McFaddin-Ward House announces Spring 2024 Public Programming
Beaumont, TX; Dec. 28, 2023 – The McFaddin-Ward House announces its Spring 2024 public programming lineup, which includes the continuation of the museum’s popular Lecture Series, as well as the second annual SOAR celebration and Music at the McFaddins’ outdoor live music events.
January 18: McFaddin-Ward House Lecture Series presents “Restoration and Operations of the World-Famous Big Boy Engine” by Ed Dickens | 6:30 p.m. | Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont)
Union Pacific Railroad Manager of Heritage Operations Ed Dickens will share his expertise in the restoration and operation of the Union Pacific No. 4014 Big Boy Engine – The World’s Largest Steam Locomotive.
In his unique role at Union Pacific Railroad, Dickens serves as lead locomotive engineer, project leader, and is responsible for all aspects of steam locomotive maintenance, trip planning, logistics, and operations. During his more than a decade at the company, Dickens has presided over two significant steam locomotive rebuild projects, including the Union Pacific No. 4014 “Big Boy” in 2013.
February 15: McFaddin-Ward House Lecture Series presents “The Artistry and History of Ranching Leatherwork, Silver, and Saddlery” by Troy West | 6:30 p.m. | Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont)
Master saddle maker and Texas native Troy West will share insights into the artistry and history of ranching leatherwork, silver, and saddlery, and highlight how the saddle is both a true piece of working equipment, as well as an artform and an important part of many Texas legends.
A true contemporary master in the cowboy arts, West has made a career of crafting leather into works of art. From becoming a member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association to creating custom works for his clientele, West has enjoyed four decades of success while fulfilling his passion for creativity.
February 22: Music at the McFaddins’ featuring Western Bling | 6:30 p.m. | Museum Lawn (1906 McFaddin Ave., Beaumont)
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and snacks as they gather on the grounds of the historic house to enjoy an encore live performance by Western Bling, a Houston-based group performing classic western swing music with a contemporary twist.
March 2024: SOAR Celebration | Museum Lawn (1906 McFaddin Ave., Beaumont)
The McFaddin-Ward House will present the 2nd Annual SOAR celebration in March 2024. This month-long colorful display of butterflies throughout the outdoor campus will feature several events with the highlight being SOAR Family Day on Sunday, March 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festive springtime event will include live music, food trucks, garden and butterfly related craft activities, the Houston Museum of Natural Science Bug Carts, local artist Butterfly Garden display, butterfly ride-on bikes, and more.
Other SOAR offerings during March will be a fun-filled family Texas Trivia Night hosted by Brandon Long of The Know Show Trivia on Thursday, March 14, and movie presentation of The Flight of the Butterfly.
April 18: McFaddin-Ward House Lecture Series presents “WWII Lessons and Legacies: The National WWII Museum’s Liberation Pavilion” by Dr. Michael S. Bell | 6:30 p.m. | Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont)
Dr. Michael S. Bell, Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, will highlight impactful artifacts and insights from the museum’s newest exhibit building.
Dr. Bell is a combat veteran, historian, and strategist who has served at every level of the military from platoon through theater army, as well as with US Central Command, the Joint Staff, the West Point faculty, and the National Defense University. As a civilian faculty member at the National Defense University, he also served details to the Office of the Secretary of State and as a National Security Council Senior Director and Special Assistant to the President of the United States.
May 16: McFaddin-Ward House Lecture Series presents “Art Crime and the FBI: How Masterpieces are Stolen and Recovered” by Bob Wittman | 6:30 p.m. | Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont)
One of the most famous art detectives in the world, Bob Wittman will share tales from the trenches of his long career solving art crimes with the FBI.
After joining the FBI as a Special Agent in 1988, Wittman received specialized training in art, antiques, jewelry, and gem identification, enabling him to serve as the Bureau’s investigative expert involving cultural property crime. During his 20-year FBI career, Wittman recovered more than $300 million worth of stolen art and cultural property and has represented the United States throughout the world, conducting investigations and instructing international police and museums in recovery and use of high asset value security techniques.
All McFaddin-Ward House events are 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.
For more information, call 409-832-2134 or visit mcfaddin-ward.org.