The McFaddin-Ward House is combining two of its most popular events: Eggnog Evening and Open House. For years, the historic house museum has held the two events on separtate days, but
McFaddin-Ward House Features Film Documentary
The Pastel Poet Rides of the Texas Plains Rides Again
The McFaddin-Ward House takes its 2016 Lecture Series on the road this month with a film documentary about forgotten artist Frank Reaugh. Experts consider Reaugh (prounounced Ray) to be one of Western art’s most prolific; his works number more than 7,000, yet when he died, most people had never heard of him. The Texas art scene has recently renewed its interest in Reaugh, largely due to a recent film documentary about his life and works. “Frank Reaugh: Pastel Poet of the Texas Plains” pays tribute to a great artist and teacher. Its producer, Marla Fields, will be on hand August 18th to discuss her film at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas. The McFaddin-Ward House is proud to be sharing the event at the larger venue.
“We anticipate a large crowd for this particular lecture,” McFaddin-Ward House Museum Director, Allen Lea said. “The Art Museum is lovely and will create the perfect atmosphere for this wonderful screening.”
An Artist Unknown
Frank Reaugh produced thousands of vivid pastels of the Texas Plains. Unlike other painters, though, he focused on animals rather than cowboys. Each summer he would bring a group of students on “Sketch Trips” to far west Texas and teach them his methods. Many call him the “Dean of Texas Painters”.
“What’s remarkable about Frank Reaugh is that very few of us knew what’s remarkable about him,” critic and novelist Michael Ennis remarks in Fields’ documentary. Now, we’re beginning to, again.
He was still working into his late 70s, but by then the art world had passed him by.
“People forgot him before he was ever done painting,” art collector Bill Cheek said.
How could artists forget someone so talented, creative and giving? That’s what filmmaker Fields wanted to know after reading an article about him. “In his final days he became a ward of the city, and that just struck me,” she said. “I just couldn’t believe he wasn’t more well-known.”
A former radio DJ in Temple and Paris (Texas) and now a freelance video producer living in Frisco, she set out to learn all she could about him. Her superb documentary, five years in the making, reintroduces Reaugh to art lovers and to his fellow Texans.
Learn more at http://marlfields.com/frandreaugh
Glitter and Gleam: Selections from our Reserve Collection
Current Visitor Center Exhibit
Ida Caldwell McFaddin and her daughter Mamie McFaddin-Ward inherited certain fashion accessories, but they also followed the trends of their respective times. Clothing and accessories from 1880 to 1919 are shown in the exhibit as well as those from 1920 to 1959. Though made of various precious materials, all are shining examples of jewelry from the turn of the 20th Century.
Odom Academy Visits Museum
More than 250 Odom Academy students descended
by the busloads on the McFaddin-Ward House this month. The middle schoolers were here for an annual visit and a Texas History lesson on the early 1900’s. The morning included a stage play about a day in the life of the McFaddins, tours of the house, an art lesson, and several docent-led demonstrations of the family kitchen, house chores, Mamie’s school room, and childhood games. Close to 30 docents and staff were on hand to host the event which covered a three-day period.
Antiques Road Show Expert to Speak Here
If you love antiques at the McFaddin-Ward House, chances are you’ve heard of Antiques Road Show. Items in our collection would be dream-finds on the popular PBS Series where Average Joes and Janes rustle up antiques and collectibles for a televised appraisal. From garage sales to grandpa’s attic, it’s an array of everything from the beautiful to unusual. Sometimes, they hit it big.
One popular appraiser on the show is David Lackey, a Houston antique and art dealer, collector, and expert. In addition to creating his own art, Mr. Lackey owns an antique store in Houston. The McFaddin-Ward House has invited Lackey to speak at a free lecture in May.
David Lackey “grew up” in the antique business so-to-speak. On his sixth birthday, someone gave little David an antique penny bank in the shape of a house. This simple gift ignited David’s passion for collecting old objects, and he began to shop with his parents at flea-markets and garage sales. By the age of 12, he was selling at weekend antiques fairs and to other dealers who appreciated his keen eye for quality items.
After graduating from Baylor University, David worked as a buyer for Foley’s Department Store, although he continued to sell collectibles on weekends. He sold china and crystal he’d bought at estate sales, and pretty soon, David became known as a local expert in ceramics and glass.
By 1983 David Lackey was dealing antiques on a full-time basis, but he longed to further his knowledge. Two years later, he liquidated his business and enrolled in an intensive year-long course at Christie’s Fine Arts in London. David returned to Houston in 1986 and re-opened his business which flourished.
Ten years later, along came Antiques Roadshow. In the first season, David was asked to appraise pottery and porcelain for a filming in San Antonio, Texas. His appraisal aired on the show and David was invited to other venues. Since 1998, David has appraised at every Antiques Roadshow filming and traveled to over 100 cities.
David Lackey’s lecture on Antiques, Porcelain, Pottery, and Glass will be held Thursday May 12th at the McFaddin-Ward Visitor Center, located at 1906 Calder in Beaumont. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The lecture starts at 6:30. The lecture is free, but seating is limited to the first 90 people who arrive.
April 16 Secret Tour is No Longer Secret
We had no sooner announced the April 16th Secret Tour than it filled to capacity! This specialty tour is growing by leaps and bounds in interest and popularity. It seems everybody wants a peek behind Mamie’s curtains! The best way to be a part of it is to sign up for the email announcements. You will be notified several weeks in advance of the tour, and we will take the first six people who respond and pay. Limit 3 people per party. Please send your request to be placed on the list to Karen Chapman in our Public Relations Department: kchapman@mcfaddin-ward.org
Good luck and good secrets!
Who Rode the Orphan Train?
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
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 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!
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
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
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.
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