of Contents A Vision for the 21st Century (overview)
Page 4
History of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas
Page 5
Mission
Page 5
Management of Historic Sites
Page 6
Educational Programming
Page 6
Future Plans: Republic of Texas History Complex
Page 8
Time Line and Campaign Budget
Page 10
Plans to Sustain the Republic of Texas History Complex
Page 11
How to Make a Donation and Recognition Opportunities
Page 12
Project Evaluation and Fiscal Management
Page 13
DRT Board of Management
Page 15
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A Vision for the 21st Century A Vision for the 21st Century is a roadmap to achieving exciting new goals. The plan will enable The Daughters of The Republic of Texas to create the Republic of Texas History Complex, and: Consolidate the association’s business operations - and the Republic of Texas Museum - into one central location in a more appropriate, historic setting in downtown Austin; Provide more extensive and higher quality experiences for children and visitors of all ages seeking to learn about the fascinating history of Texas; Provide more space for educational conferences, nonprofit gatherings, social events and other public service activities; Enhance income opportunities so that we may expand our future educational offerings, for the benefit of future generations; Provide a more modern, state-of-the-art research facility for those seeking information about the history of Texas and that of their own families; and Increase our role in the economic development of Austin and Central Texas by attracting greater numbers of visitors to the new Republic of Texas History Complex throughout the year. A Vision for the 21st Century will guide our work for the next five years. It will be reviewed and finetuned annually to ensure its timeliness. A Vision for the 21st Century has a fundraising goal of $9,500,000. Of this amount, $1,000,000 will be provided by the eventual sale of our North Austin building, and charitable donations already committed. This leaves $8,500,000 remaining to secure. A Vision for the 21st Century was created by the following members of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas, working from the headquarters office in Austin:
Nancy M. Shurtleff Chair
Cynthia L. Anderson - John Ellen Becker - Betty S. Bird Patricia E. Horridge - Gayla H. Lawson Vision Team 4
History of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas The Daughters of The Republic of Texas was established during the summer of 1891. In her father’s law library in Galveston, Texas now known as the “Cradle,” Miss Betty Ballinger and her cousin, Miss Hally Bryan conceived the idea of perpetuating forever the memory of Texas pioneer families and soldiers of the Republic of Texas by forming an association of their descendants. The two cousins traveled to Houston where they shared their idea with fourteen other ladies, at the home of Mrs. Andrew Briscoe, on November 6, 1891. At that meeting, they formed the organization we know today as The Daughters of The Republic of Texas. The organization’s charter was filed with the Department of State on March 9, 1895. The Daughters of The Republic of Texas today has 7,000 members and 106 chapters, divided into ten districts. Each chapter is a part of the larger organization and must operate within the framework of bylaws established by the nonprofit organization. Members are direct lineal descendants of a man or woman, who rendered loyal service for Texas prior to February 19, 1846. A convention is convened annually where all members are welcome, and business is conducted. The date of each convention is chosen based upon the historic date of May 14, 1836, when Interim President David C. Burnet and Santa Anna signed the Treaties of Velasco following the defeat of the Mexican forces at San Jacinto. Since 1936, the tradition of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas is to select a convention date as close as possible to Velasco Honor Day.
