Bullock Museum to celebrate namesake's birthday with free public event

JULY 9, 2024 (AUSTIN, TX) — The Bullock Texas State History Museum will celebrate Bob Bullock's 95th birthday with a free public event this Sunday, July 14 starting at 10 a.m. The event will honor the Museum's namesake with free exhibition admission, family-friendly activities, and sweet treats.

“The late Lt. Governor’s passion for Texas fueled his commitment to educational opportunities that would be open to everyone through the institution that bears his name,” said Margaret Koch, Director of the Bullock Museum. "We are so excited to welcome folks again this year to celebrate his legacy and to share this remarkable state’s history.”

Robert "Bob" Douglas Bullock, Sr. (1929 - 1999), a native of Hillsboro, Texas, served as the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Texas. In a political career that spanned nearly 40 years, Bullock is credited as being the principal architect of modern Texas government. Bullock championed the preservation and exhibition of Texas history and began discussing the idea of a state history museum while serving as lieutenant governor. Plans were approved and funding was secured from the legislature in 1997, and Bullock was the guest of honor at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum shortly before his death in 1999. Opened in 2001, the Museum honors his vision and shares the stories of Texas with visitors from around the world.

The Bob Bullock Birthday Bash will feature hands-on activities for all ages from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Visitors will create a party hat to wear during the celebration and get a balloon twisted in the shape of a favorite object or character. At 10:30 a.m., visitors will dance and sing along with Mr. Will during a kid-friendly concert with a Texas twist. At 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., visitors can sit down for a storytime with Austin Public Library and Bullock’s favorite children’s book, The Little Red Hen. Free sweet treats will also be available in The Star Cafe while supplies last.

The celebration also features free exhibition admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. In addition to three floors of Texas History Galleries, visitors will explore Carros y Cultura: Lowriding Legacies in Texas, a special exhibition celebrating the rich culture of Texas lowriding through a display of seven lowrider cars, five bicycles and artifacts from music, fashion and lowrider history. 

The Bob Bullock Birthday Bash event will take place at the Bullock Museum on Sunday, July 14. Activities are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and exhibition admission is free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit TheStoryofTexas.com.

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Bob Bullock Birthday Bash is made possible by the generosity of Carolene English.

Carros y Cultura: Lowriding Legacies in Texas is sponsored by the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall Fund and Univision Austin.

The Bullock Museum, a division of the Texas State Preservation Board, is funded by Museum members, donors, and patrons, the Texas State History Museum Foundation, and the State of Texas.

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​​The Bullock Texas State History Museum, a division of the State Preservation Board and an accredited institution of the American Alliance of Museums, creates experiences that educate, engage, and encourage a deeper understanding of Texas. With dynamic, award-winning exhibitions that illuminate Texas history, people, and culture, educational programming for all ages, and an IMAX® theater with a screen the size of Texas, the Museum collaborates with more than 700 museums, libraries, archives, organizations, and individuals across the world to bring the Story of Texas to life. For more information, visit www.TheStoryofTexas.com or call (866)369-7108.