Republic of Texas History Complex

A Vision for the 21st Century

By consolidating the activities of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas and The Republic of Texas Museum in one downtown Austin location, adjacent to the historic French Legation Museum, The Daughters of the Republic of Texas will be able to create the Republic of Texas History Complex. This complex will provide a larger, more appropriate setting for exhibitions, educational programs, family gatherings, conferences and public festivals. In this way, the DRT will better serve the State of Texas and visitors seeking to learn about and appreciate the rich and fascinating history of the State of Texas.

Conceptual design of Republic of Texas History Complex.

The DRT provides educational programs on Texas history for children of all ages and other special groups in a building located in North Austin near the overpass at the intersection of U. S. Highway 183 and Interstate Highway 35. This is also the site of DRT daily business operations and The Republic of Texas Museum. Originally commercial in nature, the building was not designed as a museum. It is difficult for visitors to find, and does not have adequate parking for school buses and larger numbers of visitors.

The French Legation grounds on historic Robertson Hill have been managed since 1949 by the Daughters of The Republic of Texas, and as a musem since 1956. The site is centrally located near downtown Austin at 802 San Marcos Street. A new building called the Republic of Texas history Center will be constructed on adjacent property. The Center will house the DRT Business Office and Republic of Texas Museum. It will be designed in keeping with the historic nature of the location. In addition, some existing spaces will be rearranged for improved public access, and more parking will be provided.

The Republic of Texas History Complex will contain new and existing areas:

Vistor Center, including a Viewing Theatre
Republic of Texas Museum (relocated)
French Legation Museum
Gift Shop
Children’s Interactive Museum (relocated)
Business Office (relocated)
State-of-the-Art Texas Family Research Center
Meeting and Conference Accommodations
Expanded Parking

The budget for A Vision for the 21st Century is $9.5 million. Of this amount, approximately $1 million will be provided from the sale of the DRT’s North Austin building and already-made charitable donations. This leaves $8.5 million to raise to attain a Vision. Included are funds for land acquisition, construction, reprogramming exhibits, and endowment for long-term maintenance. Name recognition will be available for donors of $10,000 and more.

View the Vision for the 21st Century presentation. (.PDF)