Mission The mission of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas is to: Perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved and maintained the independence of Texas; Encourage historical research into the earliest records of Texas, especially those relating to the Revolution of 1835 and the events that followed; to foster the preservation of documents and relics; to encourage the publication of records of individual service of the soldiers and patriots of the Republic and other source materials regarding the history of Texas; and Promote the celebration of Texas Honor Days, and to secure and memorialize all historic spots by erecting markers thereon, and to cherish and preserve the unity of Texas as achieved and established by the fathers and mothers of the Texas Revolution. 5
Management of Historic Sites The Daughters of The Republic of Texas, as an organization and as individuals, are committed to the preservation of our Texas heritage. Since its inception, The Daughters has included the care and keeping of historical properties among its most important work. These sites include: Republic of Texas Museum, Austin. This more modern facility houses the Republic of Texas Museum, and the business headquarters of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas. Located in north Austin, this building will ultimately be sold, and we will move the museum and DRT business operations to the historic French Legation site in downtown Austin, as part of the Republic of Texas History Complex Campaign discussed in this grant proposal. The Alamo, San Antonio, constructed in 1724. The site also includes the Long Barrack Museum, Alamo Gift Ship, and the DRT Library; French Legation, Austin, constructed 1840-1841 as the residence for the Charge d’Affaires representing the Government of France in the Republic of Texas. It is the oldest homestead still standing in Austin; Gaines-Oliphint Log House, near Hemphill and Milam, constructed ca. 1818. The house is the oldest pre-Republic, Anglo-American structure remaining in Texas and was built by James D. Taylor Gaines; Pioneer Memorial Log Cabin, Houston, constructed in 1936 as a home for the San Jacinto Chapter, and as a place for hospitality for visitors attending the Texas Centennial in Houston; J. B. Wells House, Gonzales, built in 1885 as the residence of J. B. Wells.
Educational Programming In Austin, The Daughters of The Republic of Texas provide educational tours of the Republic of Texas Museum (created in 1894), and the French Legation Museum (oldest wooden structure in Austin), for elementary, secondary and college students studying Texas history. The museums include displays and artifacts illustrating the Texas War of Independence, the establishment of the government of the Republic of Texas in Austin, and the early life of Texas. The collections of the Republic of Texas Museum contain documents, artifacts, dioramas, statues and early Texas relics, as well as DRT association memorabilia 6
dating back more than 100 years. The collections of the French Legation Museum include items dating from the 1840s through the Robertson family era in the 1940s. Educational courses designed for 4th and 7th grade students during the regular school year are closely coordinated with area school districts. As part of the Social Studies program, Texas’ early statehood era is discussed and the information provided complies with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. Texas history teachers for these two grade levels are able to satisfy their professional requirements by attending Texas history seminars at the museums. A variety of written materials are also available to teachers and the general public as well, both onsite and online: 1) on the Republic of Texas Museum website, http://www.drtinc.org, click on ”Education,” “Links” and “Ancestors” for historical information; 2) on the French Legation Museum website, http://frenchlegationmuseum.org/education.htm, click on “Education” for lesson plans and other helpful materials for teachers and school children of all ages (grades 1 through 8). The Daughters of The Republic of Texas also host a 5-day summer camp in July in Austin. During the camp basic art media concepts are introduced, including watercolor and colored markers. The summer camp is a natural tie-in to the Republic of Texas Museum’s annual History Poster Contest. The annual History Poster Contest helps teach Texas history through an enjoyable creative activity that documents through art Texas historic sites, events, activities and individuals during the days prior to 1850. The Museum encourages research that reveals the diverse culture and heritage of Texans who lived in the state during the days of the Republic of Texas and their contributions to the founding of Texas. The DRT has divided Texas into 10 Districts; monetary gifts are awarded to the outstanding art work in each District annually. There are four divisions of the History Poster Contest: 1) one division for youth in kindergarten through 5th grade; 2) middle school grade levels 6 through 8; 3) “PowerPoint” computer art focused on middle and high school students, grades 6 through12; and 4) Senior Citizen original artwork, a new category launched in 2009. One of the most popular educational tools developed by The Daughters of The Republic of Texas is the Traveling Trunk. Contained in each teaching trunk are a variety of items used to spur conversation about the Republic of Texas specifically, and other aspects of Texas history. Each DRT District has its own traveling trunk, and these helpful resources can be taken to any school or public location. In this way, the DRT provides educational opportunities in a variety of locations, not just at the facilities it manages. A curriculum to match has also been developed for 4th and 7th grade students.
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University students can work as interns at the two Austin museums with advance preparation and coordination with The Daughters of The Republic of Texas. Historical and genealogy workshops and seminars, and historical re-enactments are offered throughout the year in collaboration with area academic institutions and other historical associations. These normally surround the eleven annual Texas Honor Days.
