What is the Susanna Dickinson Museum and why is it significant?

The Susanna Dickinson Museum is the only surviving residence of Susanna Dickinson, a survivor of the Battle of the Alamo who carried the news of its fall to Sam Houston. The museum is housed in an 1869 "rubble-rock" home built for her by her fifth husband, Joseph Hannig, and it features rare family artifacts and furniture made by Hannig.

How much does it cost to visit?

Admission to the museum is free.

What are the hours of operation?

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where is the museum located?

The museum is located in the heart of downtown Austin at 411 East 5th Street.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Susanna Dickinson Museum in Austin

What to know

Located at 411 East 5th Street in downtown Austin, the Susanna Dickinson Museum is a unique historical site. It is the only surviving residence of Susanna Dickinson, a legendary figure in Texas history. Dickinson is famously known as the only surviving woman present at the Alamo when it fell to Antonio López de Santa Anna on March March 6, 1836. Following the battle, she and her daughter Angelina survived, and Susanna carried the critical news of the Alamo's fall to General Sam Houston. The home itself was built in 1869 by Dickinson's fifth and final husband, Joseph Hannig, a German furniture maker. This stone vernacular, "rubble-rock" structure served as their residence. While there are slightly differing historical accounts of their exact years here—with some records stating they resided there until 1875 and others suggesting they lived in the home from 1873 to 1878 when it was originally located at 308 East 4th Street—the house remains a vital link to her later life. The building has undergone a fascinating journey to become the museum visitors see today. Before its preservation, the 19th-century structure actually served as a barbecue restaurant. To prevent its demolition, the home was saved, relocated to Brush Square, and deeded to the City of Austin in 2003. Following a complete restoration, the museum celebrated its grand dedication and officially opened on March 2, 2010, which is Texas Independence Day. More recently, in March 2025, the museum commemorated its 15th anniversary with live music and historical activities. Today, the museum offers a free look into the lives of Dickinson and Hannig. Inside, visitors can view rare Dickinson family artifacts and beautiful furniture produced by Hannig himself. Among the highlights of the collection is a historic quilt, which is on display in Susanna Dickinson's bedroom, offering a tangible connection to the past.

Visitor tips

Admission to the museum is completely free.
Plan your visit between Wednesday and Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., when the museum is open.
Look for the rare furniture inside, which was hand-crafted by Susanna's husband, Joseph Hannig.
Check out the historic quilt on display in Susanna Dickinson's bedroom.

Nearby context

Situated in the heart of downtown Austin at 411 East 5th Street, the Susanna Dickinson Museum sits in Brush Square. This historic square is also home to the O. Henry Museum, creating a small enclave of 19th-century preservation amidst the bustling modern high-rises of downtown. Its central location makes it an easy, informative stop as you explore the vibrant streets of Austin's downtown district.