Saturday, March 7, 2026 1:30 p.m. U.S.S. Houston (CA-30) Monument Sam Houston Park (at The Heritage Society) 1100 Bagby Street HTX 77002.

Free - Open to the public U.S.S. Houston (CA-30) Survivors’ Association and Next Generations®

📅 Thursday, March 19, 2026 🕛 Noon - 1 PM

Lunch & Learn: Author Linda Dodge on A Museum Is Born and the Legacy of Emma Richardson Cherry

The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby Street HTX 77002

This Women’s History Month, The Heritage Society welcomes author Linda Dodge for a special Lunch & Learn exploring the women who shaped Houston’s early arts community and helped lay the foundation for one of the nation’s leading cultural institutions. Dodge will discuss her Museum of Fine Arts, Houston publication A Museum Is Born and highlight the life and influence of Emma Richardson Cherry, one of Houston’s earliest and most impactful women artists.

Event Overview

Dodge’s work traces the origins of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, revealing how a small circle of visionary civic leaders—many of them women—built the city’s first major art museum from the ground up. Central to this story is Emma Richardson Cherry, a painter, educator, preservationist, and cultural advocate whose leadership helped define Houston’s artistic identity in the early twentieth century.

This program offers an in-depth look at:

• The women who shaped the MFAH’s founding vision

• Cherry’s role as an artist, teacher, and preservation pioneer

• How early female cultural leaders influenced Houston’s growth

• The broader social and civic landscape that allowed the arts to flourish

By spotlighting these contributions, the event honors the women whose creativity, leadership, and determination continue to influence Houston’s cultural life today.

About the Speaker: Linda Dodge

Linda Dodge is a writer, researcher, and arts advocate whose work centers on the history of cultural institutions and the individuals—especially women—who shaped them. As the author of A Museum Is Born, published by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Dodge brings to life the museum’s formative years and the civic visionaries who transformed Houston into a thriving arts center.

Her research highlights the essential role of women in Houston’s early cultural development, with particular focus on Emma Richardson Cherry, whose artistic practice, teaching, and preservation efforts helped establish the city’s artistic foundations. Dodge’s writing blends archival depth with accessible storytelling, making complex institutional histories engaging for broad audiences.

With a background in arts writing and public humanities, Dodge has collaborated with museums and cultural organizations across Texas. Her work reflects a deep commitment to documenting and celebrating the contributions of women in the arts.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, March 19 Time: Noon Location: The Heritage Society Admission: Free and open to the public Guests are welcome to bring their lunch

Tickets Here

🌟 Join Us for the 2026 Heritage Luncheon Honoring John L. Nau III! 🌟
We are thrilled to celebrate one of Texas’s most dedicated champions of historic preservation at The Heritage Society’s annual Heritage Luncheon on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at River Oaks Country Club from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM.
This year, we proudly honor John L. Nau III, whose decades of leadership and service have shaped the preservation of Texas history and strengthened heritage tourism across our state and nation. His commitment to protecting historic places and stories has left an extraordinary legacy — one we are excited to recognize with the inaugural Texas Heritage Medal.
✨ Why Your Support Matters
Proceeds from this luncheon directly support The Heritage Society’s mission to preserve Houston’s historic buildings, safeguard more than 23,000 artifacts, and share the diverse stories that shaped our region. Your participation helps ensure these treasures remain accessible for generations to come. Tickets: https://www.heritagesociety.org/heritage-luncheon-john-nau-2026

📅 Thursday, February 19, 2026 🕛 Noon - 1 PM

“100 Years of Black History Month”

Join us and speaker Melva Becnel as 2026 marks a century of national commemorations of Black history set forth by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, George Cleveland Hall, William D. Hartgrove, Jesse E. Moorland, Alexander L. Jackson, and James E. Stamps institutionalized the teaching, study, dissemination, and commemoration of Black history when they founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) on September 9, 1915. In 1925, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson planned the inaugural week-long observance of Black history, he could have hardly anticipated the imprint he would leave on the world. From Negro History Week to Black History Month, ASALH has carried forth the tradition and the observances have become part of the wolf and warp of American culture and increasingly the global community. For its 100th theme, the Founders of Black History Month urges us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and life commemorations in transforming the status of Black peoples in the modern world.

During this year, which we are also commemorating the 250th Anniversary of United States Independence, it is important to not only tell an inclusive history, but an accurate one. Thus, the need to examine the role of Black History Month could not be greater than today when forces weary of democracy seek to use legislative means and book bans and challenges excise Black history from America’s schools and public culture. Black history’s value is not its contribution to mainstream historical narratives, but its resonance in the lives of Black people.

