French Legation News and Events

Evening Under the Oaks Cancellation

2011-12-14T11:14:00.000-06:00

The December 16, 2011 Evening Under the Oaks has been cancelled. Please check back for more information about upcoming events.

Holiday Hours

2011-11-23T13:04:00.000-06:00

The French Legation Museum will be closed:

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Tidings Festival December 10, 2011

2011-11-05T14:48:00.001-05:00

A Nineteenth-Century Christmas

Discover the roots of many holiday traditions at the French Legation Museum! Mid-19th Century French practices and American Victorian decoration will be the focus of our tours beginning November 26, 2011 at the French Legation Museum in Historic East Austin. Tours are available daily, Tuesday through Sunday, from 1:00 – 4:00pm. Admission prices are just $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors (62+), and $2.00 for students and teachers. Special group tours can be arranged!

Christmas Tidings Festival
Saturday, December 10, 2011 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Come enjoy an evening of family fun at the French Legation Museum. This year’s Christmas Tidings Program will include warm refreshments, a Victorian ornament making station, a Victorian Cobweb Party for children, an appearance by Père Noël (the traditional French Santa), and community fellowship. Activities range in price from $1 -$10.

Children's Storytime Every First and Third Thursday

2011-11-03T08:29:00.001-05:00

The Young Ambassador's Club, our new children's storytime and activity club, will meet every first and third Thursday from 9:30AM-10:30AM in the Carriage House and in pretty weather on the Grounds. Parents and guardians are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks, and all we ask of the children is that they bring their imaginations and excitement. Each child will receive a Young Ambassador badge and will be encouraged to participate in activities that are closely related to the theme of each week's book or books. They will also be able to help us pick out books or themes for future meetings through our Diplomatic Dispatch Box.

This is a donation based program that is free and open to the public. If you would like to support the Young Ambassador's Club, donations can be made at the FLM Offices at 802 San Marcos Street, Austin, TX 78702.

NEXT MEETING: December 15, 2011, 9:30AM

The little ones are sure to have a bear-y good time this week!

Restoration News: New Tours and Programs

2011-10-26T09:33:00.000-05:00

The French Legation Museum is happy to announce that the 2011 Restoration Project is slated to begin on October 26, 2011. This is a very exciting time in the history of the Museum and we are eager to begin the work. Because the house will be under construction during the months of November, December, and January, we will be embarking on a new series of tours and programs that will explore the history of the French Legation Grounds and daily life in Austin in the 1840s and 1850s. We will continue to tell the story of Dubois, the Pig War and the Robertson Family, but the focus of the tours will shift to the Kitchen, the Grounds, and everyday life. Please stop by the Museum as we move forward with the Restoration Project to learn more about the preservation process and to check out the many new programs that we will be unveiling in the coming months.

2011-10-24T16:38:00.000-05:00

2011-10-23T16:40:00.000-05:00

October 31, 2011 Haunted History Mystery Tickets and Information

2011-10-22T16:25:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Advance online ticket sales end at 5PM October 31, 2011.
Please call 512-472-8180 or visit the Museum to purchse tickets after 5PM.

For the first time ever, the French Legation Museum invites visitors to explore the lesser known side of the Museum’s history. On October 31, 2011, under the guidance of paranormal researchers Robyn Ramsey, Melissa Burk and Darla Andrews, guests will learn how to use ghost hunting instruments, conduct experiments and search for paranormal presence in Austin’s oldest home.

“We’ve never done anything like this before,” says Director, Lise Ragbir “but we feel that this is the right to time to respond to the community’s interest.”

The French Legation Museum’s paranormal history has long been of interest to paranormal investigators, television producers, and neighbors alike. The quiet, rumored stories of ghosts at the Legation have brought visitors from near and far but until now, the stories haven’t been openly shared with the public. But timing is everything. With the 170 year old home about to undergo preservation work, the Museum collection will be moved off site during construction, leaving the house completely empty for the first time in almost 60 years. With construction scheduled to begin in November, the house will be empty of all its earthly objects this Halloween.

Dr. Gayla Lawson, Chair of the French Legation Museum Committee says, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Museum visitors to spend time in the empty house.” Dr. Lawson goes on to explain that while the Board and staff knew they wanted to invite visitors into this unique environment, “We wanted to offer a way to make the empty space exciting.”

Enter Robyn Ramsey and her team of paranormal researchers. “History and paranormal research go hand in hand” says Ramsey, leader of the team that will be conducting the research at the Museum. “It’s important that the paranormal research community partner with cultural organizations to fill the disconnect between history and paranormal activity. We’re excited about this partnership.”

On October 31, 2011, from 3pm to 2am, in groups of ten, visitors will have the opportunity to spend one hour with three paranormal researchers in the empty historic house. Guests will have the opportunity to record their experience in the Museum’s Ghost Log, becoming a part of the Museum’s ongoing history. Tickets for the hour long sessions range from $15 to $35 and must be purchased in advance online at the French Legation Museum’s Online Store, or by calling 512.472.8180.

October 28, 2011 Merci Buckets in Concert at the FLM

2011-10-22T13:54:00.000-05:00

Local Austin band Merci Buckets will be on site October 28, 2011 for a special Halloween Edition of Evening Under the Oaks! Feel free to wear your Halloween costume or just come and lounge on the grounds and listen to some great indie music. Grounds open at 6:30PM for BYOB picnics and trick-or-treating. Concert will begin at 7PM. Cover is $5. Thanks to the generous donation of Merci Buckets proceeds benefit the museum and the preservation of Texas history! Musicians will accept tips.

For more information about Merci Buckets please visit http://www.reverbnation.com/mercibuckets.

October 16, 2011 Archeology Day

2011-10-07T11:43:00.000-05:00

French Legation Museum’s Archeology Day 2011
A part of the Texas Historical Commission’s celebration of Texas Archeology Month

Join us at the French Legation Museum as we celebrate archeology! On Sunday, October 16, gates will open at 1:00pm for this day of free fun and learning activities. Guests will enjoy free tours of the French Legation Museum, the oldest wood-frame structure in Austin and a Texas State Archeological Landmark. Hands-on activities include children's mock dig, meet & greet with THC Archeological Stewards, fun info and coloring sheets, and displays of archeological findings from the historic site.

