The Alamo is thrilled to announce an $11.4 million gift from Ms. Shannon Ralston, the largest charitable donation ever made to the Remember the Alamo Foundation. In recognition of this significant contribution, the Alamo is honored to announce that the Alamo Collections Center will be named the Ralston Family Collections Center.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Ralston Family Collections Center, took place today and marked a significant milestone in the Alamo Plan, a multifaceted initiative to enhance the experience of the 1.6 million annual visitors to the historic site and improve the care of the Alamo Collection. Today's momentous event was a fitting tribute to the enduring importance of the Alamo, serving as a reminder of its pivotal role in shaping the history of Texas and the United States.
Thanks to the generosity of seven donors, including the Gillman Family, the Alvarez Family, Mr. and Mrs. William Carrington, the Amy Shelton McNutt Charitable Trust, the Gunn Family, and Mrs. Ellen Randall, the Ralston Family Collections Center received a total of $14.4 million in private funding. To recognize these contributions, the Alamo designated the lobby as the Stacey and Jason Gillman Families Grand Lobby, the outdoor terrace as the Alvarez Family Terrace, and the conservation lab as the Curtis C. Gunn Jr. Conservation Laboratory.
"The Ralston Family Collections Center is the first building constructed on the historic grounds since the 1950s and a major step forward in enhancing the experience for the Alamo's 1.6 million annual visitors," said Dr. Kate Rogers, Executive Director for the Alamo Trust, Inc. "We are incredibly grateful for the support of our generous donors, including Shannon Ralston and her family, who made the construction of this magnificent center possible."
The Ralston Family Collections Center showcases items from the Phil Collins Collection, the Donald and Louise Yena Spanish Colonial Collection, and the Alamo Collection. This state-of-the-art facility, designed by Gensler | GRG and constructed by Clark/Guido, offers better care for the Alamo Collection, storage, and conservation space, as well as displaying traveling exhibitions and other educational resources. It is a true testament to the continued preservation and promotion of the historical significance of the Alamo site.
The opening of the Ralston Family Collections Center represents a significant moment for the Alamo, Texas, and the Remember the Alamo Foundation, preserving and celebrating the history of the site for generations to come.
