Brown, Peggy

Peggy McNamara Brown actively participated in Austin's arts and culture from the 1970s to 1990s. Born in New York State, Peggy studied drama at Southern Methodist University where she met and married Paul Brown, Jr. They had three children and were married for 44 years until her death in 2002. Paul Brown was campaign manager for Texas Governor Buford Jester in 1946 and served on the governor's cabinet. Peggy would serve on various boards and committees in Austin, primarily those related to Austin's historical preservation, its young people, and the arts.

For more than 20 years, Peggy served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Austin Symphony Orchestra Society (ASOS) as a vice president over Symphony Square, vice president over Special Events, and in other roles (1971-1990s). Peggy served as president of the Women's Symphony League of Austin, 1973-1974. She served on various committees within ASOS, including youth programs and the opera. Her combined service coincided with ASOS President Jane Sibley.

Peggy and Jane Sibley, along with other members of ASOS, the City of Austin, and Austin Urban Renewal Agency, led plans to renovate four buildings at the intersection of Red River and 11th Streets. The project began in 1971 with the goal of creating an educational, cultural, and artistic center for the community. The four renovated stone buildings-Michael Doyle House, New Orleans Club Mercantile, Hardeman House, and Jeremiah Hamilton Building-served as the headquarters of ASOS and the Women's Symphony League of Austin, and houses restaurants and historical sites. A 350-seat Greek style amphitheater served as a venue for summer music festivals. Symphony Square held its grand opening April 7-9, 1978.

In the 1980s, Peggy served on the City of Austin Sesquicentennial Commission for the Texas Sesquicentennial; one committee among many across Texas designed to coordinate the planning of statewide sesquicentennial celebrations. Peggy served in other cultural functions, including the 22nd national president of the National Society of Arts and Letters (1986-1988), of which she was the founding member of the Austin chapter. She served on the Arts Council of Austin with Jane Sibley (1970), with the Austin Women's Club (1977-1978), as president of the Heritage Guild, as a Readers' Guild Honorary Member (1996), and with the Junior League of Austin.