About the Speaker Melva Becnel, featured in Houston History Magazine

Melva Becnel was born in Houston, Texas, on January 26, 1939. Becnel attended Houston public schools and graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Fisk University in Tennessee and took over her family’s real estate firm with her brother. Eventually, she decided to pursue a law degree from Texas Southern and became an attorney. 

In 1977, Becnel was chosen to serve on the Texas Coordinating Committee for International Women’s Year, a group tasked with planning a state meeting before the National Women’s Conference later that year. Becnel helped plan workshops for the state meeting and was also an alternate on the nominating committee, which put forth a slate of potential delegates for attendees to vote on. She was elected as one of the Texas delegates, with 719 votes.  

In Houston, Becnel voiced support for many of the recommendations the national committee proposed and joined the minority women’s caucus. She recalled in a 2005 documentary about the conference that Black women were initially hesitant about attending, since women’s rights movement often did not prioritize the needs of the Black community. “I had to overcome that as well,” she said, “But I knew it was important to participate, to see what was going on, and to try to close that gap and move that gulf.” 

Becnel held memberships with an array of voluntary organizations, including the National Women of Achievement, Phi Alpha Delta, the Houston area Urban League, and the Young Women’s Christian Association. Becnel also held positions in local and state government. For fourteen years, she worked as a legislative aide to State Representative Ronald R. Wilson (D-Houston) and served as a board member for the Texas Housing Authority.

Bring your lunch (or order online), your curiosity, and your patriotic spirit for an inspiring midday learning experience.

Members attend Lunch and Learns for free!  Lunches from Tres Market Foods are additional. Membership information here- https://www.heritagesociety.org/membership-join

#BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #thingstodoinHouston #downtown #Speakerseries

How Beer Sparked the American Revolution

Thursday, February 12, 6:30 PM

Join us at the New Magnolia Brewing Co. at 1616 Bevis Street for our free lecture series on the second Thursday of the month.

Grab a pint, pull up a stool, and join us for an evening where America 250 meets a perfect craft brew.

In colonial America, beer was more than a drink — it was a daily necessity and a catalyst for revolution. Because clean water was unreliable, beer was consumed by nearly everyone, turning taverns into vital community centers. These taverns became the meeting grounds where colonists exchanged news, debated British policies, and organized resistance efforts, including actions that led to the Boston Tea Party. As tea became a symbol of British taxation, locally brewed beer emerged as a patriotic alternative. During the war, beer continued to sustain both soldiers and civilians. This program explores how an everyday beverage helped fuel political debate, strengthen social networks, and support the fight for American independence.

About the Speaker Hank Deslaurier

Professor of History, Galveston College

Hank Deslaurier has been a history educator for the last 28 years in Texas and Florida. He has a keen passion for history. Deslaurier is a gilded age expert and often lectures in Galveston, most notably for the UTMB OLLI program and has been features at the Moody Mansion. He is the program coordinator at Galveston College and serves on the Board of Directors for the Houston Heritage Society.

#Beer #Free #Program #SpeakerSeries #TexasHistory #AmericanRevolution #America250

Lunch and Learn: “The Declaration of Independence”

Tickets Here

Thursday, January 15, 2026 - Noon - 1 PM

By: Sons of the American Revolution – Freedom Chapter featuring Ed Sellards, First Vice President

📅 Thursday, January 15, 2026 🕛 Noon

Join us for a special America 250 Lunch & Learn as we explore one of the most influential documents in world history—the Declaration of Independence. This session will be led by Ed Sellards, First Vice President of the Sons of the American Revolution, Freedom Chapter, who will guide us through the origins, meaning, and enduring legacy of the Declaration as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.

This engaging program will highlight:

• The historical context that shaped the Declaration

• Key ideas and principles that continue to define American identity

• Stories of the patriots who risked everything for independence

• Why the Declaration still matters as we commemorate America 250

Bring your lunch (or order online), your curiosity, and your patriotic spirit for an inspiring midday learning experience.

Members attend Lunch and Learns for free!  Lunches from Tres Market Foods are additional. Membership information here- https://www.heritagesociety.org/membership-join

Biography: Edwin “Ed” Sellards

First Vice President, Sons of the American Revolution – Freedom Chapter

Edwin “Ed” Sellards is a dedicated member and leader within the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), Freedom Chapter, where he currently serves as First Vice President. A committed advocate for historic preservation and patriotic education, Ed is known for his engaging presentations and his deep passion for safeguarding America’s Revolutionary heritage.

Ed has represented the Freedom Chapter in numerous community events and educational programs. He has served as a featured speaker for the chapter, including delivering a presentation titled “Saving American Sacred Soil,” which highlighted the mission of the American Battlefield Trust and its three pillars: Preserve, Educate, and Inspire. His work emphasizes the importance of protecting historic battlefields and ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices made during the nation’s founding.