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. The Legation originally sat on 22 acres of land, from today’s E. 7th Street to E. 11th Street, bordered by East Avenue (IH-35) and San Marcos Street.

2011-10-05T09:36:00.000-05:00

Fundraising Concert Series “Evening Under the Oaks” Continues 2011 Season

2011-09-27T14:10:00.000-05:00

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

September 30, 2011 - Admission is just $5.00 for this outdoor event. Gates open at 6:30 for b.y.o.b. picnics. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to lounge under the oaks. Music begins at 7:00pm. Thanks to SOUP’s generous donation, 100% of proceeds benefit the preservation of the French Legation Museum. The musicians will accept tips.

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. For more information about this event and the historic site, visit http://www.frenchlegationmuseum.org/ or http://www.reverbnation.com/soupband.

2011-09-20T14:23:00.000-05:00

Discounted Admission to the Blanton Museum of Art for Friends of the French Legation Museum

2011-09-17T13:34:00.000-05:00

Starting September 18, 2011, with the opening of the much anticipated Storied Past: Four Centuries of French Drawings from the Blanton Museum of Art exhibit, Friends of the French Legation Museum will receive two for one admission to the Blanton Museum of Art through the end of the year. Members of The Blanton will also receive two for one admission to the French Legation Museum and Evening Under the Oaks Concerts, as well as a 10% discount at the French Legation Museum Store.

How can I become a Friend of the French Legation Museum? Friend Memberships begin at $25 and include many benefits in addition to discounted Blanton admission. Friends receive a 10% discount at the French Legation Museum Store, discounts on Museum programs, special invitations to Museum events, quarterly updates via our e-newsletter, The Embassy Report, and our Artifact of the Month e-notes. To join online visit our Friends website.

How do I let The Blanton know I am a Friend? Friends will receive an email from the French Legation with a special coupon outlining the details of the two for one admission program. Simply print the coupon and present it at the Blanton front desk.

What is Storied Past: Four Centuries of French Drawings from the Blanton Museum of Art? "Drawn primarily from The Blanton's Suida-Manning Collection, this exhibition of 58 works explores the material and social history of the French drawing. Preliminary sketches , compositional studies, figure studiesm and finished works dating from 1500-1900 demonstrate the medium's breadth. among the artists included are Jacques Callot, François Boucher, Jean-Baptiste Greuze, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, François-Marius Granet, Théodore Rousseau, and Théophile Alexandre Steinlen." For more details visit the exhibition website.

How long is this special program in effect? September 18-December 31, 2011.

2011-08-25T15:05:00.000-05:00

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2011-08-25T15:03:00.000-05:00

Political Ties Fête and Auction

2011-08-24T13:17:00.000-05:00

You are cordially invited to attend

Political Ties Fête and Auction

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

6:00-8:30pm

At the historic

French Legation Museum

802 San Marcos St, Austin, TX 78702

Please join our distinguished hosts:

Senators Kirk Watson and Jeff Wentworth, Representatives Dawnna Dukes, Donna Howard, Eddie Rodriguez, Mark Strama, Elliot Naishtat, Doug Miller, Mayor Lee Leffingwell, and French Consul and Commercial Counselor Frédéric Bontems

...for an evening of fun and fundraising including a light supper, champagne, an auction of political memorabilia and a chance to enter a raffle for a week-long stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France.

Tickets are $25/person
RSVP required. 512-472-8180

Tickets available online at http://www.frenchlegationmuseum.org/store/?page_id=3&category=6&product_id=16

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Hillco Partners
Red River Restorations
Riviera Experience
Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q
Tito’s Handmade Vodka

SXSW Rental Contracts for 2012 Now Available

2011-08-11T17:01:00.000-05:00

SXSW Rental Contracts are now available. Please contact our Programs Coordinator at programs@frenchlegationmuseum.org for more information if you are interested in renting the grounds for showcases or concerts during SXSW.

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2011-08-05T14:50:00.000-05:00

2011-08-03T14:49:00.000-05:00

2011-08-02T14:47:00.000-05:00

2011-08-02T14:43:00.000-05:00

2011-08-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

Bastille Day Party Info and Ticket Information

2011-07-13T14:44:00.000-05:00

LARGEST FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR—LIVE AUCTION BENEFITING FRENCH LEGATION MUSEUM HELD AT ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE D’AUSTIN’S BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATION
A TOUCH OF PARIS IN THE BOOMING CAPITAL CITY.

Austin, TX: In conjunction with the Alliance Française D’Austin (Austin’s French Alliance), the French Legation Museum invites you to an exciting night of Franco-Texan fun in Central Austin.

The Alliance Française D’Austin is hosting its sixteenth annual Bastille Day Celebration on Saturday, July 16, 2011, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Historic French Legation Museum at 802 San Marcos Street, just east of I-35. $8 advance tickets available online here; $10 at the door; children 12 and under are FREE.

Ava Arenella, Kalu James, and Courtney Sanchez & Sway will entertain the crowd with their delightful music. Fine foods from Pascal’s Catering, ‘Say She Ate’ Mobile Comfort Foods, Crêpe Crazy, and La Pâtisserie, wine, and local beer will also be available at the event. Festival proceeds will benefit the Alliance Française D’Austin’s Frederique Moinard Scholarship Fund, which annually awards scholarships to area students. The French Legation Museum, under the custodianship of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas, will also hold a live auction with fine wines, weekend getaways, gift certificates to local restaurants and entertainment, museum memberships, and other fine items up for bid.

The French Legation Museum is a non-profit historic house museum whose mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of Texas history and culture through preservation of the legacy, structure, and collections of the French Legation of The Republic of Texas.

The Alliance Française d'Austin is a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage and develop knowledge of the French language and French and Francophone cultures, and to foster cultural, intellectual and artistic exchanges between the USA and France and French-speaking countries.

For more information online, please check www.afaustin.org or www.frenchlegationmuseum.org
…email the organizations at info@afaustin.org or programs@frenchlegationmuseum.org.

Bastille Day Celebration and Auction July 16, 2011

2011-07-12T16:07:00.000-05:00

We are happy to announce that the French Legation Museum has received many exciting items that will be up for auction as a part of the live auction fundraiser! From museum and film passes, gift certificates to area restaurants, weekend getaways, to wines, we have a little something for everyone!

