By George Slaughter
The new Stephen F. Austin State Historic Site Museum opens Aprl 27. (Texas Historical Commission photo)
SAN FELIPE—Volunteers are being sought for a new museum that’s both within easy driving distance from Katy and is at one of the state’s most significant historical sites.
The new museum, at the Stephen F. Austin State Historic Site in San Felipe, opens on Friday, April 27.
San Felipe de Austin was the headquarters town of Stephen F. Austin’s Colony in Mexican Texas. He ran his land office at the townsite, assisting mostly American settlers with grant claims offered by the Mexican government. As conflict emerged with the Mexican government over various issues including immigration, political leadership was centered at San Felipe and the provisional government formed there near the end of 1835 managed the revolution effort against the Mexican political leader and general Santa Anna.
The town of San Felipe de Austin was burned by its evacuating residents in late March of 1836 during the Runaway Scrape. Today the historic site shares the stories of Austin and his settlers through innovative programming, including public archeology.
Volunteer opportunities vary and can accommodate as little commitment as one weekend a month or as frequently as weekly. Anyone interested in volunteering at the new museum is welcome to volunteer.
Volunteers can attend one of three orientation sessions, which are scheduled for:
- 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 10
- 2 p.m. Thursday, April 12
- 10 am. Saturday, April 14
Orientations will be in the learning hall room at the new museum facility, at 220 2nd St. in San Felipe. Museum staff will conduct the orientation, which include an overview of most of the available volunteer opportunities. Each session will last approximately two hours.
The historic site is approximately 15-20 miles west of Katy off of I-10. To reach the site, take the 723 Exit and go north on FM 1458 until reaching 2nd Street. Turn right on 2nd Street, and the museum is on the left.
For more information, call 979-885-2181 and ask to speak with the site’s volunteer coordinator. To learn more about the historic site, see the web site at visitsanfelipedeaustin.com.