Photos Courtesy of: Ted Lee Eubanks
Project Location: Austin, Texas
Designer:Maja Design
Fabricator:Fermata Inc.
Case Study |
Tucked behind the stately facade of the Neill-Cochran House Museum (NCHM) in Austin, Texas, lies a powerful and rare reminder of the city’s past—the last intact and in situ slave quarters in Austin. Located near the western edge of the University of Texas campus, the Quarters date back to the mid-1850s, built just a few years after the founding of the city itself.
Over the past two years, the NCHM has undertaken a thoughtful restoration and interpretive project to preserve and present the complex history of this site. Spearheaded by Dr. Rowena Dasch of NCHM and Dr. Tara Dudley of the University of Texas, and guided by interpretive planning firm Fermata Inc., led by Ted Lee Eubanks, the project aims to confront and communicate the deep-rooted legacy of slavery in Texas.
The result is a comprehensive Interpretive Master Plan (IMP) that includes a series of deeply researched interpretive panels. These displays guide visitors through 500 years of the history of enslavement in Texas, moving from broader historical context to more personal, reflective storytelling. The experience culminates in a contemplative garden, where guests are invited to reflect on the lives once lived in the Quarters and the broader implications of this history.
To bring these stories to life with lasting impact, the museum partnered with iZone Imaging, known for their high-pressure laminate signage that delivers durable, high-quality graphics. These panels ensure that the historical narratives remain vivid and accessible to future generations—resisting the elements, time, and wear.
The restoration of the Slave Quarters at NCHM is not just about preserving a building; it’s about restoring visibility to lives and histories too often overlooked. It invites reflection, encourages dialogue, and ensures that the legacy of those who lived there is honored with honesty and respect.
A walk through the Quarters is a moving experience—a vital stop for anyone seeking to better understand the full story of Texas.