Jacob Fontaine Religious Museum

The Jacob Fontaine Religious Museum represents the history of African American churches in the Austin area. It is named after Jacob Fontaine, an enslaved preacher who founded 13 Baptist churches in Travis County. The Museum received a Rescuing Texas History grant in 2006 to aid in digitization of materials, mainly photographs.

About the Museum's Founder

In 2003, as an individual owner, Ernestine LaVan Thompson (1929-2010), founded the Jacob Fontaine Religious Museum. She served her community faithfully doing all she could to preserve the history of the church and community through her work on the Texas Historical Commission and the W. H. Passon Historical Society. She held the dual role of founder and President of the foundation. Her work was recognized with various prestigious citations and awards including the Community Service Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution on May 21, 2006. She also served on the committee of the North Austin Community Association where she helped to improve neighborhood watch programs.