bullock - The Austinot

Gallop Into History Before Texas With Bullock Museum’s Unveiled Addition

December 27, 2018 by Brittany Ballard Leave a Comment

“Becoming Texas: Our Story Begins Here” takes guests from life before European settlers to the forming of Texas as a state (Credit: Chad Wadsworth/courtesy of Bullock Museum)

There’s something both sobering and thrilling about stepping foot into a museum. The realization there are thousands of years of history culminating into the present day gives me goosebumps.

Texas has a rich history and it’s easy to delve in at Bullock Texas State History Museum in central Austin. The museum offers you a full look at the key events in our state’s history. But with the newest exhibition, you can step back to the time before Texas existed. [Read more…]

Film Series at Bullock Museum Challenges Assumptions, Sparks Conversations

May 29, 2018 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Texas Focus panel with Film Programs Manager Rachel Manning on right (Credit: Bullock Museum)

Guest article by Janet Lee

Film is a window into other lives, whether they’re set in reality or an alternate universe. Movies provide various perspectives that are ultimately a reflection of our society. The Film Series Program at Bullock Museum delves into these perspectives, leading open and thematic discussions within the Austin community.

The museum’s mission is to create diverse conversations and narratives using the medium of film. And more importantly, to continue those conversations beyond the theater. Rather than simply hosting screenings, Bullock wants to collectively tackle myths, preconceived notions, and themes that are relevant and engaging. [Read more…]

Immerse Yourself in the Past at Bullock Texas State History Museum

July 25, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Under the star at Bullock Texas State History Museum (Credit: Van Sutherland via Flickr CC)

The perfect way to beat the summer heat or enjoy a rainy day in Austin is to visit one of our city’s fine museums. And if you’re looking for an opportunity to brush up on your Texas history, look no further than Bullock Texas State History Museum, located just south of The University of Texas.

Having grown up in Texas and taken the obligatory two years of Texas history, going to the Bullock was a refresher course. The visit reminded me of all the crazy stories from the Lone Star State’s past that I’d forgotten, and introduced me to many I hadn’t heard before.

It was also fun to take my New Jersey-bred husband with me. He was able to trace the history of his newly adopted homeland from its prehistoric inhabitants, through the frontier years, and into modern times. I think he was at least mildly impressed by my ability to recall random characters from the fabric of history, like Erastus “Deaf” Smith.

If you haven’t been to Bullock Texas State History Museum yet, here are a few of the highlights waiting for you. [Read more…]

Experience a (Texas) Flood of Memories at Bullock Museum’s Stevie Ray Vaughan Exhibit

March 15, 2017 by Joleen Jernigan Leave a Comment

Stevie Ray Vaughan Exhibit at Bullock Museum in Austin

Pride & Joy: The Texas Blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan is open now through July 23, 2017
(Credit: Bullock Texas State History Museum)

Growing up Texan, loving Stevie Ray Vaughan was never optional. Something deep inside us stirs when we hear his bluesy, wailing chords. We stop whatever we’re doing to listen with due reverence. His music speaks directly to the heart.

Jimmie Vaughan and The Grammy Museum are bringing a one-of-a-kind exhibit of Stevie Ray Vaughan memorabilia to the Bullock Texas State History Museum for music buffs to enjoy. Pride & Joy: The Texas Blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan opened on March 10, 2017 and will be open through July 23, 2017. The exhibit includes several items that haven’t been on display since the musician’s tragic early death in 1990. Austin, long-time home for Stevie Ray Vaughan and his older brother, Jimmie, is the fourth and final stop of the tour. [Read more…]

7 Reasons to See a Shipwreck in Austin

February 14, 2015 by J. Alan Nelson Leave a Comment

Model of the La Belle, currently being restored in front of visitors at Bullock Texas State History Museum

Why does the nation of France have a major claim to sea treasure in Austin? Why is there a centuries-old shipwreck off the corner of 18th Street and Congress Avenue?

The La Belle, a 17th century sailing ship designed for the Mississippi River, is a key artifact from the struggles between European powers France, Britain and Spain for a piece of what would become Texas. This famous ship that sailed the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, never the Mississippi as intended, doomed the French explorer La Salle’s expedition. The shipwreck was finally found in 1995 after a century-long search, in Matagorda Bay between Corpus Christi and Galveston.

The La Belle is on exhibit at Bullock Texas State History Museum until May 17, 2015. If your interest isn’t piqued already, here are 7 reasons to see the La Belle shipwreck in Austin: [Read more…]

Top 5 Reasons to Visit the Texas State History Museum

March 5, 2012 by Dustin Vegas 1 Comment

The Lone Star State is filled with things to be proud of. One of the factors that contributes significantly to Texas pride is the deep and rich history of the state. If you’re trying to convince your friends that Texas really is the best place in the world, the Bullock Texas State History Museum is for you.

Here are my top five reasons why the Bullock Texas State History Museum is worth experiencing:

1) It is beautiful. Right away, I noticed the giant lone star in its courtyard. The Lone Star symbol came about during the Texas Revolution in the mid-1830s, when Texas won its independence from Mexico. Today, it remains a manifestation of independence and the Texan fighting spirit.

Powerful without being ostentatious, the museum’s star says a lot about the Texas state of mind. I could not help but gawk at its elegance and size.

Behind the star is the larger-than-life museum. Massive stone pillars run from floor to ceiling, interspaced by crystal clear windows. I half-expected to [Read more…]

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