French Legation News and Events

Evening Under the Oaks Fundraising Concert Series

2010-04-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

Fundraising Concert Series “Evening Under the Oaks” Kicks Off 2010 Season
An East End Fourth Fridays Event Benefiting the Site of the Oldest Home in Austin

“SOUP”
THIS MONTH’S FEATURED ARTIST AT THE FRENCH LEGATION MUSEUM

EVENING UNDER THE OAKS, THE FRENCH LEGATION MUSEUM’S FUNDRAISING CONCERT SERIES, KICKS OFF THE 2010 SEASON WITH LOCAL BAND SOUP ON FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010.

Admission is just $3.00 for this outdoor event. Gates open at 6:00 pm for b.y.o.b. picnics (don’t forget to bring a chair or blanket). Music begins at 6:30 in the evening. 100% of proceeds benefit the museum (so don’t forget to tip your musicians).

The FRENCH LEGATION MUSEUM is a non-profit historic house museum. The structure was built to serve as the diplomatic outpost for King Louis Philippe of France to the Republic of Texas in 1841.

Relax and enjoy an evening of soulful, blues-rock with SOUP under the stars. Explore East 11th Street after the concert and discover new cultural adventures during East End Fourth Fridays.

Open House at the French Legation Museum

2010-04-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 5. 6:00-7:30PM.

Come enjoy the lovely grounds at the French Legation Museum AND shop for your special event vendors. This informal open house will feature the following providers and their services.

Articulture Designs

Articulture Designs is an eco-florist that incorporates living plants and natural elements into their arrangements and decor for a unique and one of a kind wedding celebration. We will be showcasing eye popping centerpieces and bouquets.

http://www.articulturedesigns.com/

A+Student Staffing

A+ Student Staffing provides skilled, reliable TABC certified servers and bartenders for all occasions, from corporate grand affairs to intimate private parties. We provide staff for set up, preparation, server and bartender duties and break-down and clean up.

http://www.studentstaff.com/

Breathtaking Blooms

Breathtaking Blooms is a local wedding business focused on savvy, fashion-conscious brides (and grooms:)) who expect "more bloom for their buck." We strive to create the floral atmosphere you have always dreamed of for your special day.

http://www.breathtakingblooms.com/

Centex Wedding & Party Rentals

Centex Weddings & Party Rentals offers party equipment and supplies for all occasions.http://www.centexrentals.com/

Clayworks/Studio Gallery

Clayworks/Studio Gallery has been practicing the art and craft of architectural ceramics on East Sixth Street for the past 30 years and offers a number of specialty pieces serving as wedding commemoratives, favors and one-of-a-kind gifts. Everything is made by hand and fired on the premises.

http://www.clayworks.net/

Denise Prince, Prune Photography

Prune Photography is "informed by her (Denise Prince's) continuing art practice and her passion for recording not only significant and elegant moments but those that lie in the spaces between."

http://www.prunephotography.com/

Gourmet Gals and Guys Catering & Events

It's about YOU! Your love, your families and friends. Allow Gourmet Gals and Guys professional staff and chefs to create a day that reflects everything about YOU.

http://www.gourmetgalsandguys.com/

Hill Country Cupcake

Make life sweeter-- one cupcake at a time. Each cupcake is made with organic and when possible local ingredients; they are frosted and decorated individually with great care, making each cupcake truly a work of art.

http://www.hillcountrycupcake.com/

Kari Perkins, Estrella Bridal Art

Kari exclusively handcrafts each gown with meticulous precision. "I love making gowns! Watching each gown unfold through the creative process is always an amazing experience. This is my art."

http://www.estrellabridal.com/

Milli Starr

Milli Starr is the result of a deep love for hats, handiwork, and fashion. Working with the finest materials available... Milli Starr creates hats and headpieces that are described as "heavenly" and "wearable works of art."

http://www.millistarr.com/

Nuptial Necessities

Nuptial Necessities is a one-stop wedding shop. We offer the following: Custom Save the Dates, Invitations, Favors, Green Wedding Items, Accessories, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him.

http://www.nuptialnecessities.com/

Pascal's Catering Company

European elegance with an Austin flair. Chef Pascal is personally committed to overseeing the quality and presentation of exquisite food and extraordinary events.

http://www.pascalscatering.com/

Peterstaats home + photo

Complete Photo and Realty Services. Joie de vie with free engagement pictures at the Legation with A French Twist. We'll talk wedding photography at great rates and what we can do to capture your day in a totally unique fasion.

http://www.peterstaats.com/

Sign Post Replaced!

