Well RED Journal - Old Red Newsletter October 2008

Welcome
to the first
edition of
Old Red’s quarterly
e-newsletter.

Look for each issue mid-month in January, April,
July, and October.

We have now been open
just over a year and there is an exciting slate of exhibits, programs and activities coming up in the next few months.

If you haven’t visited Old Red in a while, we’ve added a guest services counter and informative digital sign in the grand entry hall on the first floor. You can purchase tickets, buy beverages and snacks, visit the gift shop, sign up for programs and meet for tours. Our guest services staff is ready to help you enjoy your outing at Old Red. We are open seven days a week from 9:00 am
to 5:00 pm.

The best way to keep in touch with what is happening at Old Red is to become a member. Membership information can be found on our new website at oldred.org or by emailing membership@oldred.org. Please email changes in your contact information or email address to membership@oldred.org.

Did you know that you can schedule a special, private building tour for your group? Built in 1892, Old Red’s majestic Romanesque architecture has been a part of the Dallas skyline for over 100 years and is one of the oldest remaining buildings
in Dallas. Email our group sales department at groupsales@oldred.org to book a tour.

Would you like to learn more about Old Red’s elementary and secondary educational offerings? We are booking museum tours and history labs now. All of our programs fulfill a number
of different TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) requirements. These are listed on our program brochure.

For more information, please go to our web site at oldred.org where you can take a look at the classes or email groupsales@oldred.org to book your class. We can accommodate large and small classes.

We are busy planning for 2009. We greatly value your support and look forward to seeing you at Old Red in the coming months. Please email us your suggestions at newsletter@oldred.org.

COMING
SOON
November 15, 2008
to January 11, 2009

A New Dallas Tradition
Share the joy of this festive
season in the Old Red Museum’s collaborative exhibit celebrating Dallas County holiday traditions.

On view in the Museum’s Special Exhibits Gallery are eighteen holiday trees and exhibits, each decorated by the volunteers and staff of a local non-profit organization to illustrate this year’s theme – holiday traditions in Dallas. Visitors may vote’ for their favorite tree or exhibit by dropping their donations in the boxes near each tree. At the exhibit’s close, the organization with the most donations will be declared the winner. Help support the Old Red Museum and these local charities with the giving spirit of this wonderful season.

Participating Organizations
• AIDS Arms • Best Buddies Texas • Brighter Tomorrows • Dallas CASA • Dallas Challenge Inc. • Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity • Deaf Action Center • Dallas Jewish Historical Society • The Family Place • Literacy Instruction for Texas (LIFT) • Ronald McDonald House Charities	• Promise House • Operation Kindness • Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture • Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers • Susan G. Komen for the Cure Dallas County • Volunteer Center of North Texas • World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth

	Best on the Block A Quilt Mania II Exhibition at the Old Red Museum Quilt Mania II is the second in a series of collaborative exhibits among 17 cultural institutions in the Dallas area. Different quilt exhibits will be shown throughout the city at the participating institutions. The Best on the Block features 17 quilts from the Quilter’s Guild of Dallas Keeper
Collection. This unique exhibit highlights quilts from over 20 years of the Dallas Quilter’s Guild Block Contest, open to Guild members. Best on the Block truly portrays the diversity and creativity of Dallas culture.
ON VIEW October 9, 2008 March 11, 2009


Quilt Mania II Workshop - February 23, 2009, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Lisa Erlandson, an AQS Certified Appraiser of Quilted Textiles, quilt restorer, quilt show judge, teacher, and historian, will teach a three-hour workshop, Broderie Perse – 21st Century Style, a look back at one of the earliest quilt styles and a look forward at how to utilize this style to create quilts that range from very traditional to very modern. Workshop
price is $30 for Museum Members, and $40 for non-members, and includes lunch. Supplies needed include: basic sewing supplies, pencil and paper, at least a quarter of a large scale fabric, and ½ yard of coordinating background fabric. Supply kits are available for pre-purchase for $30. This workshop is intended for all skill levels. Deadline for workshop registration is February 1, 2009. Please contact quilts@oldred.org to sign up or for more information. CLICK HERE FOR NEW & PAST EXHIBITS

Quilt Mania II:
Oct. 9, 2008 – March 15, 2009
Quilt Mania II Workshop:
Feb. 23, 2009 11:30am-2:30pm
Deck the Halls:
Nov. 15, 2008 – Jan. 11, 2009
Your Dallas: Carrollton Connection
Opens Jan. 23, 2009

OLD RED MUSEUM
OF DALLAS COUNTY
HISTORY & CULTURE
100 S. Houston St Dallas, TX 75202
Museum Info: 214-745-1100
The Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture is located in the West End of downtown Dallas in the beautifully restored Old Red Courthouse built in 1892. Dedicated to inspire and educate visitors about the rich and varied cultural, economic, political and social history of the Dallas County area, the second floor of Old Red is filled with exhibits, 41-touch screen computers, an educational learning center and four mini theatres. There is also a temporary exhibit gallery located on the first floor.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mr. David Biegler (chair)
Mrs. Lindalyn Adams
Mr. Raymond A. Basye, Jr.
Ms. Becky Bright
Mr. James R. Erwin
Mr. Boone Powell
Dr. Charles Tandy

