McFaddin-Ward House Museum Announces Fall 2025 Public Programming

Beaumont, TX; Aug. 4, 2025 – The McFaddin-Ward House Museum announces its Fall 2025 public programming lineup, featuring the return of the museum’s captivating Lecture Series, popular Music at the McFaddins’ outdoor concerts, and spectacular Holiday Open House. All events are admission-free and open to the public.

September 18: McFaddin-Ward House Museum Lecture Series presents “Howard Hughes and the Creation of Modern Hollywood” by Jeffrey Richardson | 6:30 p.m. | Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont)

Author and McFaddin-Ward House Museum Executive Director Jeffrey Richardson will show how Howard Hughes—aviator, industrialist, eccentric, and the most important movie producer during the golden age of Hollywood—used his enormous wealth to revolutionize the industry, onscreen and off. From starlets to scandals, it is a story of sex, violence, movies, and money told through one of the most colorful characters in American history.

With an extensive background in museum management and historic preservation, Richardson has held key positions at a diverse range of cultural institutions across the country and, in 2019, wrote Howard Hughes and the Creation of Modern Hollywood, the first in-depth profile of Hughes and his impact on the film industry. In March 2025, he assumed the role of executive director at the McFaddin-Ward House Museum, where he looks to build upon the organization’s remarkable history and legacy.

October 9: McFaddin-Ward House Museum Lecture Series presents “Stories of the 1900 Galveston Storm: What We Have Learned” by Shelly Kelly and Judge Jeff Branick | 6:30 p.m. | Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont)

Independent researcher and author Shelly Kelly will share stunning stories of the devasting hurricane that unexpectedly struck Galveston in 1900, reflecting on the lasting lessons it left behind and examining how the storm’s impact was magnified by a lack of preparedness. Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick will follow with an overview of modern hurricane forecasting and current emergency response strategies in Southeast Texas.

A certified archivist with a master’s degree in applied history, Kelly began her archival career at the Galveston & Texas History Center, located in Galveston’s Rosenberg Library, where she worked closely with 1900 storm collections and researchers. She has co-edited an award-winning book on the notorious hurricane, Through a Night of Horrors: Voices from the 1900 Galveston Storm.

Since assuming office in 2011, Judge Branick has worked tirelessly on coastal erosion protection and hurricane storm surge protection for coastal residents. He has helped lead the county through several hurricanes and disasters and will share his considerable insight into the importance of storm preparedness.

October 17: Music at the McFaddins’ featuring Jimmy Simmons & Friends | 6:30 p.m. | Museum Lawn (1906 McFaddin Ave., Beaumont)

Southeast Texas legend James “Jimmy” Simmons and his talented group of musicians will return for an unforgettable performance of timeless classics from the big band era through modern day hits. President Emeritus of Lamar University and a member of the faculty and leadership team for more than four decades, Dr. Simmons is an accomplished musician who has played alongside the famous from Frank Sinatra to Johnny Winter. He is a talented orchestra leader with an active performance career.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and refreshments as they gather in the historic home’s gorgeous gardens to enjoy a great evening of live entertainment.

November 7: Music at the McFaddins’ featuring Midlife Crisis | 6:30 p.m. | Museum Lawn (1906 McFaddin Ave., Beaumont)

Local favorite Midlife Crisis will take the stage for their first performance in the gardens of the historic house. The band will perform a wide range of hits from the 1960s through the present day, with a little bit of something everyone can enjoy.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and refreshments as they gather in the historic home’s gorgeous gardens to enjoy a great evening of live entertainment.

November 13: McFaddin-Ward House Museum Lecture Series presents “Lost, Unknown, and Then Found: The Great Museum of the Sea” by James Delgado | 6:30 p.m. | Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont)

Maritime archaeologist, television host, and award-winning author James Delgado will take a deep dive into fascinating undersea mysteries and how they are solved, peering into storied shipwrecks, and detailing undersea exploration.

The ocean is the largest museum on earth with more than a million lost ships resting in its depths, some dating back millennia, and Delgado has spent decades working around the globe in this fascinating world through underwater exploration. He has worked on some of the most famous shipwreck sites in history, including the Titanic, the lost fleet of Kublai Khan, the USS Arizona, the fabled “ghost ship” Mary Celeste, and the atomic bombed fleet at Bikini Atoll. His expeditions have solved long-lasting undersea mysteries and connected the modern world with powerful, human stories from the past.

December 6-7: McFaddin-Ward Holiday Open House Weekend | 5-7 p.m. | Begin at Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont)

The McFaddin-Ward House invites the community to delight in the splendor, sounds, and spirit of the season at its annual admission-free Holiday Open House Weekend on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7.

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. This year’s holiday interpretation will allow guests to experience a decadent dinner party. Gorgeous gold, shining silver, and sparkling crystal light up the dining areas, while glamorous party clothes and other special items, like a vintage toy train, will be on display.

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 that lived in the house for 75 years. The museum features admission-free tours, educational programming, year-round events, a carriage house exhibit, and gardens.