February 2016

The DRT’s Future Home: Moving Forward with the Republic of Texas History Center

DRT's New Home - RTHC

The DRT’s Future Home: Moving Forward with the Republic of Texas History Center

The Republic of Texas History Center (RTHC) team has launched two fund-raising efforts to raise money for a new RTHC facility at the corner of East Ninth Street and Embassy Drive in Austin.

The Flag Pole Chapter Challenge started January 1, 2016, and will end May 1, 2017. The flyer and guidelines for this challenge can be found on the DRT member website. Chapters have been assigned to one of three groups according to their membership number, with each group tasked to raise a minimum amount. A winner from each group will be rewarded by having their chapter name put on a plaque at the base of a flagpole located at the new facility. The three Flag Pole Chapter Challenge winners will be announced at the 2017 DRT Convention.

The Approved DRT Ancestor Paver Contest involves the purchase of a paver (paving stone used as exterior flooring) in honor of an approved DRT ancestor at the new facility. By February 15, 2016, DRT members will be able to review on the DRT member website a list of ancestors who have been honored with a paver. On May 1, 2017, chapters that demonstrate that 25 percent or more of their membership has purchased a DRT ancestor paver will be rewarded with an 8″x 8″ paver (valued at $400) and be recognized at the 2017 DRT Convention.

To date, the two campaigns have raised about $500,000.

While the project’s total cost will be around $5.5 million, the building will likely be constructed in two phases to help make the expenses more manageable.

Phase one is estimated to cost approximately $3.5 million, which will cover the “Daughters’ House.” This will include the construction of a first floor (reception area, multipurpose room, family research center, museum store), second floor (offices, conference room, workroom) and third floor (museum storage).

Phase two would complete the facility’s construction and include the buildout of the Republic of Texas Museum, a pavilion, kitchen and public restrooms.

The timeline for the new facility includes an estimated two years for fund-raising and one year for construction (plus permitting).

The organization has secured about $1.55 million, which includes designated on-hand funds, pledges and estimated profits from the sale of the existing DRT headquarters building. In order to start the first phase of construction, an additional $1.95 million must be raised.

The DRT leadership and RTHC team express their appreciation to all Daughters who have supported efforts to establish the DRT’s new home and preserve our Texas heritage. Special acknowledgment goes out to the Ferdinand Lindheimer Chapter in New Braunfels for kicking off the Flag Pole Naming Contest with the first $1,000 donation. We encourage all chapters and members to participate in the two fund-raising campaigns so that we can continue our mission to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved and maintained the independence of Texas.

For more details on how you can help, visit the DRT member website at http://drtinfo.org/members/.