UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures San Antonio, Texas

Mailing Address

801 South Bowie
San Antonio, TX 78205

Street Address

801 South Bowie
San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: 210-458-2330
Fax: 210-458-2205
Email:
Web: www.TexanCultures.com

Related Links

www.texancultures.utsa.edu/public/

Museum Hours

Tuesday - Saturday	10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday	noon - 5:00 PM

Admissions

adults $7;
children (3-12) $4;
military (with I.D.) $4;
seniors (65+) $4;
for children 2 and under free.

History

The Institute of Texan Cultures opened as the Texas Pavilion during HemisFair 68. During the fair's six-month run, the exhibit was so well received that the decision was made to keep it open and expand its scope to incorporate a wide variety of educational programs. Today, as part of The University of Texas at San Antonio, the Institute is a university center dedicated to the enhancement of historical and multicultural understanding through exhibits, programs, and publications that encourage acceptance of our differences as well as our common humanity. ITC's main Exhibit Floor contains permanent exhibits of 27 of the ethnic and cultural groups that have settled Texas. Approximately 300,000 people visit the Institute annually, including 80,000 school children from public and private schools throughout the state.

Artifacts Collections

The Institute's policy is to borrow artifacts whenever possible. ITC-owned artifacts are primarily for hands-on, interpretive use.

Library

The Institute's library is a major resource for Texas history and culture studies. Its extensive files on the state's ethnic groups are organized with cross-references to geographic places, associations, religious groups, and individuals. The library houses a selective collection of books, ethnic newspapers on microfilm, and oral histories, and is open to the public. The library handles copyright issues.

The photo collection of more than 3.5 million images comes from a variety of sources, including the photo archives of the San Antonio Express-News and the former San Antonio Light newspapers dating back to the early 1900s. The photo catalogue is arranged by name, subject, date, year, and ethnic group. Photographic research and reprints from the photograph collection are available for a fee.

Appointment required: False

Services




Publications

ITC has published several publications and audiovisuals that explore aspects of the diverse ethnic heritage of Texas. Included are books, pamphlets, video documentaries, and slide sets. Call (800) 776-7651 to receive a catalogue of products.

Facilities

The Institute maintains 50,000 square feet of exhibit space. Additionally, it offers a 150-seat auditorium, a 135-seat conference center with two adjoining classrooms, an outdoor interpretive area called the Back 40, plus a library and administrative offices. The building is wheelchair-accessible; other services for people with disabilities are available upon request.

ITC is located in its 15-acre grounds on HemisFair Park in downtown San Antonio.

Programs

Public programming,Family educational programs,Traveling exhibits and trunks( 800) 776-7651 or (210) 458-2292 Tex-Kits, Lifetimes: The Texas Experience,Symposia Docent tours,Oral history,Educational outreach,Speakers Bureau Special events, Pre-service/In-service teacher workshops ,Internships,Texas Folklife Festiva.

ITC has created strong outreach programs, which are utilized by schools and communities throughout the state. These programs range from traveling trunks containing artifact reproduction, activity cards, audiovisual materials, and books, which may be rented for two to four week periods, to Tex-Kits - boxes of artifacts on a variety of subjects that travel to schools with volunteers/staff members for hands-on discussions. Another resource is the ITC Speakers Bureau, whose members speak on topics such as folk medicine, Texas women, the Texas Folklife Festival, and the work of the Institute, etc. (Although most staff and volunteers must usually confine presentations to the greater San Antonio area, the Institute s statewide Ambassadors may sometimes address audiences in other parts of the state.)

ITC's weekday radio program, Lifetimes: The Texas Experience, presents 90-second stories on Texas people, places, and events. The Institute s annual multi-day event in June, the Texas Folklife Festival celebrates the diversity of the state through the music, food, stories, and crafts of more than 40 different ethnic and cultural groups.

Teacher training, a critical element of the Institute's mission, is carried out through a variety of in-service educational programs.

The Institute collaborates with The University of Texas at San Antonio on several programs and projects. These include training programs for university education students, opportunities for internships, and library services for UTSA students.

Staff

Dr.  John L. Davis, Executive Director
Phone: 210-458-2236

Programs Division
Phone: 210-458-2231

Library/Photo Collections
Phone: 210-458-2238

Development
Phone: 210-458-2234

Traveling Exhibits/Trunks
Phone: 210-458-2292

Texas Folklife Festival/Special Events
Phone: 210-458-2249

Volunteer Programs
Phone: 210-458-2226

ITC Gift Shop number
Phone: 210-458-2230

Media Production
Phone: 210-458-2296

Speakers Bureau
Phone: 210-458-2257

Building Rental
Phone: 210-458-2275

Production Division
Phone: 210-458-2239

Tex-Kits
Phone: 210-458-2211

Communications Division
Phone: 210-458-2257

Texican Newsletter
Phone: 210-458-2232

Product Sales
Phone: 800-776-7651


Museum Type

History
Library
University

Governance

Type: Tax exempt under Sec. 170, IRS Code; public; administered under The University of Texas at San Antonio



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