Institute of Texan Cultures Building featured on MACRI’s Summer Road Trip

Click here to watch recorded video.

Join MACRI for a virtual journey across Texas to learn the stories behind historic sites on the 2024 Preservation Texas “Most Endangered Places” list that have connections to Mexican American history. San Antonio’s Institute of Texan Cultures is one of four sites featured. Your guide is Jesús Najar, Architectural Programs Manager at Preservation Texas.

The ITC segment starts at 22:45, but you won’t want to miss learning about: an 1889 store and post office (Hidalgo), a 1920 hotel (San Juan), a 1933 junior high school (Austin), and the 1968 Texas Pavilion/Institute of Texan Cultures (San Antonio).

Be sure to watch the wrap-up at 42:38. Key takeaways:

• Demolishing the built environment where Mexican Americans have made a mark on the landscape erases the visible reminders of how they contributed to society – Sarah Gould.
• The loss of these sites is detrimental to their communities because they are losing their futures as well as their past – Jesús Najar.
• Public pressure can make a difference in saving these publicly owned buildings!

How You Can Help

Odell-Rodriguez Store & P.O. – Contact the City of Hidalgo

San Juan Hotel – Contact the City of San Juan

Texas Pavilion/Institute of Texan Cultures, San Antonio – Sign petition

University Jr. High School, Austin – Sign petition