History on the Hill Summer Youth Program

This summer the French Legation Museum invites children ages 6-11 to explore the history of Austin and Texas.

Session 1: June 18-22, 2012 Arts and Culture (9-11 year olds)

During Session 1, students will be introduced to Austin Arts and Culture through time. Activities will focus on painting, music, fashion, etiquette, and other aspects of early Austin society. Participants will enjoy special visits to the Blanton Museum of Art and the Texas Music Museum, and the week will culminate with a student organized art exhibit for guardians and friends.

Session 2: June 25-29, 2012 Travel, Troubles, and Tasks (9-11 year olds)

During Session 2, participants will learn about daily life in Austin from 1840-1860. We will discuss travel, from horses and carriages to steam boats and the railroad, and all of the daily tasks, from gardening to building homes, needed to survive on the western frontier.   Students will have the opportunity to participate in a mock archeological dig, build their own miniature log cabins and boats, and do a bit of gardening. Special excursions to local farms and the Susannah Dickinson house will highlight the week.

Session 3: July 9-13, 2012 Six Flags Over Texas (6-8 year olds)

Participants in session 3 will fast forward through Texas history to learn about each of the countries that claimed Texas as their own. From conquistadors, to the sinking of La Belle, to Texas Independence, Statehood and the Civil War, we’ll explore the history and impact each of these unique cultures has had on Texas with fun activities, hands on projects and crafts, and visits with reenactors.  Special trips to the Bob Bullock State History Museum and the State Cemetery will round out our adventures.

Session 4: July 16-20, 2012 Arts and Culture: Petite (6-8 year olds)

During Session 4, 6-8 year olds will be introduced to Austin Arts and Culture through time. Activities will focus on painting, music, fashion, travel, and other aspects of early Austin society. Participants will enjoy special visits to the Blanton Museum of Art and the Texas Music Museum, and the week will culminate with a student organized art exhibit for guardians and friends.

Cost per Session: Members $180; Non-members $200

Late Registration (After May 15): Members $200; Non-members $225

History on the Hill Summer Youth Program Sessions meet daily from 9AM-3PM. Participants should bring a bag lunch. Light snacks will be provided.

Click here for Registration Form.

French Legation Museum 802 San Marcos St Austin, TX 78702 512-472-8180 programs@frenchlegationmuseum.org

The French Legation Museum offers guided tours of the historic house built in 1841 and the reconstructed kitchen. Tours are led by trained docents and last approximately thirty-five minutes. Special Walking Tours of the Robertson Hill Neighborhood are also offered on a weekly basis.

HOURS

Please come and visit the Museum Tuesday through Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Tours are given at 1:15, 2:00, 2:45, and 3:30.Robertson Hill Walking Tours are held on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m.

GETTING HERE

From North Austin:

Follow Interstate 35 South to the Exit 234B toward 8^th Street-3^rdStreet/Huston-Tillotson University. Merge onto the frontage road and turn left onto 7^th Street. Take the first left onto San Marcos Street. The Museum is on the left.

From South Austin:

Follow Interstate 35 North to Exit 234C toward 6^th-12^th Streets. On the frontage road, move to the far right lane. Turn right onto 8^th Street, then left onto Embassy Drive. The Museum’s parking lot will be on the right.

ACCESSIBILITY

The historic house, kitchen, and carriage house gift shop are all accessible to visitors with mobility issues. Primary buildings are wheelchair accessible. Secondary buildings have entry steps. All walkways are hard surfaced. Please use the parking lot located at the intersection of East 9th Street and Embassy Drive for wheelchair access to the brick paths. With advanced notification, accommodations can also be made for visitors with sight or hearing impairment.

PARKING

The French Legation Museum Parking Lot is located at 9^th Street and Embassy Drive. Other public parking is available on surrounding streets, and is free during Museum hours.

TOURS

Tours of the historic structures are $5.

Every First Tuesday Admission is FREE!

We accept payment by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Card.

Up to twelve people may tour the house at one time. If your group is larger than twelve people, please call (512) 472-8180 to make a reservation.

OUTDOOR SPACES

The French Legation Museum Park includes two and a half acres of lush grass, native trees, and formal gardens. The park is open for public use during museum hours. Bring a picnic, a Frisbee, your dog, and spend an afternoon on the lawn.

The Alliance Française d’Austin hosts pétanque with a pot-luck buffet every second and fourth Sunday of the month. The Alliance Française provides the necessary equipment and happily invites new and seasoned pétanque players.

The French Legation Museum grounds cover two and a half acres of lush grass, native trees, and formal gardens. The park like grounds are open for public use during museum hours. Bring a picnic, a Frisbee, your dog, and spend an afternoon on the lawn.

Alliance Française d’Austin hosts pétanque with a pot-luck buffet every second and fourth Sunday afternoon of each month. Alliance Française provides the necessary equipment and happily invites new and seasoned pétanque players.