McFaddin-Ward House Announces Fall 2024 Public Programming
Beaumont, TX; Aug. 5, 2024 – The McFaddin-Ward House announces its Fall 2024 public programming lineup, which will include the return of the museum’s popular Lecture Series, as well as “Music at the McFaddins’”outdoor live music events and its annual Holiday Open House. All events are admission-free and open to the public.
September 12: McFaddin-Ward House Lecture Series presents “The Washington National Cathedral: A Testament in Stone to Craftmanship and Artistry” by Kevin Eckstrom | 6:30 p.m. | Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont)
Washington National Cathedral Chief Public Affairs Officer Kevin Eckstrom will explore the rich history and stunning art and architecture of the National Cathedral, detailing its origins in embracing George Washington’s Vision for “A Great Church for National Purposes” and highlighting its impressive collection of artwork.
As a member of the Cathedral’s executive team, Eckstrom serves as editor-in-chief of the award-winning “Cathedral Age” magazine and works with the dean and chief operating officer to advance the Cathedral’s core mission priorities and develop programs to build audiences and awareness for the Cathedral.
October 10: McFaddin-Ward House Lecture Series presents “A Stitch in Time: Historic Textiles for Museums, Movies and Designers” by Rabbit Goody | 6:30 p.m. | Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont)
Internationally known textile historian, designer and master weaver Rabbit Goody will detail the fascinating process of creating historically accurate textiles for museums, movies and clothing companies.
For the past three decades, Goody’s studio, Thistle Hill Weavers located in Cherry Valley, New York, has been weaving luxurious custom fabrics for the museum field, the film industry and designers of home décor and clothing lines. As owner and operator of Thistle Hill Weavers, Goody has created historically accurate textiles for historic houses such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and The Lincoln Birthplace and produced costume fabrics for numerous films, including “Master and Commander” (2003), “Lincoln” (2012), “Road to Perdition” (2002) and “Winter’s Tale” (2014).
October 18: Music at the McFaddins’ featuring Jimmy Simmons & Friends | 6:30 p.m. | Museum Lawn (1906 McFaddin Ave., Beaumont)
Community favorite “Jimmy Simmons & Friends” will return for a great evening of live jazz on the grounds of the historic house. A member of the faculty and leadership team at Lamar University for more than four decades and President Emeritus of the university, Simmons is an accomplished musician and talented orchestra leader with an active performance career spanning beyond his tenure at Lamar.
November 1: Music at the McFaddins’ featuring Jivin’ Gene | 6:30 p.m. | Museum Lawn (1906 McFaddin Ave., Beaumont)
Legendary Swamp Pop musician “Jivin’ Gene” will return for an encore performance on the lawn of the historic house. As a teenager, Port Arthur native Gene Bourgeois – aka Jivin’ Gene – helped to invent Swamp Pop, a regional rock and roll variant unique to Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. He is well-known for writing the hit song, “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.”
November 14: McFaddin-Ward House Lecture Series presents “On The Neches with MARAD and The Reserve Fleet: MARAD Operations in the Western Gulf Gateway” by Brian Hill | 6:30 p.m. | Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont)
Brian Hill, director of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) Western Gulf Gateway Office, will overview MARAD operations on the Neches River and discuss the role of the Beaumont Reserve Fleet berthed on the Neches.
Based in Houston, Hill has served as Western Gulf Gateway director since 2012, overseeing all ports, waterways and intermodal connections and corridors in Texas, Colorado and New Mexico. He is responsible for working with Texas ports and other intermodal industries and agencies to improve and strengthen the U.S. marine transportation system.
December 7-8: McFaddin-Ward Holiday Open House Weekend | 5-7 p.m. | Begin at Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont)
The McFaddin-Ward House invites the Southeast Texas community to delight in the spirit of the season at its annual Holiday Open House – for the first time offering a full weekend to attend on either Saturday, Dec. 7, or Sunday, Dec. 8.
Guests will begin at the Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave.) with festive refreshments, music and children’s crafts. Next is a walk-through tour of the magnificent holiday decorations throughout the first floor of the historic house. Carolers, live music and a special visit from Santa under the twinkle of holiday lights will ensure a merry time for all.
All McFaddin-Ward House events are admission-free and open to the public. For lectures and lawn events, doors/gates open at 6 p.m. Seating for lectures is limited.
Built in 1905-1906 in the distinctive Beaux-Arts Colonial style, the McFaddin-Ward House reflects the lifestyle of the prominent family which lived in the house for 75 years. The museum features free tours, educational programming, year-round events, a carriage house, and gardens.
