Austin's oldest structure and architectural treasure, the beautiful French Legation, will open its doors February 23, 2008, for a special screening of "A Glorious Opportunity: The French Legation in Texas." This 20-minute documentary examines the life and times of Dubois de Saligny, the French diplomat sent to establish relations between France and the newly established Republic of Texas.
The Museum will also host a one-of-a-kind celebration to accompany the premiere. Live music, reenactments of early Texas life, and moonlight tours of the French Legation Mansion, French-style kitchen, and the Legation grounds will be held.
Under the care and custodianship of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Inc., the French Legation has thrived as a tourist attraction and landmark. In addition to showing the Legation as it exists in the capital city today, the documentary illuminates the ill-fated diplomatic mission of Jean Pierre Alphonse Dubois de Saligny. Sent to the newly established Republic of Texas in the immediate aftermath of San Jacinto, de Saligny arrived in Austin as the diplomatic representative of the Kingdom of France. De Saligny's hapless and incompetent efforts in international relations soon led to disaster and culminated in what became known as "The Pig War." Following de Saligny's recall to France, Austin Mayor Dr. Joseph Robertson purchased the Legation for use by his large family. The Robertsons lived in the home until 1940 when the mansion was sold to the state of Texas. "A Glorious Opportunity: The French Legation in Texas" documents a crucial - as well as comedic - episode in the history of the Texas Republic.
This event will provide for the ongoing historic preservation and education efforts of the Museum as well as provide a unique experience for everyone interested in the history of Texas. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, picnic baskets and beverages of their choice. Texas History re-enactors will be on hand to demonstrate the daily lives of the Robertson family and live musicians will be on hand to perform. Tickets are $4 at the door. The French Legation is located at 802 San Marcos Street, Austin, Texas. Doors open at 6:30, Documentary starts at 7:15, Tours begin at 7:45 and end at 9:15.
"A Glorious Opportunity: The French Legation in Texas" was written, produced, and directed by longtime KTBC-Fox 7 Special Projects Director Whitney Milam. Milam is also a University of Texas R.T.F. graduate and current Texas State Public History graduate student and recently won a Lone Star Emmy for his documentary of the University of Texas tower shootings.
Official Website: http://www.frenchlegationmuseum.org/newsandevents.htm