News Archives - Page 3 of 7 - The McFaddin-Ward House

Who Rode the Orphan Train?

February 19, 2016

Between 1854 and 1929 over 250,000 orphans and unwanted children were taken out of New York City and given away at train stations across America. This nearly eighty year experiment in child migration is filled with horror stories and happy endings. The trains stopped in pre-selected towns where people interested in taking a child would assemble. Children not chosen were put back on the train and many were shuttled from family to family and town to town. Until the release of a 1993 documentary on PBS’s The American Experience, these children’s stories were largely untold.

The 2016 McFaddin-Ward House Lecture Series proudly presents Phil Lancaster, musician/presenter of “Riders of the Orphan Train”, the official outreach program for the National Orphan Train Complex. Please join us at 6:30 p.m. March 3 as Mr. Lancaster brings this subject to public awareness through artistic performance and extends what has become a personal passion to touch people concerned about this profound human experience.

As always, there is no cost for our reception and presentation which will be held at the McFaddin-Ward House Visitor Center, 1906 Calder, Beaumont. The public is invited to attend.

Popular Historic Home Director Comes to McFaddin-Ward House

January 25, 2016

Dan Hartman says he is defined by three main passions: he loves Duluth, he loves public policy, and he loves history.

Hartman also knows how to transform a museum.

The historian/city councilman is best known for bringing the state’s most popular museum into the 21st century. At the Glensheen House, the red velvet ropes are gone, 80-year-olds stand next to 20-year-olds enjoying drinks and music at museum events. And they are allowed to take pictures inside the house for the first time in 35 years.

Director Dan Hartman understands the debate of preserving history while engaging the public, but he says the old ways weren’t working. “We have to find new, creative ways to start bringing people back,” he said.

The Glensheen Museum’s attendance has risen dramatically since Hartman came on board.

“There are many folks who have lived in the city for a long period of time who have never been here. And frankly we haven’t given them a lot of excuses to do that.” Hartman said. Glensheen has also launched several personalized tours including an evening flashlight tour of the mansion, and a behind-the-scenes “nooks and crannies.

Dan Hartman will be guest speaker at the McFaddin-Ward House’s upcoming Free Lecture on February 18, 2016. The event is free and open to the public and includes a reception following the event.

For more information, go to our Events Page on this website or call 409-832-1906.

Secret Tour Fills Quickly

January 20, 2016

January 30th Secret Tour is already filled.

Learning a secret is always exciting. That’s how we knew a secret tour of this historic home would be a huge success. I mean, who doesn’t want to know what’s behind closed doors at Mamie McFaddin-Ward’s house?! Consequently, all six spots on the January 30th tour were filled within three hours of announcing the event. But secret lovers, don’t fret. We have three more “Secret Tours” planned later this year!

To be placed on the Secret Tour email list, please send your address to Karen Chapman, kchapman@mcfaddin-ward.org.

Next Secret Tour is January 30th!

January 18, 2016

Ever seen the McFaddin-Ward House up close and personal? Now is your chance!

The Historic House Museum is conducting it’s latest Secret Tour Saturday, January 30, 2016. Designed with locals in mind, you’ll see parts of the house you’ve never seen before. Each tour is limited to six adults who sign up and can pay in advance. It starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until noon-ish. The cost is $20 per person. Experience our legendary hospitality with a light elegant brunch at the end of your tour!

Please email kchapman@mcfaddin-ward.org or call Karen Chapman at (409) 832-1906 to sign up. Hurry! These tours fill up fast.

Amanda Danning Lecture Announced

December 16, 2015

McFaddin-Ward House 2016 Lecture Series Begins With Bones

LA FOLLY, LA COBBLER, AND LA ROGUE

Forensic Artist and Sculptor, Amanda Danning, returns to Beaumont with tales of the doomed La Salle Expedition into Texas. Her lecture focuses on three skulls found among the remains of early French settlers at Fort St. Louis. Danning reveals how her skull reconstructions are helping solve true mysteries of history. Last year’s event saw a standing-room-only crowd. Seating is limited.

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF VENUE FOR THIS EVENT!