In addition to his leadership role, Ed is an active participant in the Freedom Chapter Color Guard and has contributed to public commemorations, including the South Montgomery County Fourth of July Parade, where he helped represent the chapter during its 49th annual celebration.

Through his service, scholarship, and public engagement, Ed Sellards continues to advance the SAR mission of honoring patriot ancestors, promoting American ideals, and inspiring civic responsibility.

“From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience” is a “Houston Signature Experience” by Visit Houston

During your tour of three historic houses that tell Houston’s stories from plantation to emancipation, the talented actor brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life in dramatic reenactments. The historical script was written by Martha Whiting-Goddard, Reverend Jack Yates’ great granddaughter, who lived in the Yates House that was relocated to Sam Houston Park.

Explore the following three houses that are designated by UNESCO as Sites of Memory for their “Routes of Enslaved Peoples’ Project” - 1847 Kellum-Noble House; 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage; and 1870 Yates House. “Sites of Memory,” or “Sites of Conscience” are historic places that activate the power of memory to engage the public in a deeper understanding of the past, inspiring action to shape a more just future. These sites break the silence surrounding slavery, and place the tragedy into our universal memory. It is only through dialogue that we can have peace and reconciliation. We have a duty to remember the crimes committed against humanity by our ancestors, especially as we see the return of prejudice and discrimination today.

Starring Kijana Wiseman, M.Ed.! You will be enchanted by Kijana’s dynamic and versatile performances in the realms of theatrical and communicative arts. An award-winning lyric coloratura soprano with an impressive 3.5-octave range, she has garnered accolades such as the City of Houston Talent Competition and the national APCA Best College Performing Artist of the Year. Her interactive one-woman show, The Griot, was honored as the Best College Diversity Program. Kijana’s theatrical journey began in her childhood at Houston’s Theatre Inc. and Alley Theatre, where she played numerous lead roles in both musicals and plays. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree specializing in African Theatre, achieved through joint studies at Texas Southern University and the University of Liberia, West Africa.

The talented reenactor, Khi Stephens, brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life through song, a Library of Congress slave narrative, and a portrayal written by a descendant of the Reverend Jack Yates. Stephens studied theater in Los Angeles and was coached by Martha Whiting-Goddard on her roles.

From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience begins on Saturday, February 10 in celebration of Black History Month. These 90-minute tours are offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month; from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to make a reservation at least two (2) weeks in advance. To make a reservation or to request more information, call 713-655-1912 or email tours@heritagesociety.org.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your tour time for parking and walking through our campus to the museum gallery for check-in. Free parking is available at 212 Dallas Street.

Join us for the 62nd Annual Candlelight & Choirs Tour on these dates-

• Friday, December 12

• Saturday, December 13

Come as you wish between the hours of 5:30 PM - 8:30 p.m. (Tours close at 8:30 p.m.)

Tickets for Adults are $20 and $10 for young ones from 5 to 18 years of age. Children under 5 are free. Includes sweets. Champagne for adults of the legal drinking age will be served in the museum gallery for the Houston Heartstrings reception. Tickets are non-refundable. Tours will occur rain or shine. Parking is free at 212 Dallas Street by the Kellum-Noble House.  Discounted parking is available at Heritage Clay Parking Garage at 1200 Bagby Street.  

Festivities for the Family

Here is how we will be getting festive…

• Tour 3 Historic Houses with reenactors and docents

• Be greeted with traditional Christmas music by the Shimmer Flute Choir.

• Enjoy a musical performances by the professional string ensemble HeartStrings Houston at our wine and dessert reception

• Shop our gift shop for Hounique presents including holiday ornaments

• Sip hot chocolate/coffee from Bayou City Hangouts Holiday Market and see the Coastal Cowboys exhibit

• Shop at our Holiday Market for gifts and to support small business owners

• See beautiful decorations by Kirksey Gregg Productions

📅 What are the event dates?

The Houston Heritage Holiday Market takes place December 12–13, 2025 at The Heritage Society in Sam Houston Park.

💲 Is there an entry fee?

The Holiday Market is free to enter for all visitors. The Candlelight & Carols Tour is a ticketed experience.

🕰️ What are the market hours?

• Evening Market: Friday & Saturday, 5:30–8:30 PM

• Day Market: Saturday, 1:00–8:30 PM

🎅 Are there activities for kids?

Yes! Families can enjoy Santa Photo Ops, a festive Holiday Photo Booth, kids’ craft stations, live music, and more.

📍 Where is it located?

