Historic Groundbreaking Ushers in New Era for The Alamo with Texas Cavaliers Education Center

November 27, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

CONTACT
Jonathan Huhn, Alamo Trust, Inc.
JHuhn@thealamo.org
Mobile (210) 867-7717

Children and adults in a line up holding shovels to dig in a dirt box

The Alamo Trust, Inc. and the Texas Cavaliers held a ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Texas Cavaliers Education Center at The Alamo today, a transformative project for historical education and interactive learning. This new facility promises to revolutionize how history is taught and experienced at the iconic San Antonio landmark.

The ceremonial groundbreaking was attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Dawn Buckingham, General Land Office Commissioner; leaders from the Texas Cavaliers; and Dr. Kate Rogers, Executive Director of Alamo Trust, Inc., among others. Together, they turned the soil, marking the start of construction on a project that embodies the future of Texas historical education.

The Texas Cavaliers Education Center, set to open in Summer 2025, will be a beacon of hands-on learning and immersive educational experiences. Designed to exceed the expectations of traditional historical sites, the center will include an outdoor classroom, an orientation theater, a vibrant agricultural garden, and multi-functional classrooms. The STEAM Lab and the Early Learner Hub will engage students of all ages with interactive approaches to history, combining archaeology, physics, art, and more. Furthermore, the Distance Learning Lab will expand the Alamo's reach, allowing students worldwide to participate in virtual lessons and field trips.

Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., expressed excitement about the groundbreaking: "Today's groundbreaking marks a monumental step in the journey of educational enrichment and historical preservation at The Alamo. With the Texas Cavaliers Education Center, we're not just building a facility; we're expanding the horizons of learning for our young Texans. Currently, the Alamo is a beacon of learning for 150,000 school-aged children each year. This center paves the way almost to double that reach, aiming to inspire and educate 250,000 young minds annually. This is more than an investment in a building—it's an investment in our children's future and in preserving the rich legacy of Texas for generations to come. We are proud of our Texas history, and we are excited to teach this history well.”

Jonathan Dear, 2024 Parade Marshal for the Texas Cavaliers shared the significance of their involvement: "As the Texas Cavaliers, we are immensely proud and honored to support the creation of the Texas Cavaliers Education Center at The Alamo with a $5 million pledge. This commitment reflects our deep-rooted dedication to preserving and celebrating our state's history, and to nurturing the educational development of our youth. We believe that through this center, we are not just preserving history, but also igniting a spark of curiosity and a love for learning in the hearts of hundreds of thousands of children. It is a privilege to be a part of this visionary project, one that intertwines the legacy of the Texas Cavaliers with the enduring spirit of The Alamo."

Dr. Kate Rogers of Alamo Trust, Inc. stated that the groundbreaking is a pivotal moment in the Alamo Plan: "Today's groundbreaking is not just about laying the foundation for a building; it's about laying the groundwork for the future of education. The Texas Cavaliers Education Center will be a place where history leaps off the pages, where learning is an adventure, and where every student can witness the rich tapestry of Texas' past. As part of the larger Alamo Plan, this center is a step towards making The Alamo not just a world-class historical site, but a world-class facility for education and engagement."

The groundbreaking ceremony signals a new chapter in The Alamo's storied history, with the Texas Cavaliers Education Center poised to be a cornerstone of learning and discovery for generations to come.

Additional Media Resources:
Video footage and high-resolution photographs from the groundbreaking ceremony are available for use and can be found in our Press Kit here. The Alamo's short video from the gathering can be viewed here. Please attribute any photo or video utilized to the Alamo Trust, Inc.

Children and adults holding shovels to dig in a dirt box during a ceremony
Audience seated outside watching a groundbreaking ceremony
Men in blue jackets and red pants holding shovels at a groundbreaking ceremony
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. speaking at a podium

About Alamo Trust, Inc. | Alamo Trust, Inc. (ATI) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that oversees the daily operations at the Alamo and implementation of the Alamo Plan. Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo stands as a Shrine to Texas Liberty. The Alamo tells the story of Texas Independence as part of its rich and diverse 300-year history to over 1.6 million visitors every year and is the #1 most visited destination in the State of Texas. In 1960, the Alamo was designated a United States National Historic Landmark, and in 2015, it became part of the Lone Star State's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness living history, experience authentic artifacts, and explore an iconic landmark that shaped the country. Visit theAlamo.org.