DRT Newsletter

Republic of Texas History Complex The Daughters of The Re p u b lic o f T e x a s

Fall, 2009

Campaign Update: A Vision for the 21st Century

Inside this issue: Campaign Update

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Encouraging Historic Tourism

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The DRT and Republic of 2 Texas Museum DRT Mission Guides Vision

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Accountability: Facts You Should Know

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Republic of Texas Complex Contributors

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Campaign Phases

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Keeping Public Officials 4 Informed

Facts in Brief 

$9.5 million goal, with $8.5 million remaining to secure.

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Donors of $10,000 and more will be permanently recognized in the RTH Center. Naming opportunities are being developed.

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The RTH Center will be a “green” building that respects and compliments the architecture of the East Austin neighborhood in which it will be located.

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Republic of Texas Museum and DRT Business Office will relocate to new Republic of Texas History Center for improved efficiency.

The national economy is on the mend.

Texas is a strong state and thankfully it has fared better than others, for which we are grateful. Although the past several months have been challenging, planning continues unabated on the Republic of Texas History Complex, and enthusiasm remains high. New momentum has come this fall as we conduct advanced research regarding major prospective donors and refine our campaign documents in order to present the strongest possible case for support.

A Vision for the 21st Century is our guiding concept. It involves the relocation of the DRT business office and Republic of Texas Museum to property adjacent to the historic French Legation. Today, The Daughters offers educational programs for all ages in its Museum, as well as the association’s daily 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 commer-

cial in nature, the building was not intended to be a museum. It is not easy for visitors to find, nor does it have adequate parking for school buses and large numbers of visitors.

As the role of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas expands in the future, an appropriate setting for museum exhibitions, educational programs for visitors of all ages, and community activities like conferences, family gatherings and festivals is needed. The best way to accomplish this is to centralize the work of our association at one location. The site next to the French Legation is ideally suited for this purpose.

Nancy Shurtleff, Chair of the Vision Team, remarks, “The past year, our primary purpose has been to move beyond creating awareness of the Vision, to fundraising.

Contributions in the amount of $146,385 (pledges of $36,400) have been given by individuals, families and foundations. We thank each and every one who has (continued on page 2)

Encouraging Historic Tourism The new Republic of Texas History Complex will allow The Daughters of The Republic of Texas to increase its role in the economic development of Austin and the surrounding region. It is our intention to partner with the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and other community groups to develop joint promotional activities to increase the public’s awareness of the

services offered in the new Complex.

Increased historic tourism will add not only to our association’s income, but also to the city and county through increased sales at hotels, restaurants and retail stores. Heritage tourism is a billion dollar industry in Texas.

We are pleased to expand our role in this arena in the years ahead.

Republic of Texas History Complex

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Campaign Update: A Vision for the 21st Century (continued from page 1)

contributed thus far.”

The campaign’s goal is $9.5 million. Of this amount, $1 million will be provided by the sale of our North Austin building and charitable donations already given. This leaves $8.5 million remaining to secure. Included in the campaign budget are the costs of property acquisition adjacent to the French Legation, building construction, equipment and furnishings, parking improvements, and endowment for long-

term maintenance.

Funding will be sought from individuals, families, foundations, corporations and government sources. An initial architectural rendering of the Republic of Texas History Center has been drawn by Tom Hatch of Hatch + Ulland Owen Architects, Austin (page 1). While details are still being refined, key elements include:  

Visitor’s Center with Viewing Theatre Republic of Texas Museum

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Texas Family Research Center

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Meeting and Conference Accommodations

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Gift Shop

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DRT Business Office

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Additional Parking.

Naming opportunities are being developed.

Donors of $10,000 and larger will be recognized on a permanent plaque in the new facility. We will keep you informed as our work continues.

Thank you!

Republic of Texas map courtesy of the DeGolyer Library, SMU. The James Butler Bonham DRT Chapter sponsors a Texas history research scholarship annually at SMU.

The Daughters of The Republic of Texas and Republic of Texas Museum The Daughters of The Republic of Texas is one of the oldest patriotic women’s associations in Texas and in the nation. In 1891, plans were made for an association to be composed of women who were direct descendants of the men and women who established The Republic of Texas. Currently, there are more than 6,500 members of DRT in Texas and the United States as well as internationally, participating in 106 chapters statewide. The DRT maintains and oversees the Alamo and the DRT Library in San Antonio; the association’s headquarters, Republic of Texas Museum, and French Legation Museum in Austin; the Cradle in Galveston; and other properties overseen at the individual chapter level.

In 1894, The Daughters began to collect artifacts for what would become the Republic of Texas Museum. In 1903, The Daughters were assigned a room in the East Wing of the State Capitol to display the collection. Eventually, more room was needed, and in 1917, The Daughters were given the use of the second floor of the General Land Office. In 1991, the collection was moved to its current location at 510 East Anderson Lane in North Austin.

DRT Mission Guides Vision A Vision for the 21st Century is designed to help us better achieve the mission of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas, and to better serve the citizens of our State and nation. As our members know, we strive to: ~ 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 educational programs for the general public. ~ Encourage research into early Texas records, preserve historic documents, and encourage the publication of historic records.

Berryman Family gravestone from the 19th century, Brookeland, Texas (photo courtesy of Paul Ridenour).

~ Secure and memorialize historic sites.