Texas Honor Days January 26 – Mirabeau B. Lamar Day February 19 – Texas Statehood Day March – Texas History Month March 2 – Texas Independence and Flag Day March 6 – Alamo Heroes Day March 27 – Goliad Heroes Day April 21 – San Jacinto Day September/3rd Saturday – Texian Navy Day October 2 – Gonzales Day November 3 – Stephen F. Austin’s Birthday November 6 – DRT Founders Day
Future Plans: Republic of Texas History Complex The Daughters of The Republic of Texas maintains the Republic of Texas Museum, and conducts educational programs and its business operations in a building located in North Austin under an unattractive overpass at the intersection of U.S. Highway 183 and Interstate Highway 35. Originally commercial in nature, the building was not intended to serve as a museum. Regardless, we have created a museum space within this facility. The location at 510 East Anderson Lane is not easy for visitors to locate, nor does it have adequate parking for school buses and large groups of visitors. In addition, the building is located far from the French Legation Museum and grounds, where we have maintained significant operations since 1949. The Republic of Texas History Complex is our Vision for the 21st Century. It will involve the consolidation of all the Austin activities of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas at the site of the historic French Legation, in an area called Robertson Hill. By bringing all aspects of our work together at one location, our 8
operational efficiency will be improved and visitors of all ages and walks of life will have a quality, satisfying experience as they learn about the fascinating history of Texas, the city of Austin, and The Daughters of The Republic of Texas. By doing so, we will better meet our mission to perpetuate the memory and spirit of those who achieved and maintained the independence of Texas. The French Legation Museum and grounds are centrally located in downtown Austin, immediately on the east side of Interstate Highway 35, accessible by a main downtown artery, E. 7th Street. It is easy to find by visitors, and is an area where we can easily construct a new facility, the Republic of Texas History Center, on land yet to be acquired, immediately adjacent to the French Legation on San Marcos Street. By moving our operations to this area, The Daughters of The Republic of Texas will become more efficient, more accessible, and more sophisticated overall. While we do have an initial architectural rendering of the proposed Center by Tom Hatch of Hatch + Ulland Owen Architects, Austin, we continue to revise and fine-tune the original floor plan. We are working closely with the Texas Historical Commission and the Heritage Society of Austin to ensure the new Center is properly situated and does not conflict with the historic nature of the French Legation site and historic homestead – which is the oldest structure remaining in Austin. The design will be 16,000 square feet in size (3 floors), and references the French Legation Museum building and the historic East Austin neighborhood nearby. The new Center is meant to compliment them from an architectural standpoint. This basic premise guides a Vision for the 21st Century. The new Center will also be a “green” building in keeping with environmental concerns of our state and nation today. The building we currently occupy in North Austin – containing the Republic of Texas Museum and the business offices of our organization – will eventually be sold and the proceeds applied to the Republic of Texas History Complex campaign budget.
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Time Line and Campaign Budget
A Vision for the 21st Century will require $9,500,000 in funding. Of this amount, charitable donations already made and the eventual sale of our north Austin building will provide $1,000,000. This leaves $8,500,000 remaining to secure. We anticipate it will take five years to complete the campaign. Phase I Phase II Phase III Phase IV Phase V
Marketing plan Acquire property, design, build, furnish the Center Acquire additional property at 903 E. 8th St. Establish Preservation and Education Endowment Fund Acquire French Legation Museum from State of Texas
Grand Total
$ 100,000 $ 7,400,000 $ 1,000,000 $ 1,000,000 $ Donation ======== $ 9,500,000
To date, $146,385 (pledges of $36,400) has been contributed toward A Vision for the 21st Century. In September, 2009 we hired a fundraising consultant to help fine-tune our initial campaign documentation, to prepare basic communication tools, and to conduct advanced research regarding prospective donors. In its 118 years of existence, The Daughters of The Republic of Texas has successfully relied upon a highly motivated and talented volunteer workforce from among its 7,000 members. Volunteers help staff the museums, teach educational programs, assist the public with library research, guide tours, assist with gift shop sales, maintain financial records, organize strategic planning efforts, solicit charitable donations, and the like. There are three (3) full-time staff members paid by DRT at the headquarters office, and two (2) full-time staff at the French Legation Museum. The national economic challenges of the past year caused us to slow our fundraising activities down temporarily. We held a few meetings with prospective supporters during this time, and submitted some grant proposals, but grant decisions were put on hold. We anticipate that A Vision for the 21st Century will resume its original intensity this fall, as enthusiasm amongst the membership remains high and the economy is on the mend.