Join Us Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

Betty Greenberg Cener for Performing Arts

McFaddin Ward Auditorium

4155 Laurel, Beaumont

CALL 832-1906 FOR MORE INFORMATION

This event is free and open to the public!

New Secret Tour Announced — August 29th

July 29, 2015

Think you know the McFaddin-Ward House? Think again.

Designed specifically for locals who have taken our traditional tour, our brand new “secret” tours are your chance to see the McFaddin-Ward House like you’ve never seen it.

Limited to six people, these tours will be announced exactly one month ahead of time. The tours will cost $10 per person. You’ll get a chance to see parts of the house you don’t see on regular tour, get a bird’s eye view of the grounds, and take a peek behind the curtain, at some places not typically seen by the public. We’ll end the tour with some light brunch fare on the porch.

The next secret tour is Saturday, August 29th. It will last from 10 a.m. until about noon. Once you sign up, more details will be sent to you.

Please email kchapman@mcfaddin-ward.org or call (409) 832-1906 to sign up. But hurry! These tours fill up fast.

Announcing: Secret Tours.

June 11, 2015

Think you know the McFaddin-Ward House? Think again.

Designed specifically for locals who have taken our traditional tour, our brand new “secret” tours are your chance to see the McFaddin-Ward House like you’ve never seen it.

Limited to six people, these tours will be announced exactly one month ahead of time. The tours will cost $10 per person. You’ll get a chance to see parts of the house you don’t see on regular tour, get a bird’s eye view of the grounds, and take a peek behind the curtain, at some places not typically seen by the public. We’ll end the tour with some light brunch fare on the porch.

The first secret tour is Saturday, July 11th. It will last from 10 a.m. until about noon. Once you sign up, more details will be sent to you.

This tour went fast. Please email kchapman@mcfaddin-ward.org or call (409) 832-1906 to add your name to the waiting list, and be the FIRST to know about future secret tours.

Register Your Child for Our 2015 Summer Camp!

June 8, 2015

Our kids’ summer camp is back for another year! Scheduled for July 28th-30th, this year’s theme, “Growing Up McFaddin” centers around the McFaddin children –Mamie, Perry, and Caldwell– as they grew up in the home they called for many years.

Join us as we learn all about the childhoods of the three McFaddin children, and how they lived their day-to-day lives as residents of one of the most recognizable homes in town.

The details:
–Campers must be between the ages of 8 and 12.
–Camp is Tuesday, July 28th, Wednesday, July 29th, and Thursday, July 30th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
–Campers must bring their own lunch Tuesday and Wednesday. Lunch is provided Thursday.
–Registration fees are $20 per camper (cash or check only).
–Registration is limited to 24 campers. This camp is popular and fills up fast!

If you would like to register your child, you can register in person at our offices, located at 725 N. Third Street in Beaumont.
Or you can download both the permission slip and the registration form (click here and here ) and return the forms either in person or by mail, at 725 N. Third Street, Beaumont, TX 77701. Please include payment with your registration forms. Registration will NOT be completed without payment.

If you have any questions, please call (409) 832-1906 or email mpowers@mcfaddin-ward.org.

Summer Camp Registration Begins Monday, June 8th

June 1, 2015

Registration for our summer camp begins Monday, June 8th. Please note that any registrations received before June 8th will not be accepted.

Our summer camp for kids is back for another year! Scheduled for July 28th-30th, this year’s theme, “Growing Up McFaddin” centers around the McFaddin children –Mamie, Perry, and Caldwell– as they grew up in the home they called for many years.

Join us as we learn all about the childhoods of the three McFaddin children, and how they lived their day-to-day lives as residents of one of the most recognizable homes in town.

The forms for registration will be available to download on our website on June 8th, or you can pick them up at our offices starting the first day of registration (located at 725 N. Third Street in Beaumont). Registration forms can be sent by mail, or dropped off in person. Online registration is not available. Cash or check only please.

Please note: Registration DOES NOT BEGIN until Monday, June 8th.
Any registrations received before June 8th will not be accepted.

For questions or more information, please call (409) 832-1906 or email mpowers@mcfaddin-ward.org.

McFaddin-Ward House names new President of the Board

May 26, 2015

At its May 2015 meeting of the board of directors, the McFaddin-Ward House board members named a new president. With a unanimous vote, Leslie Wilson was named the new president of the board for the McFaddin-Ward House Museum.

