Austin’s Best Kept Secrets (the History Edition)

Written by Tracy Sullivan

While Austin has many wonderful things to see and do, sometimes you need to go off the beaten path. Straying away from the Texas Capitol building or the Bob Bullock museum, here are three best-kept Austin secrets for history buffs to beat the summer heat.

Formosa Studio – The beautiful castle-like home and studio of German-born sculptor Elizabet Ney is tucked in what is now Hyde Park at 304 East 44th St. A woman ahead of her time, Ney was not only renowned for her sculptures in Europe and the United States and her contributions to Austin’s cultural affairs, but for her unconventional views on marriage and the role of women in society.

Ney settled in Texas in 1872, where she completed works of many early Texas leaders, including Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin.  Both works are prominently on display in the Texas Capitol. The small, but intriguing studio provides a look at her life and many of her pieces. Free admission (contributions accepted). Learn more here.

Harry Ransom Center – Located on the University of Texas campus at 300 West 21st St., the Harry Ransom Center is a humanities research library and museum, housing original manuscripts, rare books, photo collections and works of art. With collections ranging from a Gutenberg Bible to photo stills from Robert DeNiro’s career, the HRC is a writer and researcher’s paradise.  Free admission (contributions accepted).  Learn more here.

Austin History Center – This is the place to learn about all things Austin. Located at 810 Guadalupe, the Austin History Center is housed in Austin’s first permanent public library, which opened in 1933. The Center features books, maps, photographs, City of Austin reports, oral histories, plus audio and video archives. Don’t miss the current exhibit:  “Austin’s Majestic Palace: The Paramount Turns 100,” now through November 1. Free admission (contributions accepted). Learn more here.

Be on the lookout for more places to go and things to do in Austin in future blog posts. And in the meantime, let us know in the comments section about your favorite places to learn about U.S. and Texas history!