Ralston Family Collections Center Opens at the Alamo and Receives $14.4 Million in Generous Public Support

The Alamo is thrilled to announce an $11.4 million gift from Ms. Shannon Ralston, the largest charitable donation ever made to the Remember the Alamo Foundation. In recognition of this significant contribution, the Alamo is honored to announce that the Alamo Collections Center will be named the Ralston Family Collections Center.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Ralston Family Collections Center, took place today and marked a significant milestone in the Alamo Plan, a multifaceted initiative to enhance the experience of the 1.6 million annual visitors to the historic site and improve the care of the Alamo Collection. Today's momentous event was a fitting tribute to the enduring importance of the Alamo, serving as a reminder of its pivotal role in shaping the history of Texas and the United States.

Thanks to the generosity of seven donors, including the Gillman Family, the Alvarez Family, Mr. and Mrs. William Carrington, the Amy Shelton McNutt Charitable Trust, the Gunn Family, and Mrs. Ellen Randall, the Ralston Family Collections Center received a total of $14.4 million in private funding. To recognize these contributions, the Alamo designated the lobby as the Stacey and Jason Gillman Families Grand Lobby, the outdoor terrace as the Alvarez Family Terrace, and the conservation lab as the Curtis C. Gunn Jr. Conservation Laboratory.

“The Ralston Family is honored to partner with The Alamo Trust, Inc. and the Texas General Land Office to sponsor the Alamo Collections Center,” said Ms. Shannon Ralston. “This state-of-the-art facility will display never before seen artifacts that tell the amazing history of the State of Texas. We are particularly excited about the educational aspect of this space. In the coming years, The Ralston Family Collections Center will be a constantly changing display of historically significant art and artifacts and provide interactive learning space for all minds, young and old, to enrich their understanding of Texas history and learn about the hero’s that paved the way to the Texas we value today.”

"The Ralston Family Collections Center is the first building constructed on the historic grounds since the 1950s and a major step forward in enhancing the experience for the Alamo's 1.6 million annual visitors," said Dr. Kate Rogers, Executive Director for the Alamo Trust, Inc. "We are incredibly grateful for the support of our generous donors, including Shannon Ralston and her family, who made the construction of this magnificent center possible."

The Ralston Family Collections Center showcases items from the Phil Collins Collection, the Donald and Louise Yena Spanish Colonial Collection, and the Alamo Collection. This state-of-the-art facility, designed by Gensler | GRG and constructed by Clark/Guido, offers better care for the Alamo Collection, storage, and conservation space, as well as displaying traveling exhibitions and other educational resources. It is a true testament to the continued preservation and promotion of the historical significance of the Alamo site.

The opening of the Ralston Family Collections Center represents a significant moment for the Alamo, Texas, and the Remember the Alamo Foundation, preserving and celebrating the history of the site for generations to come.

The Ralston Family Collections Center will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can purchase timed-entry tickets online, with entry available every 15 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friends of the Alamo members enjoy free admission, while non-members are encouraged to join.

Admission prices for non-members are as follows:

• Adult: $14
• Child (12 and under): $10
• Adult Military (w/ID): $12
• Child Military (12 and under w/ID): $9

To learn more about the today's ceremony, we invite you to explore the various assets included in this press kit.

About Alamo Trust, Inc. | Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo stands as a Shrine to Texas Liberty. Alamo Trust, Inc., or 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.