Leslie Wilson is a very active volunteer throughout the community, and recognizes the value of service above self. She has served on the museum’s board of directors for many years, and has completed the docent training course. She has a personal connection to the museum as well. Her husband, Bill Wilson, is the son of President Emeritus, Rosine McFaddin Wilson, the niece of the museum’s founder, Mamie McFaddin Ward.

Outgoing president, Rosine Wilson, has been the president of the board of directors of the McFaddin-Ward House since its inception shortly after Mamie McFaddin Ward’s death in 1982. She spearheaded efforts to turn the home into a museum, and encouraged her aunt in preserving her home for the people of Beaumont.

A fifth-generation Beaumont resident, Rosine Wilson has a long interest in historical preservation and history. A founding member of the Beaumont Heritage Society, she was instrumental in the Society’s first project, the restoration of the John Jay French Historic House Museum. She also served as a former Vice Chairman of the Texas Historical Commission. Continuing the legacy of cultural leadership and generosity established by her aunt, Rosine Wilson helped establish the Mamie McFaddin Ward Heritage Foundation to maintain the house as both a cultural and educational resource in Beaumont. Educational and charitable organizations across southeast Texas also benefit from the foundation’s annual grants.

Today, the McFaddin-Ward House, a registered Texas landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers daily tours as well as a range of educational programming, cultural events for the community, and scholarly conferences.

For over thirty years, Rosine Wilson has been actively involved with making the museum the standout it is today, and has been nationally acclaimed for her accomplishments. She knows there is more to be done, however, and recognizes the importance of involving younger generations to insure sustainability. After serving as president of the board for the entire history of the McFaddin-Ward House, Rosine Wilson has decided to pass the baton to her daughter-in-law, Leslie Wilson. Rosine Wilson will continue her service to the museum as President Emeritus of the board.

Free Movie Nights 2015 Announced

April 6, 2015

Announcing our lineup for this year’s Free Movie Nights:
Starting in June, we’ll be showing some classic Hollywood films!
Each movie night is free and open to the public. There are no reservations, and seats are first come, first served.
Doors for each movie night open at 6 p.m., and the movie begins at 6:30.
Popcorn and drinks are included!
Here are the six classic films we’ll be showing this year:

June 11th — Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
July 9th — Charade
August 13th — His Girl Friday
September 10th — Rebel Without A Cause
October 8th — Teenagers From Outer Space
December 10th — It’s A Wonderful Life

Diverse and dynamic lineup of guest lectures for 2015

January 7, 2015

Here at the museum, we work hard to bring you lectures that are both fascinating and educational. Last year, we had talks over the business of wine in Napa Valley, duck hunting, the early days of Beaumont, art forgeries, and the gardens at Monticello.

This year, our 2015 Lecture Series is also shaping up to be yet another exciting year.

On January 29th, we welcome forensic sculptor Amanda Danning, who will kick off the series. Danning has gained international recognition as a forensic sculptor, having been commissioned by the Smithsonian Institution for reconstructions of Jamestown settlers, Buffalo Soldiers, ancient Paleo-Americans, and many others. Dr. Douglas Owsley of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History says, “It is rare to find someone whose work can help interpret and bring to life the past for so many people.” Danning’s work is on display at the NMNH and more than thirty U.S. museums. She’ll be giving her talk “Making Heads and Telling Tales” on January 29^th.

On March 19^th, the man with the best job in Texas will be here; Daniel Vaughn is the Barbecue Editor for Texas Monthly, and he’ll share the history of barbecue in the Lone Star State.

Roger Wood, a retired college professor and author of three acclaimed books on zydeco music, will be here on May 7^th. “Lone Star Lala: Texas and Zydeco Music” is his fascinating talk, and he’ll share the unique role of southeast Texas in the shaping of this beloved genre of music.

And on October 22^nd, a name familiar to many of you will round out our list of lectures. Carey Maloney, an award-winning architect and designer, will talk about his approach to design and the culture of “stuff.”

It’s an eclectic list, to be sure, but one we think will interest a broad audience and further our goal of educating and enlightening southeast Texans. Join us next year for one–or all—of these lectures!