The event is at 1100 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002. Parking is available at nearby garages and lots; rideshare drop-off is recommended.

“From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience” is a “Houston Signature Experience” by Visit Houston

During your tour of three historic houses that tell Houston’s stories from plantation to emancipation, the talented actor brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life in dramatic reenactments. The historical script was written by Martha Whiting-Goddard, Reverend Jack Yates’ great granddaughter, who lived in the Yates House that was relocated to Sam Houston Park.

Explore the following three houses that are designated by UNESCO as Sites of Memory for their “Routes of Enslaved Peoples’ Project” - 1847 Kellum-Noble House; 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage; and 1870 Yates House. “Sites of Memory,” or “Sites of Conscience” are historic places that activate the power of memory to engage the public in a deeper understanding of the past, inspiring action to shape a more just future. These sites break the silence surrounding slavery, and place the tragedy into our universal memory. It is only through dialogue that we can have peace and reconciliation. We have a duty to remember the crimes committed against humanity by our ancestors, especially as we see the return of prejudice and discrimination today.

Starring Kijana Wiseman, M.Ed.! You will be enchanted by Kijana’s dynamic and versatile performances in the realms of theatrical and communicative arts. An award-winning lyric coloratura soprano with an impressive 3.5-octave range, she has garnered accolades such as the City of Houston Talent Competition and the national APCA Best College Performing Artist of the Year. Her interactive one-woman show, The Griot, was honored as the Best College Diversity Program. Kijana’s theatrical journey began in her childhood at Houston’s Theatre Inc. and Alley Theatre, where she played numerous lead roles in both musicals and plays. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree specializing in African Theatre, achieved through joint studies at Texas Southern University and the University of Liberia, West Africa.

The talented reenactor, Khi Stephens, brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life through song, a Library of Congress slave narrative, and a portrayal written by a descendant of the Reverend Jack Yates. Stephens studied theater in Los Angeles and was coached by Martha Whiting-Goddard on her roles.

From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience begins on Saturday, February 10 in celebration of Black History Month. These 90-minute tours are offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month; from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to make a reservation at least two (2) weeks in advance. To make a reservation or to request more information, call 713-655-1912 or email tours@heritagesociety.org.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your tour time for parking and walking through our campus to the museum gallery for check-in. Free parking is available at 212 Dallas Street.

📅 What are the event dates?

The Houston Heritage Holiday Market takes place December 12–13, 2025 at The Heritage Society in Sam Houston Park.

💲 Is there an entry fee?

The Holiday Market is free to enter for all visitors. The Candlelight & Carols Tour is a ticketed experience.

🕰️ What are the market hours?

• Evening Market: Friday & Saturday, 5:30–8:30 PM

• Day Market: Saturday, 1:00–8:30 PM

🎅 Are there activities for kids?

Yes! Families can enjoy Santa Photo Ops, a festive Holiday Photo Booth, kids’ craft stations, live music, and more.

📍 Where is it located?

The event is at 1100 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002. Parking is available at nearby garages and lots; rideshare drop-off is recommended.

Join us for the 62nd Annual Candlelight & Choirs Tour on these dates-

• Friday, December 12

• Saturday, December 13

Come as you wish between the hours of 5:30 PM - 8:30 p.m. (Tours close at 8:30 p.m.)

Tickets for Adults are $20 and $10 for young ones from 5 to 18 years of age. Children under 5 are free. Includes sweets. Champagne for adults of the legal drinking age will be served in the museum gallery for the Houston Heartstrings reception. Tickets are non-refundable. Tours will occur rain or shine. Parking is free at 212 Dallas Street by the Kellum-Noble House.  Discounted parking is available at Heritage Clay Parking Garage at 1200 Bagby Street.  

Festivities for the Family

Here is how we will be getting festive…

• Tour 3 Historic Houses with reenactors and docents

• Be greeted with traditional Christmas music by the Shimmer Flute Choir.

• Enjoy a musical performances by the professional string ensemble HeartStrings Houston at our wine and dessert reception

• Shop our gift shop for Hounique presents including holiday ornaments

• Sip hot chocolate/coffee from Bayou City Hangouts Holiday Market and see the Coastal Cowboys exhibit

• Shop at our Holiday Market for gifts and to support small business owners

• See beautiful decorations by Kirksey Gregg Productions

Raise Your Glass to This!

A Million Miles from Nowhere: A Texan’s Adventures in Kaliningrad

Thursday, December 11, 6:30 PM

Join us at the New Magnolia Brewing Co. at 1616 Bevis Street for our lecture series on the second Thursday of the month.

Grab a pint, pull up a stool, and join us for an evening where Texas’ cowboy past meets the perfect craft brew.

