Posted on 03/13/2015 7:16:43 AM PDT by thetallguy24
The Texas General Land Office is terminating its contract with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to run the Alamo, ending a role the DRT has held for 110 years in managing the state-owned site, the Express-News has learned.
In a joint statement with the DRT, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush said the change will help “create a bigger, brighter future for this Texas shrine.” The contract, which runs through Aug. 31, 2016, will be terminated after 120 days, on July 10.
“The Alamo has always had the same owner — the people of Texas. And so to meet the ever-increasing operational needs of the Alamo, the GLO has determined to change its day to day management from the DRT and move in a new direction,” Bush said.
The Land Office plans to conduct a nationwide search for a company to manage the site. DRT President General Ellen McCaffrey said in the joint statement that the women’s heritage organization is entering a new chapter and will “continue to greatly honor and respect the preservation of the Alamo” for future generations.
Oddly, Phil Collins of Genesis has been the biggest collector of Alamo memorabilia since forever, had a huge stash that he offered to the State of Texas, who took the loan. These pieces will need much more curation than is currently done, and no doubt some interactive media are being planned.
The DRT, at IH-35 and 183, may actually want to hand the expanded operation over to a San Antonio group they’ve hand picked and assembled. Not to say P wouldn’t do something stupid and insulting, but this may just be investment in new people who want to grow visitation.
Your thinking is similar to mine.
I thought Georgie P. would give any new contract to the Fabulous Sons of Santa Anna.
I too am directly descended from very early settlers to Mexico/Texas. My ancestors could have died at the Alamo but I guess they didn’t get the memo and it was over by the time they heard about it. I should join the organization too.
(AUSTIN, Texas) — Today George P. Bush, Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office (GLO), and Ellen McCaffrey, 44th President General of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT), released the following statements:
Commissioner George P. Bush:
“Without the early intervention of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, we would not be able to celebrate the Shrine of Texas Liberty today. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas will always have a special place of honor at the Alamo and have graciously worked with the GLO and the State of Texas in honoring and preserving the Alamo.
“The Alamo has always had the same owner – the people of Texas. And so to meet the ever-increasing operational needs of the Alamo, the GLO has determined to change its day to day management from the DRT and move in a new direction. Together we will create a bigger, brighter future for this Texas shrine.”
DRT President General McCaffrey:
“Since 1891, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas have maintained a proud legacy of perpetuating the memory and spirit of the early pioneers who fought for and preserved the independence of Texas. It is this passion for our state’s rich history that inspired our members in the early 1900’s to recognize the importance of saving and preserving the Alamo for future generations.
“While we regret our changing role in its daily management, it does not diminish our unending passion for the preservation of the Shrine of Texas Liberty, and we look forward to maintaining our library collection as a historical resource for all Texans to enjoy.”
For more than a century members of the DRT have lovingly cared for and maintained the Alamo. This decision does not represent the end of the DRT’s devoted service to the Alamo, but instead marks a new chapter in their remarkable story of dedication to Texas History. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas will continue to greatly honor and respect the preservation of the Alamo so future generations can continue to visit the hallowed site and learn of those who gave everything so that we could be free.
The Alamo Endowment has been reconstituted as a major capital campaign to raise millions of dollars needed for an Alamo museum and visitor center worthy of Phil Collins’ renowned collection of historic artifacts. The General Land Office is also creating a master plan to complement the city of San Antonio's ongoing planning efforts for Alamo Plaza.
There is an expected transition period of 120 days to new management. During the transition, the GLO will issue a request for proposal to develop a strategic plan and conduct a nationwide search for a new management company. For more information or to donate to the Alamo Endowment, please visit http://www.thealamo.org/endowment.
I can see the ALAMO plaza being DISNEYFIED!
Dadburnit! Beat me to it!
The Texas Legislature gave Phil Collins honorary Texas citizenship yesterday. Why? Because he owns lots pieces of Alamo artifacts. Maybe they should pass a law that only Texans can own that stuff.
I see the North Wall come tumbling down and as Taco Bell built in it’s place. But, it will be called Taco Bush, specializing in Fish Tacos!
Thought this might be of some interest to you.
Ozzy, Randy Rhodes, and the Diary of a Madman tour.
Ozzy’s management timed the event to make the local 5:00 news. Concert immediately sold out. Crowds outside broke windows to get inside. Most awesome show.
China is one of his donors?
Phil very graciously last year offered all his collection back to Texas on permanent loan. It’s a HUGE stash, guaranteed to renew pilgrimage from 26 million people to see it once curated.
I’ve seen several articles over the last few years regarding the Alamo and how it’s been run. From what I recall, the current staff could have done a lot better. Maybe it really is time for some fresh management.
SAN ANTONIO - Citing 10 contractual breaches, the Texas General Land Office is terminating its contract with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to run the Alamo, ending a role the group has held for 110 years, the San Antonio Express-News reported Thursday. .....
His letter to McCaffrey was more pointed. It cited 10 contract breaches, including failure to: prepare and operate under an annual management plan; run the complex “in a good and prudent manner”; and produce a policy on “visitors’ rights” and complaint resolution. Payments of $10,000 per month to the Daughters to run the Alamo will stop in July......
Other problems included delays in testing and repairs to a cracked, leaky concrete ceiling in the church; a move by the Daughters to trademark the words “The Alamo,” without consulting the state; and a controversial $900,000 promotions contract the group entered with international media firm William Morris Endeavor Entertainment. ....
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/Longtime-Alamo-managers-ousted-6131235.php
Phil Collins Named Honorary Texan for Alamo Artifacts Donation
He built one of the world’s largest collections of Alamo artifacts. Last year, he donated everything to the state so it could be on display at the Alamo. To say thanks, this week, the legislature named the British-born Collins an honorary Texan.
end snip
It needs a water slide.
Bingo, gringo.
It’ll be a minority-run Mexican company.
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