A Jubilee Celebrating 70 Years of Preserving Houston's History with The Heritage Society

Friday, February 21, 2025

6:30 PM - 11:30 PM

The Junior League of Houston

Honorary Chairs: Susan and James Baker & Isla and Tommy Reckling

Chairs: Paige and Bob Martin

Exclusive Media Sponsor: PaperCity magazine

In the heart of Houston's bustling urban landscape lies a serene enclave that whispers tales of a bygone era. The Heritage Society (THS), founded in 1954, has been the sentinel of the city's historical legacy, preserving and showcasing its vibrant past through a collection of ten historic houses nestled in Sam Houston Park. The Heritage Society's mission is to tell the diverse stories of Houston and Texas through its collections, exhibits, educational programs, and more. As a nonprofit organization, THS is dedicated to providing a tangible link to the past while fostering an inclusive narrative that celebrates the city’s multicultural heritage.

The journey of The Heritage Society began with a group of dedicated Houstonians determined to save the 1847 Kellum-Noble House from demolition. This act of preservation sparked a movement, leading to the rescue and restoration of nine additional historic buildings. These architectural treasures, now part of Sam Houston Park, serve as living monuments that chronicle the evolution of Houston from the early 1800s to the mid-1900s.

The founders of The Heritage Society were passionate preservationists who set the wheels of conservation in motion. Their names resonate through the annals of Houston's history:

  • Birdsall Briscoe

  • Charles L. and Faith P. Bybee

  • C.C. “Pat” Fleming

  • Kenneth Franzheim

  • Maria T. Gregory

  • Mary Van den Berge Hill

  • Ima Hogg

  • Harvin C. Moore, Sr.

  • Marie Lee Phelps

  • Alvin S. Romansky

  • Mary Ellen Shipnes

  • Ellen Hamilton Wilkerson

The 70th Anniversary Jubilee will be an exciting evening with many opportunities to be entertained, peruse a small silent auction, take a chance on a raffle, or a great bottle of wine in a wine pull, watch fun dancers, be entertained by a magician, and much more!

ENTERTAINMENT

Reception: Sharon Montgomery and Bob Henschen

Headliner: The Emotions

Dinner: SASS

RAFFLES

Purchase a commemorative champagne flute for a chance on two $2,500 gift certificates from Tenenbaum Jewelers.

Take a chance on a bottle of wine – you may be surprised that your choice is one of the exclusive bottles!

SILENT AUCTION

 Bid on items like an exquisite pair of handmade-textured 18k gold and eight fine white, brilliant-cut round diamonds, “Branch” ear clips with hand-carved gem quality rock crystal drop. These couture, one-of-a-kind earrings were designed by renowned private jeweler Peter Martino in honor of The Heritage Society’s Platinum Anniversary.

Their collective vision and dedication ensured that Houston's architectural heritage would be preserved for future generations.

Over the past 70 years, The Heritage Society has seen numerous milestones to be the forefront of historic preservation. Below are just a few-

  • 1959: Nichols-Rice-Cherry House moved and restored

  • 1962: Annual Candlelight Tour launched

  • 1966: First gala, headed by chairs Susan Baker and Isla Reckling

  • 1972: Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM)

  • 1986: Museum gallery opened, enhancing public access to the rich tapestry of Houston's history

  • 2021: Kellum-Noble House restoration earns Preservation Houston’s Good Brick Award.

As The Heritage Society celebrates its 70th anniversary, we remain steadfast in our mission. By embracing the stories of all Houstonians, we aim to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the city's rich heritage. Our organization looks forward to the next 70 years, continuing to serve as a beacon of history and culture in the heart of Houston.