A Million Miles from Nowhere: The Geopolitical Puzzle of Kaliningrad

Kaliningrad is a place of contradictions — a Russian territory tucked inside the European Union, both central and isolated, familiar yet mysterious. Once the Prussian city of Königsberg, today it stands as a strategic outpost on the Baltic Sea, a region whose geography makes it vital to global politics while its separation leaves it feeling distant and disconnected.

In this lecture, Professor Floyd W. Holder IV takes audiences on a journey into Kaliningrad’s unique story. From its historic roots to its modern role as a geopolitical flashpoint, he reveals how this exclave embodies the tension between geography and power. It is a region that is, quite literally, in the heart of it all — yet a million miles from nowhere.

About the Speaker Floyd W. Holder IV

Professor of Government, Galveston College

Floyd W. Holder IV brings a dynamic blend of academic expertise and global experience to his role as Professor of Government at Galveston College. He holds a B.S. in Geography and an M.P.A. in Public Administration from Texas State University, along with both an M.A. in Political Science and an M.S. in Geography from Texas Tech University.

With a passion for exploring the intersection of politics and place, Professor Holder specializes in geopolitics—evaluating political phenomena through a geographical lens. His teaching and research emphasize how geography shapes political systems, decisions, and global interactions.

Holder’s worldview is enriched by extensive travel: he has journeyed through 41 states, 41 countries, 6 continents, and visited 113 Hard Rock Cafés, including seven trips to Russia, which he fondly refers to as the “motherland.” These experiences provide him with unique insights that he brings into the classroom, connecting theory with lived global realities.

He is also the author of A Trek Through American and Texas Government (Cognella Academic Publishing), a storied approach to learning about government that blends narrative with scholarship to engage students in understanding the complexities of American and Texas political systems.

#Beer #Free #Program #SpeakerSeries #TexasHistory #Russia #Poland

✨ From Chains to Change, Learn About Freedom's Eve

On Saturday, December 27, come experience a special version of our Plantation to Emancipation Tour that is eye-opening. Starring performances by Dr. Don Williams and Kijana Wiseman.

If we sell out, we will open another time slot. 

📚 Vintage Book Sale – 40% Off Discover hidden treasures at The Heritage Society’s Vintage Book Sale! For a limited time, enjoy 40% off a wide selection of rare, collectible, and gently loved books that were in our library for decades. Whether you’re a history buff, a literature lover, or simply searching for a unique gift, this sale is the perfect chance to add timeless volumes to your collection.

Come by 1100 Bagby Street, from 10 AM - 3 PM, on Saturday, December 6. Free parking is at 212 Dallas Street.

“From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience” is a “Houston Signature Experience” by Visit Houston

During your tour of three historic houses that tell Houston’s stories from plantation to emancipation, the talented actor brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life in dramatic reenactments. The historical script was written by Martha Whiting-Goddard, Reverend Jack Yates’ great granddaughter, who lived in the Yates House that was relocated to Sam Houston Park.

Explore the following three houses that are designated by UNESCO as Sites of Memory for their “Routes of Enslaved Peoples’ Project” - 1847 Kellum-Noble House; 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage; and 1870 Yates House. “Sites of Memory,” or “Sites of Conscience” are historic places that activate the power of memory to engage the public in a deeper understanding of the past, inspiring action to shape a more just future. These sites break the silence surrounding slavery, and place the tragedy into our universal memory. It is only through dialogue that we can have peace and reconciliation. We have a duty to remember the crimes committed against humanity by our ancestors, especially as we see the return of prejudice and discrimination today.

Starring Kijana Wiseman, M.Ed.! You will be enchanted by Kijana’s dynamic and versatile performances in the realms of theatrical and communicative arts. An award-winning lyric coloratura soprano with an impressive 3.5-octave range, she has garnered accolades such as the City of Houston Talent Competition and the national APCA Best College Performing Artist of the Year. Her interactive one-woman show, The Griot, was honored as the Best College Diversity Program. Kijana’s theatrical journey began in her childhood at Houston’s Theatre Inc. and Alley Theatre, where she played numerous lead roles in both musicals and plays. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree specializing in African Theatre, achieved through joint studies at Texas Southern University and the University of Liberia, West Africa.

The talented reenactor, Khi Stephens, brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life through song, a Library of Congress slave narrative, and a portrayal written by a descendant of the Reverend Jack Yates. Stephens studied theater in Los Angeles and was coached by Martha Whiting-Goddard on her roles.

From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience begins on Saturday, February 10 in celebration of Black History Month. These 90-minute tours are offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month; from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to make a reservation at least two (2) weeks in advance. To make a reservation or to request more information, call 713-655-1912 or email tours@heritagesociety.org.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your tour time for parking and walking through our campus to the museum gallery for check-in. Free parking is available at 212 Dallas Street.

