The 2025 Angelina Eberly Luncheon was more than a celebration — it was a powerful affirmation of Austin’s past, present, and future.

Held at the historic Millett Opera House and hosted by the Austin Club, the 16th annual luncheon welcomed a sold-out room of civic leaders, cultural advocates, and dedicated supporters of Austin history. The event brought in over $111,000 in total revenue — including more than $100,000 in sponsorships — reflecting strong community investment in the Association’s mission.

“This is a beautiful day to preserve and celebrate Austin’s history,” declared Executive Director Adam Powell, who took the stage just six weeks into his tenure. “I couldn’t be more honored to lead this organization into a new era.” Powell’s vision was echoed by the announcement of a transformative partnership with the Austin Public Library and the unveiling of a strategic vision plan for the future Austin History Center campus — a campus that will combine the historic 1933 and 1979 buildings into a reimagined space for public history, archives, and education.

Among the most moving moments of the day was the presentation of the inaugural Sue Brandt McBee Living Legacy Award, honoring renowned urban designer and preservationist Sinclair Black. In the words of one of our original founders, Martha Hartzog, “Austin would not be the amazing city it is today without the work of Sinclair Black.” The award, a bronze longhorn designed by another association founder Bob Coffee, honors a lifetime of commitment to preserving the soul of Austin.

The McBee family’s impact didn’t stop there. Bob McBee delivered a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Sue Brandt McBee — a founding force behind the Association — and read two of her poems, including one written for Ann Richards in 1984. “She was a little salty,” Bob said, smiling through the applause, “but she gave everything to this city.”

Then came a moment that brought the room to its feet: the announcement of a $1.1 million legacy gift from the Roy and Linda Bush estate, with 95% going directly into the AHCA endowment. Combined with a previous $1 million gift from the Hardeman family, the luncheon marked an unprecedented leap forward for the Association’s long-term sustainability.

Of course, no Eberly Luncheon would be complete without a dose of joy. Esther’s Follies brought the house down with a sharp, hilarious performance that reminded guests that history isn’t just about facts — it’s about the stories we tell, and the joy we preserve along the way.

The afternoon closed with a bold call to action from honorary chairs Sharonda Robinson, Noel Bridges, and Will Bridges, who rallied the audience to support key initiatives including oral histories, historic furniture restoration, and 3D city mapping. “History can be used to divide,” Robinson said, “but what this Association does is use history to inspire.”

And inspire it did. From honoring the past to shaping the future, the 2025 Angelina Eberly Luncheon set a new standard for what a civic celebration can be: bold, inclusive, and grounded in purpose.

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