MUSEUM STAFF
Terrell Falk
President
Susan Wojs
Office Manager & Executive Assistant
Jessica Jernigan
Collections & Exhibits Manager
Steffanie Evans
Education & Program Director
Linda Murdock
Sales Director
Brittany Davenport
Event Coordinator
Ross Crabtree
Operations Director
Larry McGrane
Guest Services Manager
Zac Harmon
Controller

FOUNDATION MISSION
The mission of the Old Red Foundation is to create a lively center of Dallas County civic life within the historic Old Red Courthouse and to present the rich history of the Dallas County area in the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture.

MUSEUM MISSION
The mission of the Old Red Museum is to inspire and educate people with the rich cultural, economic, political and social history of the Dallas County area, showcasing the many cultures that together have formed the Dallas
of today.

Collections Highlights
This Just In! New acquisitions
at the Old Red Museum
The Leon Rudberg Jewelry Co., founded
in 1919 by Leon Rudberg and one of the early Jewish businesses in Dallas, is currently the oldest family-owned wholesale jeweler in Texas. This photo was taken in February 1929, at the jeweler’s workshop on Browder Street in downtown Dallas. Cary Rudberg, Leon Rudberg’s grandson, still uses the drill press, rolling mills, polishing machine,
and benches seen in the photo.

The original print is 5” x 7”, and a print currently hangs in the Leon Rudberg Jewelry Co. offices.

Things to look for in this photo:
• Calendar and Clock: February 1929,
approximately 10:15am.
• Hairstyles and clothing
• Electricity: note the ceiling fan and
light, and the cords running from the
fixture.

Above, Leon Rudberg Jewelry Co., 1929. Old Red Museum, courtesy of Leon Rudberg

Above, from left to right: unidentified man, involved in a fatal traffic accident shortly after this photo was taken; Trig Wilkerson, later a shop foreman for Everett’s Jewelers in Dallas; unidentified man, later a foreman for Linz Jewelers in Dallas; unidentified woman; (standing) Leon Rudberg; (standing) Joe Cohen, later started Joe Cohen & Sons Jewelry in Fort Worth, Texas.

School Visit Activities & How to Book
Who knew history could be so much fun? The school year is in full swing, and Old Red is the destination for teachers and students in Dallas County. We have so many fun programs, activities, and history labs to offer this school year! Bring your students to the Old Red Museum and REDiscover history. Students will learn about the exciting inventions that changed our lives such as the integrated circuit, the corny dog, and the computer chip in Computer Chips to Corny Dogs; experience the many cultures and traditions in Dallas County in Culture Shock; bring a courtroom and mock trial to life in And Be It Resolved; or recreate the Dallas skyline in Building Big D. We offer a unique experience in history for all ages! If you are an educator and would like to receive a copy of our 2008-2009 Educator’s Resource Guide, contact Steffanie Evans at steffanee@oldred.org or 214-757-1925. If you would like to schedule a museum visit for your group of students, contact our group sales department at groupsales@oldred.org or 214-757-1949.

Building
Highlights

Around the House:
Spotlight on Old Red

The Vault
An original building feature, the vault was found behind a bookshelf during the restoration process. Restorers worked for weeks to clean the original façade, using Q-tips to clean the surface one square inch at a time. Much of the existing paint is original, with bright colors and intricate designs on all faces of the vault’s heavy steel door. The “Yale Single Automatic Bolt-Operating Device” also contains a door from the Cincinnati Safe & Lock Company as well as the G.V. Halliday & Company in St. Louis. Land deeds and other records were kept inside the vault, labeled as the property of the Dallas County Treasurer.

Photo courtesy of Engaged Studios.

Photo provided by Donnalynn
Photography Bride & groom.

Something old,
something Red
Old Red has become the new hot spot for bridal photography. Many photographers and brides are taking advantage of Old Red’s unique and historic architecture for their bridal portraits
and engagement photography. The building features refined architectural amenities, including a four-story iron staircase, 20 foot ceilings, graceful arches, chandeliers and traditional Victorian color schemes. All of which provide the bride and groom with an ideal setting for the most romantic and exceptional photographs.

In addition, the grand entryways made of marble and stone along with the black and white checkered floor, provides photographers with a distinctive location to pose the bride and groom for that “just right” photo.

To schedule your portrait or family photo at Old Red, contact the Facility Rentals department at 214-757-1945. Or, you can e-mail us at rentals@oldred.org.

Oldred.org
REDesigned
The Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture will soon be launching a new website. The new site will feature easy navigation. From becoming a member to learning about upcoming exhibits, the information is easily accessible on the new site.

Visitors will be able to
get information on the temporary exhibits and see a calendar of events several months in advance. The new website will include a section on the history
of Old Red as well as a Building Highlights section featuring the grand staircase, the clock tower, the lunettes, and the Pegasus. Visitors will also be able to get information on Education Programs, planning an event at Old Red, purchase a membership or adopt an artifact.