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Plans to Sustain the Republic of Texas History Complex The Daughters of The Republic of Texas anticipate that greater visibility for the organization as a whole will be generated through the centralization of all our activities at the Republic of Texas History Complex at the site of the historic French Legation. With increased visibility - gained in part with a new more sophisticated marketing plan - will come greater numbers of visitors, the more frequent rental of spaces in the Complex for educational and social gatherings, increased gift shop sales, more charitable donations, and the like. These items combined will generate increased income in the years ahead that will sustain the Complex. In addition, as part of our fundraising budget for A Vision for the 21st Century, we have included the raising of a $1,000,000 endowment fund that will be invested for the long-term, the income from which will help support the operations of the Complex in perpetuity. The Daughters of The Republic of Texas intend to engage more fully in heritage tourism in the years ahead. We are working with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce to develop a “driving tour” of historic sites that would include our Complex. Heritage tourism is a billion dollar industry in Texas. According to the Travel Industry Association, Texas ranks second nationally in the number of cultural and heritage tourists, who spend more per day than non-heritage tourists. If our organization engages more fully in promoting tourism, we believe we will increase the number of visitors to the Republic of Texas History Complex to more than 20,000 (an increase of 50% over current numbers). The Vision Team of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas has created a Sustainability Plan. A copy of this plan is available upon request. It outlines future staffing requirements and discusses how the operational budget will be affected by the new Complex project once it opens and becomes operational. We believe the Sustainability Plan demonstrates how The Daughters of The Republic of Texas will sustain its work at the new site in the years ahead. Last but not least, since 2007, the Vision Team has been conducting meetings with representatives of the City of Austin and State of Texas, as well as elected officials, to inform them about our plans and to gain their advice. It may be that some additional financial support may be forthcoming from these sources, but regardless, their being knowledgeable about our expansion is key to the success of our future activities and to smooth operations overall.
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How to Make a Donation and Recognition Opportunities Donations of cash, stock and by check are welcome and appreciated. Checks should be made out to: The Daughters of The Republic of Texas (for The Vision), and should be mailed to our headquarters office, 510 E. Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas 78752 (512-339-1997). A Vision for the 21st Century banks at Frost National Bank. Campaign donations are being maintained in a separate account for ease of monitoring. You may also make an online donation by accessing our listing on GuideStar (www.guidestar.org). An online donation form is provided for your use. Please be sure to specify your gift for The Vision on the form, in the space provided. All contributors of $10,000 and larger will have their names listed on a permanent plaque installed at the Center, and recognition will be given in printed materials relating to the campaign. We have developed the following list of recognition opportunities (to be updated as project planning progresses). We will work with each contributor to reserve a space(s), if desired. For the endowment, the fund can be named and recognition will be provided in printed materials.