2010-04-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our generous neighbor, Emily Little, the French Legation Museum has a new sign and signpost on San Marcos Street. The former sign and post were destroyed by a hit-and-run driver earlier this year. We could not have replaced them without Ms. Little's generous, unsolicited donation. We thank her from the bottom of our hearts.

Installation of our replacement sign and post by A-Okay Signs of Hutto

Thank-you to all of our donors, sponsors, and Friends of the French Legation Museum. You are our angels.

FLM Carriage House Project Update

2010-04-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to generous grants from the Georgia B. Lucas Foundation Fund of the Austin Community Foundation and the Native Texas License Plate Funds, the French Legation Museum's Carriage House Visitors' Center has received much-needed help.

The old cedar roof was removed, new shakes were installed, corrosive metals were replaced with more historically accurate materials, and the exterior stairs have been repaired with new appropriate column supports. Next week the painters will beautify those wonderful new steps and the project will be complete.

These long-awaited projects could not have been realized without grant funding. The French Legation Museum is grateful to both granting agencies for their generosity in making these grant funds available to historic sites like the French Legation Museum.

RAFFLE WINNER ANNOUNCED!

2010-03-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

SXSW Concert Visitor Alexandra Ramsey drew the lucky name...

And the winner is...

DEIRDRE FROM AUSTIN, TEXAS!

Congratulations, Deirdre... you have won a pair of ACL 3-Day Passes for the 2010 festival! Thank you to all who purchased tickets. We appreciate your support! All raffle proceeds benefit the French Legation Museum.

SXSW Important Information

2010-03-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the many sxsw visitors who visited today. We appreciate your patience and respect! It was exciting to meet so many people who had never been to the Legation before. Welcome! Come again soon!

Some tips for the remaining sxsw events:
1. there is little/no parking near the venue; plan to walk or ride the bus
2. the French Legation Museum is a delicate historic site that requires the upmost respect
3. staff is on-hand to share this piece of history with you... don't be afraid to ask!
4. bring cash... there is no atm on-site nor in the immediate area
5. if events are full, gates will be closed... trespassers jumping over fences/walls will be arrested; there are many other great events on E. 11th Street if you aren't able to attend a FLM event

The following is prohibited at the French Legation Museum:
1. outside alcohol
2. illegal substances
3. trespassing
4. public urination or indecency
5. behavior endangering others
6. behavior endangering this important historic site
Anyone participating in prohibited activity will be escorted off of the property and/or reported to the police department. Please plan on a mellow event and bring your best manners. It will be more enjoyable for everyone.

We look forward to seeing you soon! For more information on the Lawn Party, contact Other Music and Dig for Fire. For more information on the Garden Party, contact Press Here Publicity. Thanks for your understanding. We appreciate you.

Win 2010 ACL Passes - Raffle During sxsw!

2010-03-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

October 8 - 10, 2010 @ Zilker Park

The French Legation Museum is raffling off TWO 3-DAY PASSES for ACL 2010! Stop by the Museum during sxsw events on Thursday 3/18 1-7pm, Friday 3/19 1-7pm, or Saturday 3/20 12-8pm to buy a ticket for $5.00 (or get five tickets for $20.00!).

100% of raffle proceeds will go to the French Legation Museum, site of the oldest home in Austin. FLM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit historic house museum.

Winners will be picked on Saturday night, 3/20/2010. You do not need to be present to win. We will see you here!

2010 Census

2010-03-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

from: www.census.org/history

March 2010: The 2010 Census Is Underway!

The 2010 Census is now underway throughout the United States and its territories. In March, the U.S. Postal Service will deliver questionnaires to every household on their route in time for "Census Day," April 1, 2010.

The census is required by Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. Since the first census in 1790, conducting an accurate count of the people living in the United States has been the foundation for our nation's representative government.

