AUSTIN, Texas — After lying dormant for over a decade, Austin’s historic Southgate – Lewis House has opened its doors again.
The grand reopening took place Saturday with the “A Juneteenth House Party: Celebrating Black History, Cultivating Black Stories” event, timed with Juneteenth.
The event was free, for all ages and open to the public.
Following the Annual Central Texas Juneteenth Parade, guests were invited to celebrate Black history, Black stories, and the Black community through a community conversation with historian Dr. Peniel Joseph, artists and cultural preservation Jennifer Cumberbatch and former city council member Ora Houston. The event also featured music by DJ Sulaiman and a kid reading corner hosted by author of the new children’s book “The City We Built” Terry Mitchell.
The purpose of the event was to reintroduce the Southgate–Lewis House to a new Austin of all generations, providing a fun and inviting experience themed around community, history, and fellowship.
Saturday also saw the launch of the “Friends of the House Program, which is a way for community members and organizations to become active members of the house and community stewards of this treasured Austin property.
The Southgate – Lewis House, located at 1501 East 12th Street, has been a cherished landmark in the city. Built in 1888, the house is a Queen Anne-style home that has played a significant role in Austin’s history. It was originally constructed for Dr. Thomas H. Davis, one of the first Black physicians in the city. The house later became the residence of Dr. William Holland, a prominent educator and civil rights leader. In the 1970s, it was owned by Dr. John Warfield, a noted historian and civil rights activist, who used the house as a cultural center.
In addition to inviting new energy, generations, and voices to the Southgate-Lewis story, board members are also working to restore and renovate the house. The goal is to preserve the house’s unique architectural features while updating the facilities to meet modern standards. Future plans include an artist residency, community event, and exhibition space.
“We believe in 2024, this renewed vision of the Southgate-Lewis House will serve to preserve and protect our history, reclaim and restore our connection, and curate and cultivate our continued stories,” said Virginia Cumberbatch, Board Chair of the Southgate-Lewis House and CEO of Rosa Rebellion.
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