Updated: 9/7/2017 
Neill-Cochran House Museum
Austin, Texas
Description

One of Austin's most important historic houses, the Neill-Cochran House was built in 1855 by the Master Builder Abner Cook, who also designed the Texas Governor's Mansion, both in the Greek Revival style. The House served as the first Asylum for the Blind in Texas and was a hospital, under the command of General George Armstrong Custer, for the Union Army during Reconstruction. It was not owner-occupied until 1876 when Colonel Andew Neill purchased it for his family. Judge Thomas Cochran bought the House from Col. Neill's widow in 1895, and it remained in the Cochran family until 1958, when it was sold to the NSCDA, who preserved it and opened it to the public in 1962.

Programs available at the House are educational tours for 4th-grade Texas History students and other study groups; a lecture series in the Fall of 2006 entitled "Modern Times: 1855," that will include talks about the Texas frontier, literature, costume, music, and food from the middle of the 19th century.

History

The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America is a patriotic organization dedicated to education and historical preservation. The NSCDA is represented in 44 states and owns or maintains approximately 60 properties across the United States. The NSCDA has been in Texas since 1898.

Artifact Collections

The Neill-Cochran House Museum is furnished with 18th- and 19th-century antiques and decorative arts.

Programs

Docent training is given annually, in February, and involves several sessions on the history of the House, Greek Revival architecture, period furnishings, and tour practice. Docents may choose to involved with the 4th-Grade Curriculum Program or the General Tour Program.

Tours of the House are $5 for adults, $3 for children, and $1 for students in the 4th-grade program with the Austin Independent School District.

Prices to attend lectures, concerts, exhibitions, and other programs vary.

Governance

The Neill-Cochran House Museum is owned and maintained by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of Texas.

Library

Access: Students, Scholars, Staff Only

Appointment required: True

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