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Dallas Historical Society

Stephen F. Austin: Father of Texas
Time Frames
During School Day, After School, Summer, Weekend
Formats
Field Trip, On Campus Program
Grades
3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, Community/Fam., Talented/Gifted

Description
This is a first person interpretation/performance of the life and experiences of Stephen F. Austin, Father of Texas. Stephen F. Austin was born into a well-to-do family with a father that pushed the frontiers. In 1798, at 5 years of age, Stephen and his family moved to the Spanish owned territory of Missouri to operate a lead mine. The family did well and Stephen became an educated, responsible young man. But then, in the economic panic of 1819, his father, Moses Austin, lost the entire family fortune. Moses came with up a plan to recover the family fortune. He proposed to bring colonists to the Spanish owned province of Texas, and the Governor of Texas approved the empressario contract. But Moses died before he could begin carrying out the contract and, as his final wish, asked Stephen to fulfill it. For the next 15 years, Stephen F. Austin used his knowledge and strength of character to develop Texas in spite of the continual political turmoil in Mexico, which had gained its independence from Spain. In the 1830’s, trouble started between the colonists and the Mexican authorities, however, Stephen was able to keep the peace for many years. But then, in 1834, he was jailed by the Mexican government as a revolutionary; when he was released from prison, his attitude had changed and in 1835 a war for Texas independence started. On April 21, 1836, Sam Houston led the Texas Army against Mexican President Santa Anna.....and beat him. Texas was now the Republic of Texas. Less than nine months later, Stephen F. Austin died. During the eulogy, Sam Houston gave Austin the title “The Father of Texas.”

Students Will
  • Learn about Stephen F. Austin.
  • Learn about the first settlers that Stephen F. Austin led into Texas.
  • Learn about Texas History and the struggle for Texas independence.

Details
Dates: Only available on following dates: Sept. 13—17; Oct. 11-15; Dec. 6-9; Jan. 17-23; Feb. 21—24; Mar. 7-11; & Apr. 11-15
Times: Open
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour (“Question and Answer” session is optional)
School Fee: $250 First Performance; $75 (each) 2nd and 3rd Performance (same character). Max three in one day.
Minimum Attendance: 1
Maximum Attendance: 150
Bilingual: No
Technical Needs: Microphone may be required for groups over 50
Other Information:

Scheduling / Booking
Instructions: Call (214) 421-4500 x104 or email DHS Booking at Booking@dallashistory.org.
Deadline: Two weeks in advance
Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be given for absent students. Any field trip may be cancelled with full refund up to 48 hours before the scheduled program(s) and/or special event(s). Any field trip cancelled with less than 48 hours notice of the scheduled program(s) and/or special event(s) – including failure to cancel – will not be refunded. All program(s) and special event(s) will begin promptly at the time scheduled. The Dallas Historical Society is not responsible for groups who arrive late. No program delay or refund will be issued for tardiness. All outreach programs or performances will begin at the time scheduled and will last 45 minutes to an hour. Please have all participating students seated and ready to go by outreach program or performance start time. Failure to do so may result in an abbreviated program or performance. All programs and special events cancelled by the school or as a result of a district-wide closing and/or adverse weather will not be refunded. Affected programs and special events will either be rescheduled or may receive credit toward future programming. All programs and special events cancelled by the Dallas Historical Society for adverse weather or other conditions beyond our control will be refunded or rescheduled.
After School Policy: All after school programs or performances will begin at the time scheduled and will last 45 minutes to an hour. Please have all participating students seated and ready to go by after school program or performance start time. Failure to do so may result in an abbreviated program or performance.

Curriculum Information

Lesson Plans
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Standards
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