Join the NSCDA-TX Legacy Society
In 1898, a group of visionary and passionate Texas women formed the Texas Society of The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. Fast forward to 1958 when the Dames courageously acquired the Neill-Cochran House. That decision provided the headquarters and home of the NSCDA-TX that we love today, making it possible for all museum visitors to share in the stories of early Texas.
JOYFUL GIVING
One of the most joyful moments in life is to invest in something that you believe in.
Lovingly and authentically restored, the Neill-Cochran House Museum is a gem in both architecture and historical relevance. As the state office of Texas Dames, this house is our heart and home. Over the years, this house has witnessed many meetings, celebrated important events and been our place to forge deep friendships.
Preservation of this gorgeous and educational historic site is the legacy of the Texas Dames. Through the establishment of the Domicile Endowment fund, the Texas Dames have assured the museums sustainability into perpetuity. This fund provides the financial foundation required to care for our extraordinary collection and historic site.
MAKING YOUR MARK
Our vision is to sustain this gorgeous structure so that our children, their children, and the community at large can continue to learn and appreciate the importance of Texas in American history. As time goes on maintenance costs for the Neill-Cochran House Museum and grounds continue to increase. That is why the NSCDA-TX Board of Managers has challenged our community to build a $3 million dollar Domicile Endowment. Currently standing at close to $1 million, we need every Texas Dame to make her mark and join with us in the Legacy Society.
THE LIFE WE LIVE TODAY AFFECTS THE LIVES OF GENERATIONS TO COME
Designating the NSCDA-TX as a beneficiary in your estate plan, adding a codicil to your existing will or simply making a significant outright gift during your lifetime will make you eligible for membership in the Legacy Society.
For ideas on how to make this work for you, please contact Ann Flemings, Development Officer at aflemings@nchmuseum.org or 512.478.2335. As always, be sure to discuss these options with your family and fund advisors before making financial decisions.
The Legacy Society
Gifts to the Legacy Society can be accomplished in two pathways – Legacy Now or Legacy Later.
LEGACY NOW GIFTS
For those who would like to celebrate the impact of their giving during their lifetime, we offer Legacy Now opportunities to enhance the Domicile Endowment. Your gift of cash, appreciated securities or gifts of real estate or mineral rights will begin to immediately generate income to support the continued preservation of the Neill-Cochran House Museum. Gifts are accepted across a three to five year pledge period and we suggest they start with an annual contribution of $10,000. Please click on this link to receive a Legacy Now gift form. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Hickman, Legacy Society Chair at echickman@sbcglobal.net or 713-822-2727.
LEGACY LATER GIFTS
The Legacy Later gifts acknowledges individuals and families who have given the NSCDA-TX the highest compliment – including the organization in their estate plans. Planned gifts from these committed supporters provide a critical foundation for history education and preservation that will extend beyond their lifetimes.
Planned, future gifts provide the critical foundation for the preservation of the historic Neill-Cochran House museum and site that will extend beyond your lifetime. There are many ways to include the NSCDA-TX in your long-term plans that can benefit your loved ones, increase your income, or reduce taxes, while fulfilling your charitable goals. Please click on this link for a Legacy Later Pledge form.
legacy society members
Dolly Barclay
Mary Etzold Benning*
Betty Sue Bird
Mary Cochran Bohls
Leonora Branca
Margaret Cannon Boyce Brown*
Joan Gibson Burnham
Caroline Caven
Harriet Prescott Edmunds Christian
Rowena Houghton Dasch
Jane Wheat Francis*
Dorothy Knox Howe Houghton*
Elizabeth (Liz) Maxfield
Louise (Sugie) Maxfield*
Eileen Moody
Fran Lochridge Perez
Karen Rechnitzer Pope
JanePeyton Rogers
Mary Alexander Sherwood
Carey Shuart
Katherine Smith
Sonia Wilson
Sharon Wilson
Vereen Woodward
HARRIET CHRISTIAN
I never gave much thought to being a Dame. But then my mother-in-law, active in her Virginia society, presented me with the genealogy she had prepared for my first cousin and gently suggested that this would be something I might enjoy. My Town Committee was welcoming, and I was soon involved.
It was not until I visited Austin and the Neill-Cochran House, however, that my purpose became clear. Preserving, interpreting and presenting the story that this dwelling tells drew me in as I discovered that all the things that the Dames hope to accomplish were here, waiting to be unfolded. Becoming a member of the Legacy Society was the logical next step for me, to really make a difference and assure the continuation of this heritage.