Our generous donors include:

ART on 5th
Austin Steam Train Association
Paramount & State Theatre
The Blanton Museum of Art
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Boggy Creek Farm
Chez Nous, French Bistro
INNU Salon
Lone Star River Boat
Mexic-Arte Museum
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
Rockin' R River Rides
The Alamo
La Boite
East End Wines
Neill-Cochran House
The Huisache Grill
Slow Food Austin

As well as many other anonymous donors and Friends of the French Legation Museum

Save the Date: Bastille Day Celebration July 16, 2011

2011-06-21T15:29:00.001-05:00

See http://www.afaustin.org/bastilleday.html for more details.

Summer Camp at the French Legation

2011-05-27T08:45:00.000-05:00

Summer Programs for students ages 6-17.

History on the Hill: Time Traveller’s Camp

The French Legation Museum is happy to announce its 2011 Summer Camp Schedule. Children ages 6-11 are invited to join us July 18-22 and August 1-5, 2011 from 9am -3pm for a week of adventure as we travel back in time to explore life in early Austin and learn about food, clothing, travel, livestock, parties, music, and life on the frontier. For more information click https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MbdrXriADFsWQfLlowWQ1ALcGIym34TqkGFbCM-80hI/edit?hl=en .

Junior Docent Camp

Students ages 12-17 are also invited to apply to join our inaugural class of Junior Docents. Junior Docent Camp will take place June 27- July 1, 2011 from 9am- 3pm, and applications are due June 1, 2011. Junior docents will be trained as museum aides and given opportunities to go behind the scenes at a historic house museum while joining our efforts to share our history with the community. Applications and more information about the camp are posted at

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xHXeRPWWL7ROpkJfJy30Ik1uJfP7UN9vRzBMyUM9H-M/edit?hl=en

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. The Legation originally sat on 22 acres of land, from today’s E. 7th Street to E. 11th Street, bordered by East Avenue (IH-35) and San Marcos Street. For more information about this event and the historic site, visit www.FrenchLegationMuseum.org.

.

Knit-nics: Next meeting June 5, 2011

2011-05-19T10:34:00.000-05:00

Come and join us every 1st and 3rd Sunday under the shady oaks of the French Legation for an afternoon of crafting and lazy picnics. Bring a lawn chair, or a blanket, your favorite snacks and beverages, and your craft of choice, and get ready for some community crafting. I'll be knitting, but we welcome painters, quilters, sketch artists, scrapbookers, and even people that just are interested in the picnic portion of the excitement! See you there!

Another Glorious Opportunity

2011-05-14T11:23:00.000-05:00

The French Legation will celebrate her 170th birthday in coming months, and during a recent check-up, courtesy of Volz & Associates, Inc. and WJE, Inc., it was discovered that the historic home needs our help. The French Legation needs to be stabilized, her load lightened, and her roof restored. With this in mind, we urge you to join us as we raise funds to support our favorite Austin Landmark.

In 1839, Alphonse Dubois was doing a little urging of his own. He wrote to French King Louis-Philippe that Texas represented a "glorious opportunity" for the French, and he urged the King to gamble on the Texians and form an official alliance with the young Republic. Louis-Philippe and his advisers agreed with Dubois' findings and signed a treaty that formally recognized Texas as a sovereign republic. We hope that you too will heed the words of Dubois and join us as we preserve the history of Austin and Texas by saving one of her crown jewels, the French Legation of the Republic of Texas.

There are many ways to support the French Legation. You can support her with your time. Time spent gardening, giving tours, helping in the office, and providing professional advice and services. You can support her with your money, by contributing directly to The Glorious Opportunity Campaign, or purchasing cedar shakes for the roof as a Mover and Shaker. Shakes only cost $5. Bundles are $50. You can support her with your presence. Our visitation numbers and volunteer records help us as we write grants and indicate community support and relevance. You can support her with your words. Tell your friends about the French Legation. Encourage them to visit, even if only for a picnic or game of Frisbee on the grounds. Ask them to get involved as a volunteer or suggest that they rent the grounds for parties and events.

We hope to see the French Legation standing tall atop Robertson Hill for another 170 years. Helps us achieve that goal by giving to The Glorious Opportunity Campaign in any way you can!

French Legation American Elm Pens Arriving Soon!

2011-05-04T13:54:00.001-05:00

Check out the great work that Kenn's Pens did with the wood remaining from the American Elm!
www.kennspens.com/trees-frenchlegation.html

Political Ties Postponed

2011-04-26T09:48:00.000-05:00

Due to scheduling conflicts the Political Ties Event has been postponed. Please contact us at 512-472-8180 or email programs@frenchlegationmuseum.org for additional information. Thank you for your support and please check back for the rescheduled date soon!
Sincerely,
French Legation Museum Committee and Staff

Political Ties Fête and Auction -April 27, 2011

2011-04-14T17:04:00.000-05:00

The French Legation Museum invites you to an evening of roasts and rivalry all in the name of a cause worthy of mythic Texas history. Guests will enjoy a light dinner, champagne, and a spirited auction of Texas political memorabilia. Tickets are $25, and all proceeds benefit "A Glorious Opportunity," the French Legation Museum's preservation campaign. RSVP required. This event is hosted by Representative Dawnna Dukes, Senator Kirk Watson, Senator Jeff Wentworth, Representative Elliot Naishtat, Representative Doug Miller, and Consul Pierre Grandjouan of the Consulate General of France in Houston.

House Resolution 1097

2011-04-09T16:12:00.000-05:00

Past and present members of the French Legation Museum Administrative Committee were honored on Friday by the Texas House of Representatives. Representative Doug Miller presented a resolution commemorating the 170th anniversary of the French Legation and honoring her history and protectors. He was joined by Representative Dawnna Dukes, a long time friend of the Legation. The text of the Resolution can be accessed here.

170th Anniversary, April 8, 2011, 4:30-7PM

2011-04-02T13:28:00.000-05:00

Celebrate the 170th year of the oldest home in Austin, with birthday cake, punch, & a “Glorious Opportunity” to help the French Legation. The Museum is launching the Glorious Opportunity Preservation Campaign with a celebration of the historic home. Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell will symbolically mark the transition from planning to preservation with a ribbon cutting ceremony! Birthday guests will learn how to become a Mover and a Shaker in the preservation of Austin history and will be treated to a special look at the French Legation through time, as well as a brief architectural tour of the home. Free to the public, we welcome all those who value the museum’s mission: to promote understanding and appreciation of Texas history and culture through preservation of the legacy, structure, and collections of the French Legation of the Republic of Texas.