As you prepare for the arrival of your 2010 Census questionnaire, consider these facts about the history of census-taking in the United States:

•The first census began more than a year after the inauguration of President George Washington. At its conclusion, the U.S. population totaled approximately 3.9 million and the largest cities were New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; and Boston, MA.

•Following the abolishon of slavery in 1865, ex-slaves were named in the 1870 census for the first time. Before then, they were simply recorded numerically by age.

•The 1900 census included Hawaii (annexed in 1898) for the first time. Census takers counted approximately 154,001 inhabitants on the islands.

•The 1940 census collected information about the population and its housing. It was also the first decennial census to use advanced statistical sampling techniques. Sampling allowed the addition of a number of demographic questions without unduly increasing the overall burden on respondents and data processing.

•Census 2000 incoroporated a $167 million advertising campaign to reach every person living in the United States. This advertising contributed to a reversal in the decline of response rates experienced since the 1970 census.

The French Legation Museum and other histoy-related organziations use Census records to uncover the past. Without Census records, information about the nine African-Americans living on Robertson Hill as enslaved people would not have been uncovered. Just imagine: in 100 years, someone may be looking for YOU and will jump for joy seeing your name and information in the 2010 Census records... help our elected officials today and the historians of the future by completing your Census 2010 questionnaire next month.

3/20 sxsw 2010 Garden Party

2010-03-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

3/18 + 3/19 sxsw 2010 Lawn Party

2010-03-04T14:22:00.000-08:00

Texas State Historical Association Annual Meeting

2010-03-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

French Legation Museum Director Stephanie Jarvis will be in Dallas for the annual TSHA meeting this week. Her session, information and discussion about the French Legation Museum's connection to its community, will be held tomorrow at 9:00 am. For more information on TSHA and its programs, visit http://www.tshaonline.org/!

Marriott Quorum Hotel
3/4/2010 Session 01
9:00 a.m.
Preston Trail I
New Perspectives on Texas Historic Buildings and Sites, Gary Smith presiding,
Dallas Heritage Village

The Enslaved Presence on Robertson Hill, 1848–1865: Connections between a Historic
Site and the Larger Community, Stephanie Jarvis, The French Legation Museum

The Ace of Clubs: An Architectural History of the Draughon-Moore House, Texarkana,
Texas, Ashley Henderson, Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

Boisterous? Perhaps; Ludicrous? Perhaps Not: The Design of the Ellis and Wise County
Courthouses, Chris Meister, Royal Oak, Michigan

Austin Museum Partnership Launches 2010 Passport

2010-02-26T06:42:00.000-08:00

As a member of the Austin Museum Partnership (AMP), the French Legation is happy to announce an exciting new sponsorship with Austin's Pizza that launches March 1st, the AMP Passport Program. Visitors pick up a Passport at 24 participating AMP sites or any Austin's Pizza locations. Visitors go to at least seven participating AMP sites to earn stamps and then redeem the Passport at any Austin's Pizza to receive a FREE 14 inch pizza. The Program will run from March 2010 to February 2011. For more information visit the AMP website, http://www.austinmuseums.org/. AMP encourages all to explore the unique cultural, heritage, and nature sites in the Austin area.

What's Wrong with Flash Photography?

2010-02-24T19:13:00.000-08:00

We receive a lot of questions about our ban on flash photography in the historic home and kitchen. Here's some information from the National Archives regarding the cumulative damage to its paper collection due to flash photography exposure... so please remember that museum collections (from paper to paint to textiles) are delicate and deserve our protection. If you're unsure about your camera and its automatic flash functions, please don't use it!

Press Release
January 26, 2010
National Archives Announces New Ban on Photography

Washington, DC…On January 25, 2010, the National Archives announced in the Federal Register that filming, photographing, and videotaping by the public will be prohibited in all exhibition areas in the National Archives Building, Washington, DC, beginning February 25, 2010. The primary impetus for the new regulation was concern that the Charters of Freedom (the Declaration, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights) and other original documents on display in the National Archives Experience were at risk from exposure to flash photography.

