Why Preservation Matters
Preservation matters because historic places are more than buildings — they are living reminders of the people, traditions, and moments that shaped our community. By protecting these spaces, we honor the legacy of those who came before us while ensuring future generations can continue to gather, celebrate, and create new memories within their walls. Every act of preservation safeguards the character, history, and cultural spirit that makes Austin unique.
The Six Pillars of Giving
Every enduring institution is built upon a set of guiding principles.
For nearly 150 years, The Austin Club and the Historic Millett Opera House have served as a gathering place where leadership, culture, philanthropy, and community come together. As stewards of this remarkable legacy, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility—not only to preserve what has been entrusted to us, but to strengthen and expand its impact for generations yet to come.
The Six Pillars of Giving represent the framework through which that vision will be achieved. Together, they create a balanced and comprehensive approach to stewardship—one that honors the past, serves the present, and invests in the future.
Each pillar stands on its own. Together, they become something much larger, they become a roadmap for the next chapter of The Austin Club and the Historic Millett Opera House.Pillar I
Preservation & Stewardship
Protecting What Has Been Entrusted to Us
The Historic Millett Opera House has stood at the heart of Austin since 1878. Through times of growth, challenge, celebration, and change, it has remained a place where community, culture, and leadership converge. Preserving a landmark of this significance requires more than admiration for its history—it requires a commitment to its future.
Preservation & Stewardship focuses on protecting the physical integrity, beauty, and long-term viability of both the Millett Opera House and The Austin Club. Through thoughtful restoration, capital improvements, infrastructure investments, and ongoing care, this pillar ensures that future generations inherit a building that remains as inspiring and relevant as it is historic.
Preservation is not about standing still, it is about honoring the past while preparing for the future. Stewardship creates permanence.
Pillar II
Sustainability
Millett Foundation Endowment Fund
The strongest institutions think not in years, but in generations. The Millett Foundation Endowment Fund is designed to provide a permanent source of support for the preservation and future vitality of the Millett Opera House. Through disciplined investment, responsible oversight, and long-term planning, the Endowment Fund establishes a financial foundation capable of supporting the Club’s mission well into the future.
This pillar reflects the understanding that meaningful preservation requires more than passion—it requires resources, stability, and vision. Sustainability ensures that future leaders inherit not only a historic landmark, but the means to care for it responsibly. Sustainability creates stability.Pillar III
Significance
Millett Foundation Scholarship Fund
The greatest legacy any institution can leave behind is not found in its walls. It is found in the lives it touches. The Millett Foundation Scholarship Fund invests in future artists, performers, preservationists, historians, and cultural leaders whose talents and aspirations will help shape the future of our communities.
By creating opportunities for education, artistic growth, and leadership development, this pillar extends the impact of The Austin Club far beyond the Millett Opera House itself. This is where preservation becomes opportunity. This is where legacy becomes personal. Significance creates impact.Pillar IV
Stewardship of Art & Culture
The Art Council
The Millett Opera House was originally built as a place where people gathered to experience culture, creativity, and community. That tradition continues today.
The Art Council serves as the guardian and curator of the Club’s artistic and cultural identity, preserving historic works while introducing new opportunities for artistic expression and engagement. Through exhibitions, educational programs, acquisitions, partnerships, and special events, this pillar ensures that art and culture remain an active and meaningful part of the Club experience.
History provides the foundation. Culture brings it to life. Stewardship creates meaning.Pillar V
Growth & Vitality
Membership & Experiences
Historic institutions remain relevant only when they continue to serve the needs of the people who support them. Growth & Vitality focuses on strengthening membership, enhancing experiences, and creating an environment where meaningful relationships, memorable moments, and lifelong traditions continue to flourish.
Whether through exceptional dining, networking opportunities, family events, educational programming, or signature celebrations, this pillar ensures that The Austin Club remains vibrant, welcoming, and connected to future generations. Vitality keeps the story moving forward. Vitality creates momentum.Pillar VI
Engagement & Leadership
Community & Service
No great institution succeeds alone. Its future is shaped by the willingness of individuals to contribute their time, talent, expertise, and leadership.
This pillar encourages active participation through committee service, mentorship, volunteerism, civic engagement, and leadership development. It recognizes that the strength of The Austin Club has always been found in the people who care enough to invest themselves in its future. Leadership is not measured by title, it is measured by contribution. Engagement creates legacy.
Together, these six pillars form a comprehensive vision for the future of The Austin Club and the Historic Millett Opera House. They represent more than fundraising priorities. They represent a commitment to preservation, sustainability, opportunity, culture, vitality, and leadership. Most importantly, they provide a framework through which today’s members and supporters can help ensure that one of Austin’s most treasured institutions remains vibrant, relevant, and impactful for generations to come.
Transform Unused Treasures Into Historic Preservation
The Millett Opera House Foundation introduces a unique giving opportunity through Gold4Good, where supporters can donate unwanted or inherited jewelry to benefit the Millett Legacy. Donated precious metals are recycled and refined, with proceeds supporting the organization’s mission while offering donors a meaningful and environmentally conscious way to give back.
Dining Room
Breakfast
Monday – Friday
7am – 11am
A la Carte Lunch
Monday – Friday
11:30am – 2:00pm
Lunch Buffet
Monday – Friday
11:30am – 1:30pm
A la Carte Dinner
Wednesday – Saturday
5:30pm – 8:30pm
1878 Lounge
Breakfast
Monday – Friday
7am – 11am
A la Carte Lunch
Monday – Friday
11:30am – 2:00pm
A la Carte Dinner
Wednesday – Saturday
5:30pm – 8:30pm
Beverages
Monday – Tuesday
11:00am – 3:00pm
Beverages
Wednesday – Friday
11:00am – 8:30pm
Beverages
Saturday
5:30pm – 8:30pm
Administrative Hours
Accounting Office
Monday – Friday
9am – 5pm
Catering Office
Monday – Friday
9am – 3pm