On Thursday, November 20, 2025, at noon, The Family History Research Center, Clayton Library present a genealogy research session just in time for family time during the holidays! Receive an overview of genealogy and discovering your family roots with the library’s resources. Members are free and non members are $10. Lunches are $13 or bring your own!

Dr. Steven L. Sewell presents "Rugged Individualists or Saddle bound Proletarians: The Texas Panhandle Cowboy Strike of 1883" on Thursday, November 13, 6:30 PM. Join us at the New Magnolia Brewing Co. at 1616 Bevis Street for our lecture series on the second Thursday of the month. Grab a pint, pull up a stool, and join us for free program where Texas’ cowboy past meets the perfect craft brew.

Join author Thomas E. Chávez on Wednesday, November 12, at 6:00 PM, as he shares his research about how Spain supported our country’s independence. Chávez was the former director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque, and the former curator and director of the Palace of the Governors, Museum of New Mexico, Santa Fe. He has authored many publications and books on related topics. The evening will begin with a wine reception at The Heritage Society’s museum gallery at 1100 Bagby Street.

The role of Spain in the birth of the United States is a little known and little understood aspect of U.S. independence. Through actual fighting, provision of supplies, and money, Spain helped the young British colonies succeed in becoming an independent nation. Soldiers were recruited from all over the Spanish empire, from Spain itself and from throughout Spanish America. Many died fighting British soldiers and their allies in Central America, the Caribbean, along the Mississippi River from New Orleans to St. Louis and as far north as Michigan, along the Gulf Coast to Mobile and Pensacola, as well as in Europe.

Based on primary research in the archives of Spain, this book is about United States history at its very inception, placing the war in its broadest international context. In short, the information in this book should provide a clearer understanding of the independence of the United States, correct a longstanding omission in its history, and enrich its patrimony. It will appeal to anyone interested in the history of the Revolutionary War and in Spain's role in the development of the Americas.

You're invited to attend the annual meeting of The Friends of the Houston History Research Center on Monday, November 10, at 7:00 p.m. featuring historian and author, Dr. Kate Kirkland on the "Legacy of Julia Ideson" a rare opportunity on a fascinating Houstonian not often discussed. 

Dr. Kirkland's PowerPoint presentation, featuring photos and stories from her upcoming book about three pivotal Houston women: Alice Baker, Juila Ideson and Ima Hogg, will take place this Monday at The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park,1100 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002. Free parking is at 212 Dallas Street. Map & Parking — The Heritage Society

Friends of the Houston History Research Center board president Mister McKinney, who is also on our Board, will preside over the business meeting at the start, with updates on the Houston Public Library Special Collections from director Miguell Ceasar and updates on the exciting documentary of the 100th anniversary of the Julia Ideson Building from award-winning filmmaker and board member Jim Bailey who is directing/producing the documentary on behalf of The Friends of the HHRC.  

ALL are welcome to attend, current Friends members, past members and future members. Light refreshments will be provided and a special Thank You to The Heritage Society for hosting us.

I look forward to seeing everyone Monday night, 

Mister McKinney

President, Friends of the Houston History Research Center 

(formally, the Friends of The Texas Room at the Julia Ideson Library Building)

Cell: 713-364-8674

MisterMcKinney@gmail.com

.

Pages from the Past: Book Sale

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025

• Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Venue: The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002

• Free Parking: 212 Dallas Street

Why You Can’t Miss This Sale

Calling all book clubs, bibliophiles, vintage collectors, and history buffs! Pages from the Past is your chance to uncover hidden gems, rare editions, and irreplaceable local lore. Whether you’re hunting for your next book-club pick, scouting Texas-centric treasures, or simply love the scent of aged paper, you’ll find hundreds of volumes waiting to be rediscovered.

Who Will Find Something Special

• Book Clubs: Curate your year’s reading list with Texas memoirs, Houston neighborhood histories, and Americana classics.

• Vintage & Collectibles Enthusiasts: Snag first editions, leather-bound volumes, and ephemera rescued from estate sales.

• Local History Buffs: Dive into deep-dive tomes on Houston’s founding families, architectural landmarks, and cultural heritage.

• Casual Browsers: Stroll the stacks for cookbooks, children’s classics, travelogues, and more at unbeatable prices.

Sale Highlights

• Over 1,000 titles focused on Texas history, Houston heritage, and Southern culture

• Hand-selected donations from Heritage Society members and local estate liquidations

• Specialty sections: Railroad chronicles, oil-industry memoirs, Gulf Coast natural history

• Vintage postcards, maps, and pamphlets—perfect for framing or gift giving

Support The Heritage Society

All proceeds help fund ongoing preservation of Houston’s oldest homes, museum programs, and community outreach. Every book you buy keeps our city’s stories alive for generations to come.