We're Hiring!

2011-03-30T11:36:00.000-05:00

http://www.io.com/~tam/Jobs/jobbank.html#dflm

170th Anniversary Party Save the Date!

2011-03-26T12:57:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars! The French Legation is celebrating its 170th anniversary on April 8, 2011 at 4:30PM. Come join us for refreshments and fun as we honor the history of the mansion, its protectors, and the city it has overlooked for so long!

Evening Under the Oaks with Soup Friday March 25, 2011

2011-03-23T10:17:00.000-05:00

Relax and enjoy an evening of soulful, blues-rock americana with local favorites $OUP!

Admission is just $3.00 for this outdoor event. Gates Open at 6:00PM for byob picnics, so bring a blanket or chair. Music begins at 6:30 in the evening. 100% of the proceeds benefit the museum, so don't forget to tip your musicians.

SXSW Day 2: Dig For Fire / Other Music

2011-03-17T14:27:00.000-05:00

Set up and the crowd gathering to see Cass McCombs.

SXSW Day 1: Bella Union/Yours Truly

2011-03-16T14:45:00.000-05:00

The bikes are stacking up to hear the great line up from Bella Union and Yours Truly! Thanks again to Bike Texas for letting us borrow their bike racks!

Some of our littlest visitors listen to Lanterns on the Lake.

SXSW Information for Concert Seekers

2011-03-09T11:09:00.000-06:00

We are very excited to have Bella Union, Yours Truly, Dig For Fire, and Other Music on the grounds this year for SXSW. The following are helpful hints and reminders for anyone that wishes to attend the concerts at the FLM this year!

Tips:
1. Parking is not available, so walk on over or bike up the hill! We are partnering with Bike Texas to provide bike racks this year so everyone can lock up their bike and not worry!

2. Bring Cash! We do not have an ATM onsite and you'll need at least some cash to stay hydrated.

3. Come early! Gates will close once the grounds' capacity of two thousand is reached!

The following are prohibited at the French Legation Museum:

1. Outside Alcohol
2. Illegal Substances
3. Trespassing
4. Public Urination and Indecency
5. Behavior Endangering Others
6. Behavior Endangering the Historic Site

Bella Union/ Yours Truly SXSW Lineup

2011-03-01T13:29:00.000-06:00

History on the Hill and Junior Docent Camps!

2011-03-01T10:59:00.000-06:00

The French Legation Museum is happy to announce its 2011 Summer Camp Schedule.

Children ages 6-11 are invited to join us July 18-22 and August 1-5, 2011 from 9AM- 3PM for a week of adventure as we travel back in time to explore life in early Austin. Children will enjoy learning about food, clothing, travel, livestock, parties, music, and life on the frontier. Cost is $100/week and $25/day. Registration information can be found here.

Students ages 12-17 are also invited to apply to become a member of our inaugural class of Junior Docents. Junior Docent Camp will take place June 27 - July 1, 2011, and applications are due March 31, 2011. Junior Docents will be trained as museum aides and given opportunities to go behind the scenes as they join in our efforts to share the history of the FLM with our community. Applications and more information about the camp are posted here.

Save the Date! Summer Camp is Coming!

2011-02-26T11:38:00.001-06:00

Junior Docent Camp (Ages 12-17) June 27- July 1, 2011

History on the Hill (Ages 6-11) July 18-22 and August 1-5, 2011

Check back next week for more details on
both of these exciting summer opportunities.

SXSW Dig For Fire/ Other Music Line Up Announced

2011-02-26T08:58:00.000-06:00

Exhibit at Kerrville's Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library through March

2011-02-23T09:29:00.001-06:00

To celebrate Texas History Month, the ladies of the Joshua D. Brown Chapter of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas worked with the French Legation Museum to install an exhibit about the FLM in the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library in Kerrville, TX. On display through March, the exhibit highlights the history of the French Legation from its completion in 1841 to our current preservation project.

Left to Right: GayNell Wells, Nancy McLarry, Laura Lucera, all members of the FLM Committee and the Joshua D. Brown Chapter of the DRT. For more info and directions to the library visit http://kerrville.org/index.aspx?NID=92

2/25/2011 EUO presents Georgette!

2011-02-18T10:33:00.000-06:00

Evening Under the Oaks, the French Legation Museum's fundraising concert series, kicks off the 2011 season with local favorites Georgette on Friday, February 25,2011.

Admission is just $3.00 for this outdoor event. Gates open at 6:30 for b.y.o.b picnics (don't forget to bring a chair or blanket). Music begins at 7:00 in the evening. 100% of proceeds benefit the museum (so don't forget to tip your musicians).

Relax and enjoy an evening of acoustic indie folk with Georgette under the stars. To sample their music and learn more about the band visit myspace.com/georgettemusic. Explore East Austin after the concert and discover new cultural adventures during East End Fourth Fridays.

Restoring the French Legation Part 1

2011-02-08T16:01:00.000-06:00

Chris from Volz and Associates stopped by last week with several potential bidders, including Texas Construction Company (pictured), to walk through the restoration of the French Legation.

Several obstacles were pointed out by the different contractors, but one of the contractors had actually worked on the house during the 1983 restoration and remembered working with the canvas on the ceiling at the north end of the house.

Obstacle Number 1. Two Red Comet Fire Extinguishers potentially full of hazardous Carbon Tetrachloride. These early twentieth-century grenade style fire extinguishers are still mounted to the rafters in the attic, and must be taken down prior to the restoration of the roof.

Obstacle Number 2. Joist Irregularity. The joists supporting the cedar shakes on the roof are all of different widths and are spaced irregularly. Joists that have to be replaced will need to be measured and cut almost on an individual basis. This will slow the work on the roof considerably, and may make it necessary for an extra carpenter to be on site to cut the joists to size.

Winter Wonderland

2011-02-04T07:33:00.000-06:00

Museum and grounds closed today due to weather and road conditions. Museum will open again tomorrow at 1pm for regular hours.

