The Neill-Cochran House Museum is open to the public for educational tours highlighting the history of the structure, its notable designer, the numerous occupants and uses that constitute its social history, and the place of the Neill-Cochran House in the history of Texas. Fourth-Grade Curriculum Unit
This historic landmark is the subject of The Story of the Neill-Cochran House, a student enrichment unit for study by fourth graders. A five-session multimedia curriculum tells the story of the House through its families, individuals, and events important to Austin and Texas history. This second edition (Fall 2004) was developed by NSCDA-Texas in collaboration with the Elementary Grades Social Studies Department of Austin Independent School District. Each elementary school library in the district has a boxed curriculum kit in its catalog, and the unit will soon be available online. The curriculum kit comprises:
16-minute video tour of the House
The students are prepared for the tour with information on 19th- and early 20th-century architecture, decorative arts, Austin history, and Texas heritage, as well as a discussion of "museum manners." The field trip is followed by writing exercises and other activities.
The curriculum is designed to be accurate, interesting, and easy to use. It meets all current instructional standards and guidelines of the State of Texas, including lesson correlation to the TEKS. Tested in the classroom, it receives consistent praise from students, teachers, and parents.
Teachers and administrators in all schools and districts are warmly invited to contact the House for further information, curriculum kits, and tour reservations.
Scheduling: Field trip must be scheduled two (2) weeks in advance by filling in the registration form or calling the Neill-Cochran House Museum office at 512.478.2335.
Program availability: Wednesday - Friday
Adult/student ratio: 1 adult to 10 students
Duration of program: 90 minutes
Cost per student: $1.00
Other Important Information: The first floor of the NCHM is wheelchair-accessible. Restroom facilities are limited. Picnic area and restrooms are available at nearby Pease Park.
Private School and Homeschool Tours
Student tours are not limited to fourth-graders studying Texas history. The Neill-Cochran House Museum welcomes students of all ages, including fifth-grade Civil War students, seventh-grade Texas history students, and high schoolers learning American History or Interior Design. Teachers from public and private schools and parents engaged in homeschooling may express specific areas of interest for the focus of their individualized tours. Reservations may be made with the online form or by calling 512.478.2335.Scout and Camp Fire Tours
The Neill-Cochran House Museum invites Girl Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, and Camp Fire USA from anywhere in Texas to visit the House. Tours can be geared toward any age group for members of these organizations. When troop leaders make reservations, they will receive information packets to prepare their charges for the field trip.Austin is fortunate to be within close proximity to many parks, with campsites ranging from primitive to those with cabins. For information on overnight stays after your tour of the Neill-Cochran House Museum, see the Texas Outside website at www.texasoutside.com/austinparks.htm.
The Neill-Cochran House Museum is currently designing a heritage patch for members of GSA, BSA, and CF/USA that will be available with your visit. The cost of the field trip is $1.00 for students and chaperones.
Study Tours for members of the Friends and Colonial Dames
Modern Times Speaker Series
The Neill-Cochran House Museum is owned and maintained by
The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of Texas