Pull up a chair, flip through a vintage map, and let the past page its way into your heart. We can’t wait to see you on Bagby Street!

“From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience” is a “Houston Signature Experience” by Visit Houston

During your tour of three historic houses that tell Houston’s stories from plantation to emancipation, the talented actor brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life in dramatic reenactments. The historical script was written by Martha Whiting-Goddard, Reverend Jack Yates’ great granddaughter, who lived in the Yates House that was relocated to Sam Houston Park.

Explore the following three houses that are designated by UNESCO as Sites of Memory for their “Routes of Enslaved Peoples’ Project” - 1847 Kellum-Noble House; 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage; and 1870 Yates House. “Sites of Memory,” or “Sites of Conscience” are historic places that activate the power of memory to engage the public in a deeper understanding of the past, inspiring action to shape a more just future. These sites break the silence surrounding slavery, and place the tragedy into our universal memory. It is only through dialogue that we can have peace and reconciliation. We have a duty to remember the crimes committed against humanity by our ancestors, especially as we see the return of prejudice and discrimination today.

Starring Kijana Wiseman, M.Ed.! You will be enchanted by Kijana’s dynamic and versatile performances in the realms of theatrical and communicative arts. An award-winning lyric coloratura soprano with an impressive 3.5-octave range, she has garnered accolades such as the City of Houston Talent Competition and the national APCA Best College Performing Artist of the Year. Her interactive one-woman show, The Griot, was honored as the Best College Diversity Program. Kijana’s theatrical journey began in her childhood at Houston’s Theatre Inc. and Alley Theatre, where she played numerous lead roles in both musicals and plays. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree specializing in African Theatre, achieved through joint studies at Texas Southern University and the University of Liberia, West Africa.

The talented reenactor, Khi Stephens, brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life through song, a Library of Congress slave narrative, and a portrayal written by a descendant of the Reverend Jack Yates. Stephens studied theater in Los Angeles and was coached by Martha Whiting-Goddard on her roles.

From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience begins on Saturday, February 10 in celebration of Black History Month. These 90-minute tours are offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month; from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to make a reservation at least two (2) weeks in advance. To make a reservation or to request more information, call 713-655-1912 or email tours@heritagesociety.org.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your tour time for parking and walking through our campus to the museum gallery for check-in. Free parking is available at 212 Dallas Street.

Join us Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Forest Club, for Evening of Heritage 2025: Moving Forward by Looking Back. This year’s signature presentation, More Than a Store – Three Decades of Tumultuous Changes 1960–1990: A Series of Vignettes, invites you to step into pivotal moments of Houston’s retail history. Renowned author Robert T. Sakowitz will guide guests through Ultimate Gifts in the Golden Age of Catalogues, weaving together personal anecdotes and cultural milestones that defined an era of innovation and community spirit. Special thanks to Brian H. Teichman who is chairing the fundraiser.

The day after the Dia de los Muertos Festival and Evening Parade, please join us on Sunday, November 2, in the Connally Plaza for a Community brunch, from Noon - 3 PM. Food by Calle Mexico City Street Food. 1100 Babgy Street. Free parking at 212 Dallas Street.

Saturday, November 1, 4-10 PM | FREE – The Día de los Muertos festival returns to Downtown, offering an evening of live music, a parade procession, delicious concessions, arts and crafts, and more. Free to participate in the parade, but traditional attire—full of pageantry and beauty—is recommended. Parade starts at 7 PM.

Did you know? Day of the Dead, a Latin American tradition that originated in Mexico, is a time that families take to remember their loved ones that have passed.  In honoring them, families create ofrendas, or altars, that are decorated by the person’s favorite foods, drinks, photos and memorabilia to encourage the spirits to visit.  Across the city, communities and Houston’s signature institutions will host Día de los Muertos events that honor the tradition and pay respects to the city’s dearly departed.

“From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience” is a “Houston Signature Experience” by Visit Houston

During your tour of three historic houses that tell Houston’s stories from plantation to emancipation, the talented actor brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life in dramatic reenactments. The historical script was written by Martha Whiting-Goddard, Reverend Jack Yates’ great granddaughter, who lived in the Yates House that was relocated to Sam Houston Park.