The new site will feature lots of photographs to help give visitors a taste of what the museum has to offer, including photos of areas that are not accessible to the general public.

Please come and visit
the website often to learn about all the new and exciting things going on at the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture.

Education
Check out what’s going on at Old Red!

Saturday, January 31, 11am to 3pm
Quilt Mania Family Day
- See Events tied to Exhibits Section.
Monday, February 23, 11am to 3pm
Quilt Mania Luncheon and workshop
with Lisa Erlandson
- See Events tied to Exhibits Section.

Group Sales at Old Red

Bring your group to the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History
& Culture! The Old Red Museum is Dallas’ newest premier museum
and interprets the rich stories of
the people, places, and events that
made Dallas County the great
place it is today.

Your museum visit is self-guided and includes four interactive galleries, four theaters, and two mini theaters highlighting Dallas County History from pre-history to present day. Early settlement, transportation, entertainment, medicine, immigration, sports, music, and civil rights are a few of the engaging themes discussed in the museum galleries. Over forty computer touch screens offer first-hand accounts about the people and events that shaped our history.

We offer a guided Building Restoration Tour Monday through Saturday at 2pm. The Building Restoration Tour lasts approximately thirty minutes and is included in the purchase of a museum ticket. The restoration tour unravels the colorful history and restoration of the Old Red Courthouse.

Visitors on the tour have a chance to see the 1892 Courtroom, the Restoration Room, and the Great Hall – all areas of the museum generally not open to the public. If your group of 20 or more would like to schedule a building tour outside of the regularly scheduled times, this can be arranged for an additional $2.00 per person. Groups of 20 or more receive a discounted rate of $5 per person. To book your group, email groupsales@oldred.org.

Facility Rentals
Love is in the air at the Old Red Museum. Rich in history and ambiance, Old Red has been the perfect setting for many wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Facility Rental’s department has been busy this summer sending brides down the aisle and helping couples fulfill their romantic dreams.

In addition, Old Red has successfully hosted a number of fundraisers, corpo-rate events, and was the chosen as the 2008 Facility of the Year by the International Special Events Society. Many occasions will be celebrated at Old Red including anniversaries, birthdays, private dinners,

and corporate events. We look forward to serving the community and hope that you will consider Old Red for your next memorable moment. To book an event at Old Red, please call the Facility Rentals Department at 214-757-1945, or e-mail us at rentals@oldred.org. To view previous weddings at Old Red, click on the following links: http://www.engagedstudio.com/slideshows/oldred/index.html
http://www.engagedstudio.com/slideshows/oldred2/index.html

Volunteer Activities
Education Volunteers… We need you!
The Old Red Museum hosts thousands of students each school year. During a visit to the Museum, students enjoy the museum’s interactive exhibits, computer touch screens, the Children’s Education Center, Discovery Carts and History Labs. Education volunteers engage students in activities, offer guidance in the museum galleries with our student gallery worksheets, facilitate History Labs, and lead discussions on Dallas County History.

If you enjoy working with students, talking about history or have teaching experience and miss the classroom setting, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Please contact Steffanie Evans at steffaniee@oldred.org or 214-757-1925 for more information.

Get Involved!
If you have a photo of the people, places, and things that have made Dallas County what it is today, let us know! Photos help us interpret history in unique ways. To donate a photo, e-mail photos@oldred.org.

New Technology at Old Red

The Old Red Courthouse sports some of the newest technology available; much like it did when built in 1892. While the newest technology in 1892 consisted of electrical wiring, a hydraulic elevator and cutting-edge construction techniques, Old Red’s new technology today consists of computer kiosks, theatres and wireless networks.

Throughout the Museum galleries and education center are over 40 touch screens. Using these kiosk computers, Museum guests can enjoy over 175 stories delivered in a rich audio-visual format. Each computer within a Museum gallery hosts a menu of narrated video stories relating to the themes and topics of that gallery and adjacent display cases. Each story was written exclusively for Old Red Museum using historic images, video, oral interviews and information gathered by historians.

Also based on the newest technology are the four gallery introductory theatres and two mini theatre stations inside the Museum. Guests enjoy custom videos including a custom

Over 40 touch screens are located throughout
the Old Red Museum galleries and education center where guests can enjoy over 175 stories delivered in a rich audio-visual format.

soundtrack, produced exclusively for Old Red, on state-of-the-art flat panel displays. Of special note is the fact that all 41 computers on the Museum floor are connected and controlled wirelessly using Old Red’s wireless network. Built in the 19th century, Old Red presented many challenges when trying to wire it for a modern data and telephone network. Many of these challenges were overcome and construction costs kept lower by using cutting-edge wireless technology to connect and manage the touch screens within the Museum. It was at times challenging integrating 21st century technology into a 19th century building, but the result was well worth the effort. Technology is as important today in helping Old Red be so vital and useful to its many guests and visitors as it was when it first opened its doors to the public in 1892.