Fall, 2009

Republic of Texas History Complex Contributors Thank you! Donors of $500 and larger to A Vision for the 21st Century to date include: Bob and Carol Steakley (Odessa) Nancy Shurtleff (Austin) Florence Dodington (Martindale) Saunders Family Foundation (Houston) Virginia Bronson (Kerrville) Austin Community Foundation (Austin) Betty Bird (Austin) Ida Marie Offerman (New Braunfels) Patricia Horridge (Austin) Faye Elder (Arlington) William Perry Clements, III Foundation (Dallas) Stephen F. Austin Chapter of DRT (Austin) William B. Travis Chapter of DRT (Austin) Betty Jo Edwards (Houston) Gayla Lawson (Lakeway) Reuben Hornsby Chapter of DRT (Austin) Carolyn M. Reed (New Braunfels) Joshua D. Brown Chapter of DRT (Kerrville) John Ellen Becker (Austin) Cynthia Anderson (Georgetown) Alice Nowotny (The Hills) Texian Chapter of DRT (Austin) Texas Star Chapter of DRT (Houston) Elise P. Kidd (Austin) Doris Kemp (Salado) Jean Sitterle (Houston) Charles Taylor Chapter of DRT (Dallas) Lacretia McReynolds and ExxonMobil Matching Funds (Houston) Miss Ima Hogg Chapter of DRT (Houston) Sandra Burns (Dallas) Evenly Reininger (Rosanky) Frances Tomlinson (Austin)

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Accountability: Facts You Should Know Accountability is critically important for all nonprofit organizations today, including The Daughters of The Republic of Texas. We thought you might like to know these important facts. Our thanks go to the DRT Board of Management and staff for their continued outstanding stewardship of our organization and its finances. 

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.

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GuideStar. GuideStar (www.guidestar.org) is the leading online resource for donors seeking information about nonprofit organizations and their financial status. The DRT has 123 listings on GuideStar. The organization has made it easier to identify our headquarters by having it appear first when one completes an online search. You can also make a donation online to the DRT via GuideStar, and you may specify your gift for The Vision.

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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 (210-6965177 and www.tbsacpa.com), is our primary point of contact. We appreciate their excellent service. We also thank Karen Clogston, Treasurer General of the DRT Board of Management, for her diligent oversight.

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Banking Relationship. A Vision for the 21st Century maintains its bank account at Frost National Bank. Our contact is Anthony White, 888-481-0336.

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Investments. Yes, we do accept gifts of stock! Our investment firm is Edward Jones, Nacogdoches, Texas. Our contact person is Gary Russell, 936-560-2702.

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Questions? Call Lana Boussidan at the DRT Business Office in Austin, 512-339-1997 (lana.boussidan@drtmuseum.org). Thank you!

Campaign Phases A Vision for the 21st Century has five primary phases totaling $9.5 million. With donations already given, and the eventual sale of our North Austin facility, $8.5 million remains to be raised.

The DRT is currently engaged in fundraising for Phase II. It is anticipated the entire campaign will require work spanning five years.

to the French Legation site on San Marcos Street on which the Center will be built, building and furnishing the Center, reprogramming exhibits and artifacts, creating Republic of Texas Family Research Center ($7,400,000), UNDERWAY

~ Phase I - Marketing Campaign ($100,000)

~ Phase III - Acquire additional property next to French Legation Museum ($1,000,000)

~ Phase II - Develop Republic of Texas History Center, involving acquisition of property next

~ Phase IV - Secure funding for and establish Preservation and Education Endowment Fund for long-term maintenance of the Republic of Texas History Complex ($1,000,000) ~ Phase V - Formally acquire French Legation Museum from State of Texas (donation anticipated). The DRT has managed this site since 1949.

CMA

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID AUSTIN, TX PERMIT NO. 1256

The D a ug ht er s o f T he Rep ubl i c o f Tex a s 510 East Anderson Lane Austin, Texas 78752 Telephone: 512-339-1997 E-mail: lana.boussidan@drtmuseum.org Website: www.drt-inc.org

A VISION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY: Republic of Texas History Complex Update

Keeping Public Officials Informed Since July, 2007, the Vision Team for the Republic of Texas History Complex has been meeting with key state and local government officials, as well as agency leaders. Ably organized by Gayla Lawson and Patricia Horridge, who serve on the Republic of Texas History Complex Vision Team, the meetings have been productive.

Gayla and Pat remark, “During the course of meetings with influential leaders at the State Capitol, City of Austin, Travis County, Texas Historical Commission, and elsewhere - and during informative luncheon gatherings hosted by The Daughters of The Republic of Texas Vision Team - we have shared our vision of increased public service with city, county and state officials. It is our aim to keep this important constituency informed as our plans develop, and enlist their endorsement as we seek to provide greater educational opportunities for visitors of all ages and all walks of life in the years ahead.”

DRT District VIII erected the life-size bronze, “Texas Pioneer Woman” by Linda Sioux Henley on the State Capitol grounds in 1998 (photograph courtesy of the State Preservation Board, Austin, Texas - Griff Smith, photographer, 2000 (Accession ID CHA 1998.033).

The work continues. As the Vision Team works to increase the visibility of the Republic of Texas History Complex across our state, to strengthen existing relationships, and create new partnerships with government entities and private organizations, continued communication and information-sharing is essential. In this way, The Daughters of The Republic of Texas will better meet its mission of perpetuating the memory and spirit of those who achieved and maintained the independence of Texas.