The Alamo is one of the most well-known landmarks in the nation, with a complex history and multiple narratives that have not always been told in the past. The Texas Historical Commission has approved The Alamo Plan for the new Exhibition Hall and Collections Building. “This approval will expand exhibition space for documents and objects in the Alamo’s comprehensive collection by 500%.” The Alamo held their ground on the new 24,000-square-foot building on August 17, 2021.

The Alamo Plan consists of not only new construction projects, but restorations of historic buildings as well, including: restoring the 1836 Battlefield footprint, renovating and transforming the Alamo Hall into an education center for people of all ages, preserving the 300-year-old Church and Long Barrack, the construction of the new Exhibition Hall and Collections Building and of the new Visitor Center and Museum.

According to Program Manager Patrick Gallagher, the new Exhibition Hall and Collections Building will be “authentic to the historical narrative,” and to the different voices of this complicated narrative.

“Both San Antonians and Texas, the Alamo represents a big part of how we identify ourselves, but even with that, there’s still a lot of folks out there who may not really understand the full 300 year history of the site. So I just think it’s a huge opportunity to educate folks about all of the many things that happened here, who lived here, who died here, because it’s a fascinating place-based story, ” Alamo Trust, Inc. Executive Director Kate Rogers states.

The new additions and renovations promise to include: diverse viewpoints, digital databases, unfiltered perspectives, archaeological excavations, archeology labs, open storage, digital media overlays, integrated displays, site-integrated graphics, interactive digital interpretation, multimedia presentations, interactive media, physical models, digital models (2D and 3D), augmented reality/transparent media overlays, and living history.

“We’re working diligently to be more inclusive, to tell stories about some of the lesser known defenders who were part, specifically the Tejanos who were part of the story here at the Alamo, and so we’re working, even before the visitor center and museum, to add more diversity and inclusion to the work that we’re doing,” explain Rogers

For more information:
https://www.thealamo.org/alamo-trust/pressroom/groundbreaking-august-17th
thealamo.org