'States on Skates' rolling into Austin April 12

A group of skaters with States on Skates is roller-skating more than 2,800 miles across the United States to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. They will roll into Austin on Sunday, April 12 and skate right to the Bullock Texas State History Museum, located at 1800 N. Congress Ave., to see the 'Roller Derby' exhibition now on view. This exhibition examines contemporary popular culture and the role of women in contact sports through singular artifacts, historical photographs and personal stories. The sport of roller derby was originally founded in Chicago in the 1930s, but today's fast-paced, high-impact modern incarnation of roller derby began in Austin. Skaters with 'States on Skates' began their journey in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and average approximately 40 miles each day as they make their way to Santa Monica, California over 78 days. In addition to the epic personal and team-building facets of this adventure, the skaters aim to make a broader impact: Raising funds and awareness for the Joyful Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization working to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. The skaters hope to raise $50,000 for the cause, and the skaters will be representing the NO MORE campaign, a transformative initiative to unite our entire society around the simple message that together we can end domestic violence and sexual assault.

Media Event APRIL 12, 2015

What: Arrival of a cross-country group with States on Skates at the Bullock Texas State History Museum to see the Roller Derby exhibition and raise awareness for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
Who: Gracie Cole and other skaters of States on Skates and the Bullock Museum
When: Sunday, April 12 with a window of arrival from 12 to 3pm **Please call 254-625-1426 that day for updates
Where: Bullock Texas State History Museum - Lone Star Plaza and Rotunda Gallery
1800 N. Congress Avenue / Austin, Texas

Roller Derby' Exhibition

The "Roller Derby" exhibition on view at the Bullock Texas States History Museum through Aug. 9, 2015, examines contemporary popular culture and the role of women in contact sports through singular artifacts, historical photographs and personal stories.

While Texans have been roller skating since the 1880s, the sport of roller derby was founded in Chicago in the 1930s. Today's fast-paced, high-impact modern incarnation of roller derby, however, began in Austin. "Roller Derby" gives Texans a chance to learn about the city's significance in the recent history of the sport.

Characterized by hard-hitting action and big personalities, the exhibition is an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the roller derby experience and learn what the sport and culture are all about.
Visitors are immersed in a roller rink environment with life-sized images of skaters and fans so they can experience first-hand the fierce rivalries, the thrill of the bout, and the speed of a whip. One-of-a-kind, customized "boutfits" and historical roller derby artifacts are on display. Visitors can explore the What's Your Derby Name? interactive and share their derby name on Twitter using hashtag #BullockDerby. Roller Derby is organized by the Bullock Museum. For more information, visit TheStoryofTexas.com.

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​​The Bullock Texas State History Museum, a division of the State Preservation Board and an accredited institution of the American Alliance of Museums, creates experiences that educate, engage, and encourage a deeper understanding of Texas. With dynamic, award-winning exhibitions that illuminate Texas history, people, and culture, educational programming for all ages, and an IMAX® theater with a screen the size of Texas, the Museum collaborates with more than 700 museums, libraries, archives, organizations, and individuals across the world to bring the Story of Texas to life. For more information, visit www.TheStoryofTexas.com or call (866)369-7108.