Alamo preservation group splits

SAN ANTONIO, July 19 (UPI) -- Some members of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas say the group is neglecting its duty to the San Antonio historic site, a DRT member said Sunday.

Erin Bowman and Dianne MacDiarmid are starting the new group. Infighting is not unprecedented in the group but members say a schism like this is unusual.

Bowman led the Alamo's capital campaign in 2007 but was removed from the effort while in Europe taking care of her injured daughter. After she was dismissed, private donors withdrew their support to the tune of $70,000 in pledges to develop a business plan.

"There's a group of women who use the Alamo to try to promote themselves. For them, it's a power trip," said MacDiarmid.

She and Bowman favor an aggressive marketing and fundraising campaign.

DRT leaders say they are working within their bylaws and committee structure to preserve and expand the Shrine of Texas Liberty. The group says it needs to raise $60 million for the state-owned mission.