Recognition Opportunities Naming of the Republic of Texas History Center Preservation and Education Endowment Fund Republic of Texas Museum Main Conference Room and Area for Social Events Republic of Texas Museum Gift Shop Republic of Texas Family Research Center Family Research Center Staff Office $ 25,000 Classroom (upstairs) Daughters of the Republic of Texas Business Office (upstairs) Reception Area (upstairs) $ 50,000 Director’s Office (upstairs) $ 25,000 Staff Office #1 (upstairs) $ 15,000 Staff Office #2 (upstairs) $ 15,000 Staff Office #3 (upstairs) $ 15,000 Staff Office #4 (upstairs) $ 15,000 Staff Office #5 (upstairs) $ 15,000 Staff Office #6 (upstairs) $ 15,000 Conference Room (upstairs) Archive Storage Room (climate-controlled, upstairs) Visitor’s Reception Area of the Republic of Texas History Center Republic of Texas Viewing Theatre (for film and video presentations) Front Porch of the Republic of Texas History Center Front Porch of the Republic of Texas History Center (upstairs) Catering Kitchen of the Republic of Texas History Center Green Parking Area of the Republic of Texas History Complex Entrance Walkway 12
$ 2,000,000 $ 1,000,000 $ 750,000 $ 750,000 $ 300,000 $ 300,000 $ $
250,000 250,000
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
200,000 150,000 150,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 50,000 50,000 50,000
Project Evaluation and Fiscal Management The Board of Management of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas oversees all aspects of the organization’s work. Any major project such as A Vision for the 21st Century must have Board of Management approval, and a project chair is selected and reports directly to the Board. In the case of A Vision for the 21st Century, Nancy Shurtleff chairs the Vision Team and reports directly to the Board. A list of current members of the Board of Management is included in this document. Four Board meetings are held annually in September, November, February and May. During those gatherings, each aspect of the daily operations of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas is reviewed and fine-tuned, as needed. This will be the case as A Vision for the 21st Century progresses, and once the new Republic of Texas History Center is constructed. Annual reports will be provided to donors who contribute to the Republic of Texas History Complex through completion of the project and the grand opening. Additional information is available upon request. Our fiscal management details are as follows: Internal Revenue Service Designation. The Daughters of The Republic of Texas is classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our Employer Identification Number is 74-1193444. Contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law. GuideStar. GuideStar (www.guidestar.org) has become the leading online resource for donors seeking information about nonprofit organizations and their financial status. The DRT has 123 separate listings on GuideStar, and the service has arranged to have our headquarters office appear first when one completes an online search. Accounting Services. The DRT is in good standing with the IRS and regularly files a Form 990 (tax return). Jennifer Siemer, Shareholder, Tsakopulos Brown Schott & Anchors, P.C. of San Antonio, Texas (210-696-5177 and www.tbsacpa.com), is our primary point of contact with the firm. We appreciate their excellent service. We also thank Karen Clogston, Treasurer General of the DRT Board of Management, for her diligent oversight. Banking Relationship. A Vision for the 21st Century maintains its bank account at Frost National Bank. Our contact there is Anthony White, 888-481-0336. Investments. Yes, we do accept gifts of stock. Our investment firm is Edward Jones, and our contact person is Gary Russell, Nacogdoches, Texas, 936-560-2702.
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Legal Counsel. James B. Ewbank, II, Ewbank & Byrom, PC, in Austin, Texas is our legal counsel (512-476-1080 and http://www.ewbankandbyrom.com/). Questions? Call Lana Boussidan, Administrator, The Daughters of The Republic of Texas, 512-3391997 (lana.boussidan@drtmuseum.org).
Thank you!
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The Daughters of The Republic of Texas
Board of Management 2009-2011 Patti Atkins (Hull) President General
1st
Helen Kelso (Dallas) Vice President General
Roxanne Schoen (Abilene) 2nd Vice President General Teri Lee Roberts (Corinth) 3rd Vice President General Tamra L. “Tammie” Smith (McCamey) 4th Vice President General Shirley Burnett (Fulton) 5th Vice President General Evelyn Reininger (Rosanky) Chaplain General Stephanie Gault (The Hills) Recording Secretary General Elizabeth White (Houston) Corresponding Secretary General Karen Clogston (Spring) Treasurer General Marjorie Lee Burnett (Smiley) Registrar General Betty Bird (Austin) Custodian General Lanelle Killebrew (Edna) CRT Registrar General 15
Karen R. Thompson (Leander) Historian General Connie Surrency (Houston) Parliamentarian General
District Representatives: Doris L. Williams District I
Sandra Meier District VI
Betty J. Gosdin District II
Melinda Navarro District VII
Sue-Beall Shaffer District III
Carolyn M. Reed District VIII
Fay Eddins District IV
Nancy L. Matlock District IX
Lorena Buster District V
Charlotte L. Moody District X
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