La Fête de la Fleur d'Austin

2011-02-03T10:00:00.000-06:00

The Daughters of The Republic of Texas, Custodians of

The French Legation Museum

would be honored by your presence

Friday, Februaruy 11, 2011, at 6:30 PM for

"La Fête de la Fleur d' Austin"

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

This one of a kind dinner will benefit the Fleur d'Austin, the French Legation Museum. In its 170th year, this Grand Lady needs help to stop the physical deterioration that is threatening her existence. Funds raised at this event will aide in the restoration of the Legation so that she can continue to serve as an educational and cultural beacon for decades to come!

Please Select Your Menu

Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, butter poached asparagus, sautéed new potatoes cayenne scented chicken stock reduction
Sautéed Rainbow Trout Filet, leek fondue, and green beans served with brown butter lemon and capers
Filet Mignon topped with Béarnaise, potatoe puree, spinach, and glazed vegetables

Menu includes hors d'oeurves, soup, salad, desert and a wide selection of beer and wine.

Tickets are $100 each. They include an elegant 5 course meal with drinks and automatic registration for participation in the live auction. Tables can be sponsored starting $1000. Due to limited seating, RSVP is required. Cocktail attire.

Répondez S'il Vous Plaît

Coming Soon! French Legation American Elm Pens

2011-01-22T17:36:00.001-06:00

Our dear old American Elm, which according to some calculations was over 90 years old, tragically succumbed to old age this winter. The tree was recently removed from the property, and its branches are soon to be immortalized in the form of custom pens created by Kenn Hill. The American Elm will be in good company as Mr. Hill has worked with wood from the famous Treaty Oak of Austin and trees from the Alamo.

Grounds Workday 2011

2011-01-22T16:43:00.000-06:00

The grounds were very busy today as a hoard of volunteers helped trim up our 2.5 acres. Thanks so much to all our gracious helpers!

Christmas Tidings 2010: Candlelight Tours, a Visit from Père Noël, and Much More!

2010-11-17T11:54:00.000-06:00

Discover the roots of many holiday traditions at the French Legation Museum! Mid-19th Century French practices and American Victorian decoration will be displayed all December long at the French Legation Museum in Historic East Austin. Tours are available daily, Tuesday through Sunday, from 1:00 – 5:00pm. Admission prices are just $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors (62+), and $2.00 for students and teachers. Special group tours can be arranged!

Père Noël Visits the Legation!
Saturday, December 4, 2010 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Kids will be sure to enjoy the personal attention of Père Noël (the traditional French “Santa”). This free event is a great way to kick off the Holiday Season. Professional photography will be available for purchase from SMB Photography, please no amateur photography. Discounts available for military families with soldiers oversees. Packages starting at $29.99.

Christmas Tidings
Friday, December 10, 2010 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Come enjoy an evening of family fun and music at the French Legation Museum. This year’s Christmas Tidings Program will include warm refreshments, candlelight tours of the museum, live music from community choirs, children’s activities, and community fellowship. This event is free to the public! Come celebrate community and the true meaning of the season at the French Legation Museum.

Fall Fest Update!

2010-11-17T11:52:00.000-06:00

What a great turnout for the Fall Fest! Thanks to our visitors from France for their cultural insight & delightful wine tasting, and also to Whole Foods for stepping in with last minute cheese selections! For more info on the fabulous wine and chocolates, please visit http://www.frenchnugget.com/ and domaine.de.labbaye@wanadoo.fr. We will keep you updated as Domaine de L'Abbaye becomes available in the United States.

2010-11-11T15:22:00.000-06:00

What a great turnout last evening for the Fall Fest! Thanks to our visitors from France for their cultural insight & delightful wine tasting, and also to Whole Foods for stepping in with last minute cheese selections!

Fall Fromage Fest - Nov. 10, 2010

2010-11-09T11:35:00.000-06:00

Love cheese? Love wine? Love Texas?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, please join us at The French Legation Museum Wednesday November 10th from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm for a one-of-a-kind event celebrating fall and fabulous history with incredible Austin cheese creations and French wine. Don’t miss the fabulous creations of Austin’s Indulge Cheese - unique and absolutely delicious Fromage masterpieces – paired with the gift of wine from our special friend Franc Petit, of France, from the 13th century vineyard Domaine de l'Abbaye , located in Villefranche-sur-mer, France.

This free event honors our visitors from France, and celebrates the preservation project currently underway currently underway at the oldest home in Austin. The French Legation Museum, a non-profit historic house museum, is the oldest wood-frame structure in Austin and a Texas State Archeological Landmark. Built to serve as the diplomatic outpost for King Louis Philippe of France to the Republic of Texas, the legendary open-to-the-public museum has a rich, storied history, and is currently under the custodianship of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas.The French Legation is located at 802 San Marcos Street, Austin, Texas.

For more information, please contact programs@frenchlegationmuseum.org or visit http://www.frenchlegationmuseum.org/.

Hallow's Eve Event was a Great Success!

2010-10-30T12:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday mourners gathered at the French Legation on San Marcos Street to revisit the funeral of Dr. George W. Robertson. After a long illness Dr. Robertson succumbed on August 8, 1870, and his funeral was held at his home on the 9th.

"In public, as in private life, he was honest, and faithful to the trust, discharging his duty with fidelity and zeal. Having voluntarily cast his lot with the hardy pioneers on the frontier of the young Republic, he gave his time and talent to aid in building up the country, neglecting his own fortune. He was open-hearted, honest and genial, a kind husband, a good neighbor and true friend, and in his death Texas loses a good citizen."

Excerpt from Dr. Robertson's obituary, The Daily Austin Republican, August 10, 1870.

Oct 30, 2010 is Archeology Day!

2010-10-15T15:05:00.000-05:00

Join us at the French Legation Museum as we celebrate archeology! On Saturday, October 30, gates will open at 1:00pm for this day of free fun and learning activities. Guests will enjoy free tours of the French Legation Museum, the oldest wood-frame structure in Austin and a Texas State Archeological Landmark. Hands-on activities include children's mock dig, meet & greet with Texas Historical Commission Archeological Stewards, Native American crafts, fun info and coloring sheets, and displays of archeological findings from the historic site.

FLM Honored by the City of Austin

2010-10-15T13:59:00.000-05:00

On October 14, 2010, the French Legation Museum was honored by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department as a 2010 Partner in the Arts and Humanities. This award honors those "who have made significant contributions in support of the Cultural Affairs Division."

