Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, Austin (must see)

The Bullock Texas State History Museum, situated in Austin, is dedicated to showcasing the rich and evolving history of Texas. Located just a few blocks north of the Texas State Capitol on North Congress Avenue, this museum is committed to providing educational experiences that interpret the "Story of Texas" for a wide audience.

Operated by the Texas State Preservation Board, the same organization that manages the Texas State Capitol, the Texas Capitol Visitors Center, the Texas Governor's Mansion, and the Texas State Cemetery, the Bullock Museum is integral to Texas' preservation and educational efforts.

The museum is named in honor of Bob Bullock, the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Texas, who was instrumental in its creation. Bullock, known for his commitment to preserving and exhibiting Texas history, was the guest of honor at the groundbreaking ceremony in April 1999 but unfortunately passed away in June of the same year, before the museum's completion.

A significant development in the museum's history was the 2018 unveiling of the renovated first-floor Texas History Gallery, titled "Becoming Texas." This exhibition delves deep into over 16,000 years of Texas history, starting from the earliest known human-made objects in the Americas, including a projectile point from the Gault archaeological site. It covers the era of early American Indian civilizations, European colonization efforts, and the international politics that shaped early Texas.

The third floor of the museum offers a comprehensive exploration of Texas land, culture, and technology. It features dedicated sections on Texas ranching, the oil industry, civil rights, science and space exploration, and even Texas sports and music. Adding to its cultural significance, the museum houses the Austin City Limits Theater, showcasing musical performances from the renowned PBS television series based in Austin.