The announcement followed a lengthy period of internal analysis and discussion and a 60-day comment period in which the public was invited to offer input. In spite of a more than 30-year-old regulation explicitly stating that flash photography was prohibited, prominent signs stating the policy throughout the exhibition areas, and security guards reminding the public, Archives staff estimated that the documents were subjected to approximately 50,000 flashes a year. While enforcement of this policy has always been a National Archives priority, new cameras with automatic flash have made the policy almost impossible to enforce.

The original documents displayed in the National Archives Experience are fragile and subject to fading from light. The National Archives must balance its commitment to making these founding documents available to the public with its mandate to preserve and protect them for future generations. Years of research and testing by top scientists have resulted in state-of-the-art encasements to protect the Charters of Freedom. Environmental recommendations and guidelines that include careful temperature and humidity controls, light levels below three foot candles, and light filters to remove ultraviolet radiation are closely adhered to in order to provide additional protection for our nation’s heritage.

After close examination of the policy and consultation with National Archives preservation experts, the Archives determined that barring photography in the exhibition areas would help protect our nation’s heritage for future generations.

Visitors who want an image of the Charters of Freedom or other original documents on display in the National Archives Experience may download them at no cost from www.archives.gov, visit the Resource Room adjacent to the Exhibition Hall for a free color copy, or visit the Archives Shop.

sxsw 2010 preview

2010-02-23T18:23:00.000-08:00

The Latest on Thursday 3/18 & Friday 3/19 Lawn Party (Other Music/Dig For Fire):
Over 20 Bands on 2 Stages
Free Shows, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
French Legation Museum
Acts scheduled to appear include: The xx, Thurston Moore, Real Estate, Dam-Funk, The Antlers, and more... (check Dig For Fire on MySpace for updates)

The Latest on Saturday 3/20 Garden Party (Press Here):
Free Show, 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
French Legation Museum
...details forthcoming!

Friendly reminder for all sxsw visitors--- walk or ride, try not to drive! The French Legation Museum is located in a historic residential neighborhood near downtown Austin. There will be VERY LIMITED parking available. Be prepared to walk, bike, take a pedi-cab, hop on the bus, or share a taxi!

It's Snowing Here, Too!

2010-02-23T10:01:00.003-08:00

We love our Central Texas weather! Here's a peek at today's snow event:

Water Assessment Project Update 1

2010-02-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 11, 2010. Task One of the FLM Water Assessment Project is underway. Architect John Volz and structural engineers from Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. are spending the day visually assessing and documenting the roof, wall, and floor framing of the historic house to determine the scope of structural repairs needed.

They are looking for current conditions, damage from ground water moisture, rain water leaks, and other areas for conservation/preservation.

This project was made possible by a generous grant from the Native Texan License Plate Fund. This fund provides grant opportunities to historic sites in Texas.

FLM Receives Grant Funding for Carriage House

2010-02-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

Thanks to generous grants from the Georgia B. Lucas Foundation Fund of the Austin Community Foundation for the Capital Area and the Native Texas License Plate Funds, the French Legation Museum's Carriage House will receive much-needed help.

The old cedar roof will be replaced and the exterior stairs will be repaired. These long-awaited projects could not have been realized without grant funding. The French Legation Museum is grateful to both granting agencies for their generosity in making these grant funds available to historic sites like the French Legation Museum.

Veranda Gets a Facelift

2010-02-10T09:48:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a generous donation from the The Charles & Betti Saunders Foundation, the French Legation Museum's Historic House has new veranda furniture for all to enjoy. These high-quality rockers and table are similar in design to the two rockers that Miss Lillie Robertson kept on the veranda (as shown in historical photographs).

The Robertsons were also known to have an old pew from Saint David's Episcopal Church on the veranda. They were given the pew from the original church building, which they helped found in the 1840s, after new pews were aquired for the permanent church.

French Cinema at St. Edward's

2010-01-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

Our friends at Saint Edward's University in South Austin invite you to enjoy French cinema all month long. Films are free and open to the public.

