Texas Music Museum

The Texas Music Museum collects and preserves artifacts, documents and reference material surrounding the diverse traditions of Texas music, and utilizes these collections in the presentation of exhibits, educational programs and performances.

The Texas Music Museum highlights the contributions of Texas musicians to the musical heritage of the nation and the world.

Description:
The Texas Music Museum explores and documents all the music that plays a role in the hearts of Texans, including: historic/patriotic, country, cowboy, western swing, blues, rock 'n' roll, jazz, gospel, ragtime, soul, and Texas ethnic music (Native American, Mexican American, Czech, German). Many aspects of Texas music are represented such as: Texas composers, music instrument builders, music publishers recording companies, music related art, mechanical music devices and music education.

The collection and programs of the Texas Music Museum encourage active participation by youth and adults in the continuing legacy of creating and preserving Texas music.

History:
The Texas Music Museum was incorporated in 1984 and received its 501(c)3 tax-exempt status in 1985. In 1986 TMM won state recognition as an official State Sesquicentennial project, with the mission of highlighting the contributions of Texas musicians to the music heritage of the nation and the world. The following year the TMM board of directors developed an agenda for research, exhibitions, and programs for the wide variety of Texas music styles and traditions. Since then extensive materials have been collected in all of the target areas, and each exhibit has been continually expanded and upgraded.

Throughout its history, TMM has presented free exhibits, music programs and conferences at many local museums (the Carver Museum and Cultural Center, the Elisabet Ney Museum, the Mexican American Cultural Center and the Daugherty Art Center), and at other public venues, including the state capitol, the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, and at the city's schools and libraries.

Since 2003 TMM has presented exhibits and music programs in two gallery areas of the Marvin C. Griffin Building at 1009 E. 11th Street. This arrangement has allowed TMM to develop a more visible presence in Austin. TMM has also taken the lead in organizing a cooperative strategy for the museums and music sites of East Austin, "Come Over to the East Side."

The Texas Music Museum continues broadening its collection of oral histories, photos and other artifacts, and shares its resources with numerous groups in Austin and throughout Texas.

Contact people:

Clayton Shorkey, President, (512) 471-0520, (email) Sharon Herfurth, Vice President, (512) 472-3591, (email)

Office fax number: (512) 471-9600

Address:

1009 E. 11th St Austin, TX 78702 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.texasmusicmuseum.org/

Directions:

The Texas Music Museum is located on the south east corner of East 11th Street and San Marcos.   Nearest Bus Stop: 11th/Waller, 1 minute walk For maps or information, please see http://www.capmetro.org/riding/trip_info.asp

Last updated on September 15, 2009