"The French Legation Museum has been selected to receive this honor for your generous loan of a three piece bedroom set originally from Joseph Hannig's furniture store on permanent loan to the Susannah Dickinson Museum." - Sara L Hensley, CPRP, Director, Austin Parks and Recreation Department

Hallow's Eve at the Old French Legation

2010-10-06T10:56:00.000-05:00

Yourself and family are respectfully invited to attend

the funeral of Dr. Joseph W. Robertson,
from his late residence the French Legation
on Friday, October 29, 2010, at 6 P. M.

Step back in time 140 years to attend the funeral of Dr. Joseph W. Robertson, which was held at the French Legation on August 10, 1870. Learn about Victorian mourning practices and superstitions surrounding death. On October 29, 2010, visitors will be given candlelight tours of the Legation and regaled with stories of memento mori, the reminders of death and loved ones. Guests are also welcome to enjoy the grounds. The gates of the French Legation will open at 6 P.M. with tours running every twenty minutes until 8 P.M. Entrance to this special evening event is $3. Children are free.

The French Legation historic home will be dressed in mourning throughout the month of October. The French Legation is open for tours from 1-5 P.M. Tuesday through Sunday. The final tour of the day begins at 4 P.M. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students, and $3 for seniors.

Wine and Cheese Soirée 2010

2010-09-24T15:31:00.000-05:00

GayNell Wells, Nancy McLarry, and Christine Berkland

greet visitors at the Cheese Table.

A Beautiful Evening at the French Legation!

Austin Museum Day, September 19, 2010, 1-5 PM

2010-09-01T16:12:00.000-05:00

The French Legation Museum celebrates Preservation - September 19, 2010
In conjunction with Austin Museum Partnership’s annual Museum Day Event

Preservation from the Ground Up:
The French Legation Museum’s 170 Years

Free community event to celebrate Historic Preservation in Texas. The iron gates of the French Legation will be opened for a fun, free, family event from 1-5 PM on Sunday, September 19, 2010. Stop by for a sneak peek of the historic home and learn more about how historic structures are preserved.

Construction of the French Legation began 170 years ago. Come celebrate this beginning as we explore the history of the Legation, as well as other Austin gems like Boggy Creek Farmhouse. Visitors will be given a rare opportunity to learn about the French Legation historic structure and the preservation projects that have kept the house alive for so many years. Historic film footage from the Texas Archive of the Moving Image will be shown throughout the afternoon. Special presenters include Carol Ann Sayle from Boggy Creek Farm and Dr. Kenneth Hafertepe from Baylor University. Old-fashioned toys and games will be available for children and adults alike and light refreshments will also be served.

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. The Legation originally sat on 22 acres of land, from today’s E. 7th Street to E. 11th Street, bordered by East Avenue (IH-35) and San Marcos Street.

Fundraising Raffle Coming Soon!

2010-08-25T14:54:00.000-05:00

Villefranche sur Mer - More details to follow!

Save the Date! Sept 19, 2010

2010-07-29T14:24:00.000-05:00

Austin Museum Day is coming soon! Get ready to explore Austin museums as doors open for free admission and special programming on Sunday, September 19, 2010.

This event is sponsored by the Austin Museum Partnership and will include many Austin museums. Checkout their website for more information.

http://www.austinmuseums.org/index/

Bastille Day Festival and Auction!

2010-07-22T12:56:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who helped make our annual Bastille Day Auction a success! From the Alliance Francaise D'Austin, the volunteers, George Vaught the Auctioneer, The South Austin Artist's Co-op, our many generous donors, and friends that bid on items - we wouldn't be the same museum we are today without your support!

Beverly, Steven, and Lauren, French Legation Friends and Volunteers, at the Silent Auction tables.

The South Austin Artist's Co-op Tent - many members of the co-op were gracious enough to donate original works of art to the auction!

Our first Live Auction! George Vaught graciously donated his time and auctioneer expertise!

Captain Benoni, Wanderer Extraordinaire at your service!

2010-07-16T15:08:00.000-05:00

This morning we had an unexpected guest join us as we finalized our preparations for the Bastille Day Festival. We introduce to you Captain Benoni, Wanderer Extraordinaire

Bastille Day Auction July 17, 2010

2010-07-10T12:14:00.000-05:00

Just a few of the items up for bid as a part of the French Legation Museum's Annual Silent Auction. The auction is a part of the Bastille Day Festival on the grounds July 17, 2010. All of the proceeds of the auction benefit the French Legation Museum.

7/17/2010 Bastille Day Festival Silent Auction Update

2010-07-08T14:00:00.000-05:00

We are happy to announce that the French Legation Museum has received many exciting items that will be up for auction as a part of the silent auction and live auction fundraiser! From cooking classes, museum and film passes, gift certificates to area restaurants, weekend getaways to Houston, Bastrop, and New Braunfels, to handcrafted jewelry and wines, we have a little something for everyone!

Our generous donors include:

Alamo Drafthouse
Artisan Bistro- Wine Bar, Bakery, and Catering
ART on 5th
Austin Museum of Art
Austin Parks & Recreation, Golf Division
Austin Steam Train Association
Paramount & State Theatre
Ballet Austin
Barton Springs Nursery
Bat City Awards
The Blanton Museum of Art
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Blue Dahlia Bistro
Boggy Creek Farm
Chez Nous, French Bistro
Cordua Restaurants
Cynthia L. Anderson, DRT FLM Committee Member
Esther's Follies
INNU Salon
Jim Beckett, artist
Jim Schmidt, craftsman
Justine's Brasserie
Kay and Connor McAnally and the Elm Street Inn
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Lone Star River Boat
Mexic-Arte Museum
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
Myo Massage
Patricia Horridge, DRT FLM Committee Member
Pat Allred
Rebecca Hawener
Rockin' R River Rides
Romeo's
Round Rock Express Baseball Club
Tea Embassy
The Alamo
The Faust Hotel
The Herb Bar
The Oasis
Umlauf Sculpture Garden
Wolfcreek Iron and Glass
Woodcraft by Paul Alvarez
As well as many other anonymous donors and Friends of the French Legation Museum

July 14, 2010 - Austin's Artisan Bistro Presents Bastille Day Celebration

2010-07-06T16:36:00.000-05:00

Experience French Food, Music, and Culture in the Heart of Lakeway

Mention Independence Day to a typical Texan, and he’ll imagine fireworks, beers, and barbecue—but not Cesidio d’Andrea. To this transplanted French chef, now an Austinite, Independence Day means Bastille Day: traditional French food, music, and celebrations. That’s why he’s decided to throw a special Bastille Day party at his Lakeway restaurant, Artisan Bistro: to show the people of Austin a different kind of Independence Day.

