McFaddin-Ward House Museum Honors Volunteers

Beaumont, TX; April 14, 2026 – The McFaddin-Ward House Museum hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and Awards this week, recognizing the extraordinary service and commitment of its volunteers.

This year’s theme, “40 Years of Community, History & Heart,” tied in with the Museum’s 40^th anniversary taking place in 2026. Volunteers contributed a total of 930 hours of their time, talents, and hearts in 2025, helping make visitors feel welcome at the McFaddin-Ward House Museum.

“Whether they are leading engaging tours of the historic home, supporting artifact preservation, or helping create memorable, family-friendly events, our volunteers play a vital role in everything we do,” said McFaddin-Ward House Museum Director of Visitor Experience Kourtney Bonzo. “Some volunteers have been with us for over 20 years. They are an invaluable part of our team, and our work would not be possible without their continued commitment.”

Volunteer awards were presented to Nathalie Hallmark, recipient of the Legacy Award recognizing 20 years of service and Volunteer Service Award recognizing 1,500 hours donated; Kent Hartel, recipient of the Volunteer Innovation Personified (VIP) Award which is presented to a volunteer who “loves their volunteer role, enjoys interaction and welcoming visitors and conducts volunteer activities at the Museum with a positive, supportive attitude”; Brenda Jackson, recipient of the Legacy Award recognizing 20 years of service; Candace LeMasters and Ivy Lomas, recipients of Rising Star Awards recognizing their “outstanding dedication and remarkable growth as rising stars whose enthusiasm and commitment have made a meaningful impact in a short time”; and Terry Sparks, recipient of the Storyteller Award recognizing “outstanding dedication to the art of storytelling, creating meaningful and memorable experiences that connect visitors to the rich history of the historic home.”

“It’s a big honor,” Hartel said. “I came here just to find out more about the [McFaddin] family, a family I am related to. I carried on [as a docent], and it’s been a thrill to share the experience of the family and my connection to the family. I’m proud to be here and be a part of the family.”

One of the longest serving docents, Jackson said her 22 years volunteering have “flown by.” “The McFaddin-Ward House has been a part of my life for many years,” Jackson said. “As a Texas History teacher in Beaumont ISD, I took my students there on field trips as part of their local history studies. After retirement I went through docent training. The McFaddin-Ward House is a local treasure.”

Completed in 1906, the McFaddin-Ward House is a fully restored Beaux-Arts Colonial-style mansion and historic landmark in Beaumont, Texas, that offers a vivid glimpse into the lives of the prominent McFaddin family and their enduring contributions to the economic, social, and cultural history of the region. The museum offers admission-free tours of the Historic Home, Carriage House, and Gardens, as well as educational programming, and year-round events.