Explore the following three houses that are designated by UNESCO as Sites of Memory for their “Routes of Enslaved Peoples’ Project” - 1847 Kellum-Noble House; 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage; and 1870 Yates House. “Sites of Memory,” or “Sites of Conscience” are historic places that activate the power of memory to engage the public in a deeper understanding of the past, inspiring action to shape a more just future. These sites break the silence surrounding slavery, and place the tragedy into our universal memory. It is only through dialogue that we can have peace and reconciliation. We have a duty to remember the crimes committed against humanity by our ancestors, especially as we see the return of prejudice and discrimination today.

Starring Kijana Wiseman, M.Ed.! You will be enchanted by Kijana’s dynamic and versatile performances in the realms of theatrical and communicative arts. An award-winning lyric coloratura soprano with an impressive 3.5-octave range, she has garnered accolades such as the City of Houston Talent Competition and the national APCA Best College Performing Artist of the Year. Her interactive one-woman show, The Griot, was honored as the Best College Diversity Program. Kijana’s theatrical journey began in her childhood at Houston’s Theatre Inc. and Alley Theatre, where she played numerous lead roles in both musicals and plays. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree specializing in African Theatre, achieved through joint studies at Texas Southern University and the University of Liberia, West Africa.

The talented reenactor, Khi Stephens, brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life through song, a Library of Congress slave narrative, and a portrayal written by a descendant of the Reverend Jack Yates. Stephens studied theater in Los Angeles and was coached by Martha Whiting-Goddard on her roles.

From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience begins on Saturday, February 10 in celebration of Black History Month. These 90-minute tours are offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month; from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to make a reservation at least two (2) weeks in advance. To make a reservation or to request more information, call 713-655-1912 or email tours@heritagesociety.org.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your tour time for parking and walking through our campus to the museum gallery for check-in. Free parking is available at 212 Dallas Street.

In a pre-celebration of Navy Fleet Week, join guest speaker, Erik Eriksson, who serves as Chief Legal Officer of Port Houston to learn about the history of the Port of Houston. The evening on Wednesday, October 22, begins with a wine-and-cheese reception at 6 p.m. at The Heritage Society Museum, where you can explore Coastal Cowboys, an exhibition celebrating the working cowboys of the Texas Gulf Coast. Eriksson’s talk begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by Q&A. Tickets are $10. Free for Members.

“German-Americans in Houston: Immigration, Legacy & Historic Achievements” - Saengerbund Houston invites the public to a special Lunch and Learn program exploring the extraordinary story of German-Americans in Houston and Texas on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Speaker Christean Wolfgang Kapp, a first-generation German American and certified professional genealogist, will guide participants through these rich narratives. Tickets are $10 for non-members. Members attend for free. 

“From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience” is a “Houston Signature Experience” by Visit Houston

During your tour of three historic houses that tell Houston’s stories from plantation to emancipation, the talented actor brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life in dramatic reenactments. The historical script was written by Martha Whiting-Goddard, Reverend Jack Yates’ great granddaughter, who lived in the Yates House that was relocated to Sam Houston Park.

Explore the following three houses that are designated by UNESCO as Sites of Memory for their “Routes of Enslaved Peoples’ Project” - 1847 Kellum-Noble House; 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage; and 1870 Yates House. “Sites of Memory,” or “Sites of Conscience” are historic places that activate the power of memory to engage the public in a deeper understanding of the past, inspiring action to shape a more just future. These sites break the silence surrounding slavery, and place the tragedy into our universal memory. It is only through dialogue that we can have peace and reconciliation. We have a duty to remember the crimes committed against humanity by our ancestors, especially as we see the return of prejudice and discrimination today.

Starring Kijana Wiseman, M.Ed.! You will be enchanted by Kijana’s dynamic and versatile performances in the realms of theatrical and communicative arts. An award-winning lyric coloratura soprano with an impressive 3.5-octave range, she has garnered accolades such as the City of Houston Talent Competition and the national APCA Best College Performing Artist of the Year. Her interactive one-woman show, The Griot, was honored as the Best College Diversity Program. Kijana’s theatrical journey began in her childhood at Houston’s Theatre Inc. and Alley Theatre, where she played numerous lead roles in both musicals and plays. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree specializing in African Theatre, achieved through joint studies at Texas Southern University and the University of Liberia, West Africa.

The talented reenactor, Khi Stephens, brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life through song, a Library of Congress slave narrative, and a portrayal written by a descendant of the Reverend Jack Yates. Stephens studied theater in Los Angeles and was coached by Martha Whiting-Goddard on her roles.

From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience begins on Saturday, February 10 in celebration of Black History Month. These 90-minute tours are offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month; from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to make a reservation at least two (2) weeks in advance. To make a reservation or to request more information, call 713-655-1912 or email tours@heritagesociety.org.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your tour time for parking and walking through our campus to the museum gallery for check-in. Free parking is available at 212 Dallas Street.