Artisan, a French bistro, wine bar and bakery located at 900 Ranch Road 620S in Lakeway, will present a Bastille Day extravaganza on Wednesday, July 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Celebration will include live music, dancing, games (such as pétanque, a bocce-like lawn bowling game), food, wine, and setups from local vendors. Chef d’Andrea will present French cooking demos, and Artisan wine buyer Mike Bryan will hold a France vs. Texas wine tasting. The Bastille Day Celebration is open to Francophiles of all ages.

"People in France come together for Bastille Day in much the same way we do here for the Fourth of July—there are parades, parties, and festivals, and people eat, drink, and celebrate," d’Andrea says. "We want to share that spirit with the people of Austin."

To learn more, please visit http://www.artisanbistroaustin.com/ or call 512.263.8728.

Bastille Day Festival and Silent Auction!

2010-07-01T11:55:00.000-05:00

In conjunction with the Alliance Française D’Austin (Austin’s French Alliance), the French Legation Museum invites you to an exciting night of Franco-Texan fun in Central Austin.

The Alliance Française D’Austin is hosting its fifteenth annual Bastille Day Festival on Saturday, July 17, 2010, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Historic French Legation Museum at 802 San Marcos Street, just east of I-35. $8 advance tickets available online at afaustin.org; $10 at the door; children under 12 are FREE.

Olivier Giraud and his band, Continental Graffiti, will entertain the crowd with retro French jazz alongside displays of all things French. Fine foods from Pascal’s Catering and Café Crepe, wine, and local beer will also be available at the event. All festival proceeds will benefit the Alliance Française D’Austin’s Frederique Moinard Scholarship Fund, which annually awards scholarships to area students. The French Legation Museum, under the custodianship of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas, will also hold a Silent Auction with original artwork, fine wines, weekend getaways, gift certificates to local restaurants and entertainment, museum memberships, and other fine items up for bid. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the French Legation Museum.

The Alliance Française d'Austin is a non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage and develop knowledge of the French language and French and Francophone cultures, and to foster cultural, intellectual and artistic exchanges between the USA and France and French-speaking countries.

For more information online, please check www.afaustin.org …email the organizations at info@afaustin.org or programs@frenchlegationmuseum.org.

Friday June 25, 2010 Evening Under the Oaks featuring musical guest SOUP!

2010-06-16T16:58:00.000-05:00

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

SOUP
THIS MONTH’S FEATURED MUSICIANS AT THE FRENCH LEGATION MUSEUM
RAIN OR SHINE... THE PARTY WILL GO ON!

Admission is just $3.00 for this outdoor event. Gates open at 7:30 pm for b.y.o.b. picnics (don’t forget to bring a chair or blanket). Music begins at 8:00 in the evening. Historical film clips of Austin, courtesy of the Texas Archive of the Moving Image, will also be shown. 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.

7/17 Bastille Day Festival & Fundraising Auction

2010-06-02T11:41:00.000-05:00

The French Legation Museum is pleased to announce its annual fundraising auction at the Alliance Francaise's Annual Bastille Day Celebration. This festival takes place on the French Legation Museum's grounds each year and is a state-wide highlight to the year!

Gates will open at 7:00pm on July 17th for this party. Please contact the Alliance at http://www.afaustin.org/ for all of the details.

Our auction will include wonderful items from:

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
ART on 5th Gallery
Austin Museum of Art (AMOA)
Austin Parks & Recreation, Golf Division
Austin Theatre Alliance
Ballet Austin
Barton Springs Nursery
Blanton Museum of Art
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Chez Nous, French Bistro
INNU Hair Salon
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Lone Star River Boat
Mexic-Arte Museum
Myo Massage
Patricia Horridge, DRT French Legation Museum Committee
Rockin' R River Rides
Romeo's
Round Rock Express Baseball Club
The Herb Bar
...and more!

If you would like to donate an item from your business or as a local artist, please contact the Museum for details.

We look forward to another wonderful Bastille Day with our friends at the Alliance Francaise d'Austin!

5/28 ENROLLMENT NOW CLOSED for Camp History on the Hill

2010-05-22T09:49:00.000-05:00

ENROLLMENT IS NOW CLOSED

PLEASE JOIN US NEXT YEAR

Enroll today! Camp History on the Hill runs 9:00 am - 12:00 noon June 7-11 at the French Legation Museum. Enroll by May 28!!! Just $25/day or $100/whole week. Snacks, crafts, and activities included. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 28, 2010

5/28 Evening Under the Oaks Fundraising Concert Series

2010-05-19T20:53:00.000-05:00

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

SOUP with special guests Calliope Musicals
THIS MONTH’S FEATURED MUSICIANS AT THE FRENCH LEGATION MUSEUM
RAIN OR SHINE... THE PARTY WILL GO ON!

EVENING UNDER THE OAKS, THE FRENCH LEGATION MUSEUM’S FUNDRAISING CONCERT SERIES, CONTINUES THE 2010 SEASON WITH TEXAS BANDS SOUP AND CALLIOPE MUSICALS ON FRIDAY, MAY 28, 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 and special guests CALLIOPE MUSICALS under the stars. Explore East 11th Street after the concert and discover new cultural adventures during East End Fourth Fridays.

Nominate FLM for Parents Picks Award

2010-05-15T11:14:00.000-05:00

You can nominate the French Legation Museum for Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect Parents Picks Awards. If you, your child, your grandchild, your students, or others have enjoyed their experiences at the French Legation Museum, please nominated us by clicking the link below. You can nominate us each day. Thank you so much for your support.

