1

A Vision for the 21st Century: Gateway to Where

Texas History Happened

The Daughters of The Republic of Texas

2

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

3

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

4

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 fine-

tuned 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

5

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.

6

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

7

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.drt-

inc.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.

8

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

9

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.

10

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 Marketing plan $ 100,000

Phase II Acquire property, design, build, furnish the Center $ 7,400,000

Phase III Acquire additional property at 903 E. 8th St. $ 1,000,000

Phase IV Establish Preservation and Education Endowment Fund $ 1,000,000

Phase V Acquire French Legation Museum from State of Texas $ Donation

========

Grand Total $ 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.

11

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.

12

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 $ 2,000,000

Preservation and Education Endowment Fund $ 1,000,000

Republic of Texas Museum $ 750,000

Main Conference Room and Area for Social Events $ 750,000

Republic of Texas Museum Gift Shop $ 300,000

Republic of Texas Family Research Center $ 300,000

Family Research Center Staff Office $ 25,000

Classroom (upstairs) $ 250,000

Daughters of the Republic of Texas Business Office (upstairs) $ 250,000

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) $ 200,000

Archive Storage Room (climate-controlled, upstairs) $ 150,000

Visitor’s Reception Area of the Republic of Texas History Center $ 150,000

Republic of Texas Viewing Theatre (for film and video presentations) $ 100,000

Front Porch of the Republic of Texas History Center $ 100,000

Front Porch of the Republic of Texas History Center (upstairs) $ 100,000

Catering Kitchen of the Republic of Texas History Center $ 50,000

Green Parking Area of the Republic of Texas History Complex $ 50,000

Entrance Walkway $ 50,000

13

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.

14

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, 512-339-

1997 (lana.boussidan@drtmuseum.org).

Thank you!

15

The Daughters of The Republic of Texas

Board of Management 2009-2011

Patti Atkins (Hull)

President General

Helen Kelso (Dallas)

1st 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

16

Karen R. Thompson (Leander)

Historian General

Connie Surrency (Houston)

Parliamentarian General

District Representatives:

Doris L. Williams

District I

Betty J. Gosdin

District II

Sue-Beall Shaffer

District III

Fay Eddins

District IV

Lorena Buster

District V

Sandra Meier

District VI

Melinda Navarro

District VII

Carolyn M. Reed

District VIII

Nancy L. Matlock

District IX

Charlotte L. Moody

District X