The Tournées Festival 2010 will be held at St. Edward's University. Parking is available in the on-camplus parking garage located next to the softball field. For more info, contact Martha Rankin, 512-448-8704 or martha@stedwards.edu

Tuesday, February 2 - 7:00pm
Il y a longtemps que je t'aime (I've Loved You So Long)
Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center, Mabee Ballroom C

Wednesday, February 3 - 7:00pm
Entre les Murs (The Class)
Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center, Mabee Ballrooms A & B

Tuesday, February 9 - 7:00pm
La Graine et le Mulet (The Secret of the Grain)
Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center, Mabee Ballrooms A & B

Monday, February 15 - 7:00pm
Un Conte de Noël (A Christmas Tale)
Fleck Hall, Room 305

Thursday, February 25 - 7:00pm
Azur et Asmar (Azur and Asmar)
Robert and Pearle Ragsdale Center, Mabee Ballroom C

The Tournées Festival, a program of FACE (French American Cultural Exchange), is made possible with the support of the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Centre National de la Cinématographie, the Florence Gould Foundation, the Grand Marnier Foundation, highbrow entertainment and the Franco-American Cultural Fund (Directors Guild of America, Motion Picture Association, SACEM and Writers Guild of America). For more information on FACE programs, please visit www.facecouncil.org.

Thank You, Friends!

2010-01-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

A special THANK YOU to our Platinum 2009-2010 Friends of the French Legation Museum:

Dolph Briscoe

Patti Atkins

Jane Fieldcamp

Keeping Austin History Alive

sxsw at the French Legation Museum

2010-01-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

The French Legation Museum is a favorite venue for sxsw showcases. This year is already booked for March 18-21 (music). All other dates are still available.

Please remember our outdoor venue for your film, interactive, and music events. Click on "Weddings and Private Events" for more information or use our contact form to reach FLM staff.

The French Legation Museum is located one block east of I-35, between E 7th St and E 11th St in the heart of Austin.

Republic of Texas Walking Tour 2/20/2010

2010-01-19T07:39:00.000-08:00

SAVE THE DATE - 2/20/10
From our friends at Save Austin's Cemeteries:

Celebrate Texas Statehood with Austin's Founding Families

Stroll through historic Oakwood Cemetery and learn about life in Austin during the days of the Texas Republic. Save Austin's Cemeteries' waling tour connects you with Austin history through the stories of people who lived in Austin during the days before Statehood. Family stories will include Haynie, Ziller, Deitrich, Swisher, and Wahrenberger. May they forever rest in peace in the shadow of the city they built.

Tours are free and open to the public; optional donation benefit the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel restoration fund (the French Legation Museum hopes you'll contribute to this fund).
Saturday February 20, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Oakwood Cemetery - 1601 Navasota Street, Austin

For more information: info@sachome.org or www.sachome.org

A Note From the Cat

2010-01-13T14:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Humans,

MERCI BEAUCOUP for all the support! Not only have you been supporting me through the Museum's "Kitty Fund," but I've also been receiving extra gifts of food, blankets, and supplemental money for the winter. I appreciate you all so much.

I have shared your donations with Pretty Kitty, Mama Cat, Scaredy, Bonnie, Clyde, and the "ferals." We thank you so much for aiding in our survival. We are fortunately felines to have such a nice place to call home with humans who feed, fix, vaccinate, and care for us so deeply. I'm lucky enough to be allowed into the office on cold/rainy days, too. Those ladies are so good to me! I suppose I'll pay it forward by being the best mouser a Museum ever had!

Again, thank you to everyone who has given us extra love this month. Puuuuuurrrrrrrrrs to you!

All my love,

Scrappy Dubois III

(on behalf of the whole gang)

Volunteer Work Day 1/16/2010

2010-01-12T13:50:00.000-08:00

The French Legation Museum will be undergoing its annual landscape work day this Saturday, January 16th.

If you'd like to participate, please see www.handsoncentraltexas.org and click on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Caring Event to sign up.

Visit Us at the Austin Bridal Extravaganza

2010-01-02T07:17:00.000-08:00

The French Legation Museum will be on-site at the Palmer Events Center for this year's big Austin's Wedding Guide Bridal Extravaganza! This annual event will take place on Saturday, January 9th and Sunday, January 10th from noon to 5:00pm.

Be sure to stop by and talk with FLM staff. We'll be happy to answer questions, book dates, and offer more information on this historic, romantic, and beautiful wedding venue.