For museum
in Austin, TX

5/13 East Austin Stories

2010-05-06T15:24:00.000-05:00

EAST AUSTIN STORIES – SPRING 2010

www.EastAustinStories.org

ABOUT
Everyone loves stories. They remind us of the past, teach us about our neighbors, and tie the community together. Nowhere is richer in stories than East Austin, where colorful celebrations and tantalizing cuisines are a way of life. East Austin is a center of the arts, from ballet folklorico to the blues and from glassmaking to tattooing; it is a place where people have fun racing motorcycles, boxing, or just hanging out in the pool. Of course, East Austin shares the same problems as many inner city areas. But as the short documentaries on this web site illustrate, East Austin is a lot more than statistics or newspaper headlines. It's a network of families, communities, and businesses, each with their own stories to tell.

The short documentaries in this program are the result of collaborations between East Austinites and University of Texas filmmakers. At the end of each semester, we hold free, public screenings in the East Austin places like Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. These screenings give filmmakers, storytellers, and neighbors a chance to hear and enjoy each other's stories, to get to know each other, and to learn.

This year’s screening, supported in part by the UT RTF Department, DiverseArts and Texas Folklife, will take place at two locations:

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (1206 E. 9th Street)
Thursday, May 13th – 7pm

Kenny Dorham’s Backyard (1106 E. 11th Street)
Thursday, May 13th – 9pm

One of the films to be screened:
Pétanque at the French Legation
Dir. Michelle Dahlenburg, Matty Greene, Adrian LaGuette
Wine, cheese and little balls of steel—it’s an afternoon
playing a favorite French pastime in the heart of East Austin.

June 7-11, 2010 Camp History on the Hill

2010-04-28T13:42:00.001-05:00

Please join the French Legation Museum's celebration of the Six Flags at Camp History on the Hill 2010. Camp runs daily, June 7-11, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Cost is just $25/day or $100 for the whole week. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 28, 2010

4/23 Evening Under the Oaks Fundraising Concert Series

2010-04-06T12:17:00.000-05:00

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
RAIN OR SHINE... THE PARTY WILL GO ON!

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.

ADDITIONAL EAST END FOURTH FRIDAY EVENTS:

Kenny Dorham's Backyard •1106 E. 11th St.
To kickoff our first Fourth Friday! we will showcase the tunes of the talented Peterson Brothers Band and Lavelle White. Bring the kids to enjoy the East End Kid's Corner at Kenny Dorham's Backyard. The Kids Corner will include a moon bounce and free pizza for the kids! Be sure to check out art vendors, organizations and sponsors doing PR and public outreach.
http://www.diversearts.org

East Side Yoga •1050 E 11th Street @ Waller
For 4th Friday East Side Yoga offers a 5pm yoga flow class for FREE, and will be handing out first class free passes to all those who come visit. Open until 6:30pm
http://www.eastsideyoga-austin.com

Music at the Texas Music Museum •1009 E. 11th St.
The Texas Music Museum presents "The Knights," an alternative rock band from 7:00-9:30 pm. Tours of their current exhibit "Roots of Austin Music" will be offered from 5:00-9:30pm.
http://www.texasmusicmuseam.org

A Western performed by Action Hero (UK) at the Historic Victory Grill •1104 E. 11th St.
April 23 8:00pm
A Western is a performance for a bar. Within the space we locate our valley, our saloon, our empty street. We find our audience and together we make A Western. The audience cheat at cards, beg our hero to love them and shoot him down. We apply the ketchup blood. We wear the cowboy hats. We want the scene where our Hero walks into a bar and everyone stops talking. We want the scene where the whore begs to be loved. We want the scene where our hero dies in a long and drawn out death.
With support from the British Council.
More details and other performance times at: http://www.historicvictorygrill.org/

The New Movement Theater •1819 Rosewood Ave
April 23, 9:30pm
For Fourth Fridays, The New Movement will give 2-for-1 admission to their 9:30p show that night. Details on shows at
http://www.newmovementtheater.com

Bydee Art Gallery •1050 E 11th St., Ste. 120
Bydee Art Gallery will be offering a 15% discount on all prints for 4th Friday.
http://bydee.com

Switched On •1111 East 11th St.
Starting at 5pm, Live Music and DJs in the store
http://www.switchedonaustin.com

The East Village •1200 E. 11th St.
Stop by the model for Happy Hour from 5pm -7pm!
Model open all day.
http://www.eastvillageaustin.com

East End Wines •1209 Rosewood Ave
East End Wines is now open! Monday - Saturday 10 am - 7 pm, Sunday closed. They offer 10% off of 4 bottles of wine and 15% off of 12 or more. For Fourth Friday, stop by for a free wine tasting.
http://www.eastendwinesatx.com

Fourth Friday at Soma Vida! •1210 Rosewood Ave.
Free massage, coaching, wellness lectures, art displays, a 30-minute yoga class and more. Savor a taste of Soma Vida's Social Stew with tasty treats and community connections. We will be giving away lots of amazing door prizes of everything from full massages to business coaching sessions and community workspace memberships. It is an exciting free event you don't want to miss. Go to http://www.somavidaaustin.com for more information and to see the schedule of events.

Peter Staats Photography •1150 San Bernard Ave.
Mother's Day portraits!
http://www.peterstaats.com

Trailer Space Record Store •1401-A Rosewood Ave.
10% off on everything for 4th Friday
http://trailerspacerecords.com

5/5 Open House at the French Legation Museum

2010-04-02T14:35:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-04-01T15:19:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-01T14:56:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-03-20T20:19:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-18T21:38:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-03-16T11:17:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-10T14:43:00.000-06:00

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

2010-03-04T16:27:00.000-06:00

3/18 + 3/19 sxsw 2010 Lawn Party

2010-03-04T16:22:00.000-06:00

Texas State Historical Association Annual Meeting

2010-03-03T10:37:00.000-06:00

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

2010-02-26T08:42:00.000-06:00

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?

2010-02-24T21:13:00.000-06:00

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

2010-02-23T20:23:00.000-06:00

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!

2010-02-23T12:01:00.003-06:00

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

Water Assessment Project Update 1

2010-02-11T10:30:00.000-06:00

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

2010-02-10T12:07:00.000-06:00

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

2010-02-10T11:48:00.000-06:00

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

2010-01-29T14:02:00.000-06:00

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!

2010-01-28T13:54:00.000-06:00

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

2010-01-20T10:33:00.000-06:00

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

2010-01-19T09:39:00.000-06:00

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

2010-01-13T16:39:00.000-06:00

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

2010-01-12T15:50:00.000-06:00

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.