In the News | November 1, 2009

The Neill-Cochran House Museum was the featured gallery in the November issue of  Tribeza.

In the News | September 20, 2009

New 8 Austin filmed live from the Neill-Cochran House Museum on Austin Museum Partnership’s Museum Day. Please click here to read the article and watch the clips.

In the News | July 23, 2009

The Neill-Cochran House Museum’s summer youth class Minding Your Manners, part of the Modern Times — Kids Only! series was featured in the Austin American-Statesman.

Interpretive Plan Project | March 29, 2008

Following the 2004 Strategic Plan, the Museum Properties Committee and museum director initiated the first step toward the creation of a fundamental house museum document called an Interpretive Plan. The multifaceted project involves a team of experts and NCHM volunteers to bring together a cohesive design for the historical space, collections, and narrative using all the research tools at hand. The goal of the project is to bring together for the first time, the story of the House, its occupants, and relevant interiors. The Interpretive Plan team will complete its recommendations by the end of August.

In the News | March 20, 2008

The Neill-Cochran House Museum was featured in Melanie Spencer’s article, “Find your flair for living near and far,” in the “Life & Style” section of the Austin American-Statesman. The article included a beautiful color photograph of recently acquired faux food for a Neill family meal that included a wild turkey with raisin and chestnut garnishes, mustard greens and salt pork, baked sweet potatoes, rolls and butter, Port, and plum pudding. The exhibit was a gift from the Friends membership and private donations and tells the story of a Southern dinner in the late 19th century.

Oral History Project | March 2008

Thanks to a generous anonymous gift to the NCHM, Dr. Martha Norkunas conducted a thorough oral history of Mary Cochran Bohls (pictured left, at age 14 in her grandmother Bessie Cochran’s wedding gown). As we continue our analysis of the museum’s narrative, this document will serve as an invaluable resource in creating and instituting an Interpretive Plan. Dr. Norkunas is a research scientist in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin as well as director of the Intellectual Entrepreneurship Oral History & Diversity Project.

Book Signing|February 13, 2008

The NCHM was the venue for a celebratory book signing for Drane Kendall Haw of Waco, Texas, whose collection of verses and witticisms turned into Joyous Pursuits, published in 2007. The book, in its second printing, has great bedside manner, and the crowd assembled delighted in hearing Mrs. Haw read her favorite selections.

Texas Historic Book of Days Book Signing| January 25, 2008

Retired librarian and researcher Yvonne Bruce and her daughter Ann Henaff, a graphic designer and watercolorist, have created a stunning book of days. The book addresses “what made Texas what it was before the oil boom,” according to Henaff, and was inspired by “families who came to the state in the 19th century to take advantage of homestead claims in an unsettled land, hoping for a new life for them and their children. Life was lived according to the seasons, and hard work and hospitality were the order of the day.” Participants lined up to have their books autographed by Mrs. Bruce and Mrs. Henaff and agreed that its recipes, diary excerpts, and history combine with the watercolors to make this book a requirement for an Texana collection. The book is available through Big Sky Press.

In the News | January 8, 2008

In the business report, “On the Move,” the Austin American-Statesman noted that administrator Cecille Marcato is now the Director of the Neill-Cochran House Museum. This title reflects her actual responsibilities and the very public presence that has characterized her work on behalf of the historic house.

Exhibition: Colonel Neill’s Christmas Dinner |December 5

In the first-ever viewing of this annual exhibit, oysters and a wild turkey enlivened the dining room, attracting attention from museum visitors and media. This outstanding first experience with faux food has inspired further study of traditional cooking and presentation. The food, designed by Houston artist Henri Gadbois, along with a period table setting became a focal point for children (and adults!) on educational field trips. Not only did it offer a glimpse into 19th-century Southern foodways, the vignette enabled discussion on the tools of the table, which were as varied and specific as those of the toolshed.

On the Radio | November 14, 2007

Excerpts from Modern Times: 1855 The Chambered Musician: A Little 1855 Music with Felicity Coltman’s Chamber Trio was featured on KUT’s Aielli Unleashed.

Cochran Furniture| Summer 2007

Members of the extended Cochran family donated several dozen pieces of historic family furniture to the museum collection for eventual display. In the interim, Director Cecille Marcato designed and installed a modest Cochran exhibition in the upstairs hall. The beautiful pictures have drawn attention from visitors and docents alike, creating much intrigue and anticipation for the future exhibit.

The Magazine Antiques, “Properties of the NSCDA” |July 2007

The Magazine Antiques, a prestigious monthly publication for antiques enthusiasts and collectors, created an entire issue devoted to the properties and furnishings owned and managed by NSCDA state groups across the United States. The Neill-Cochran House Museum received fine coverage and a beautiful photograph on page 82. Copies can be purchased at the NCHM gift shop for $10.00.