Raise Your Glass to This!

🍻 History on Tap: Two Frontiers, One Spirit: Texas and the Basque Country

Thursday, June 11, 2026 • 6:30 PM New Magnolia Brewing Co. 1616 Bevis Street, Houston, TX 77008

Presented by The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park

Join us for a special edition of History on Tap featuring The Basque People of France and Spain on Thursday, June 11 — 6:30 PM. Join George Boerger and his family for an illustrated, family‑led presentation exploring the language, customs, and independent spirit of the Basque people who live along the Atlantic coast and into the Pyrenees between France and Spain. Free and open to the public.

🎙️ Featured Speaker(s): The Boerger Family

About the presenters George Boerger is a fourth‑generation Texan and lifelong student of history who has traveled widely across Texas, the United States, and Europe to study regional cultures and historical sites. His interest in Basque Country grew from those travels and from family connections to France. Amelie Boerger (daughter) is the presentation’s co‑presenter and technical lead; she helped assemble the slides and will share the stage with her father. Mrs. Boerger (wife) is from France and has studied Tourism and Art History, bringing additional cultural perspective to the family’s research and images. This program is presented as a family collaboration that blends travel‑collected photographs, local observations, and contextual research to offer an accessible, personal look at Basque history and culture.

🍺 Venue & Atmosphere

Enjoy an evening of history, conversation, and community at New Magnolia Brewing Co., where craft beer and storytelling come together in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

📅 Event Details

Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM Location: New Magnolia Brewing Co., 1616 Bevis Street, Houston, TX 77008 Admission: Free and open to the public

#Beer #Free #Program #SpeakerSeries #TexasHistory #HoustonHistory

Click to purchase Tickets Here!

Delight in the Juneteenth tradition of teacakes and red punch at our popular Black history tour. 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. Juneteenth Tea Cakes are Tours are made possible by our generous sponsors - Twin Eagle, energy marketers or the fourth year in a row!

🏠 Step into History: Our three historic houses stand as silent witnesses to the triumphs and struggles of generations past. From the opulent grandeur of the plantation era to the resilient spirit of emancipation, each house tells a unique story of resilience, courage, and hope.

📜 Guided Tours: Led by a tour guide, this Black History Tour offers a glimpse into the lives of those who once lived on a plantation and segregated neighborhood after June 19, 1865. Learn about the daily lives of enslaved individuals, the struggles for freedom, and the years that followed Juneteenth in our nation's history.

🍰 Tea Cake Tastings: Indulge in a sweet treat as you savor the flavors of tradition with our tea cake tastings. Made from cherished family recipes passed down through generations, these delectable treats serve as a reminder of resilience and community in the face of adversity.

TICKETS

🗓️ Saturday, June 6, 2026, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM

🗓️ Saturday, June 13, 2026, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM

🗓️ Friday, June 19, 2026, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM (Juneteenth!)

🗓️Saturday, June 20, 2026, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM

🗓️Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM

For Group Tours, please contact tours@heritagesociety.org.

“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.

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.

Before the Bar: Blood Feuds, Priests, and The Birth of Legal Ethics

Tickets: Before the Bar: Blood Feuds, Priests, and The Birth of Legal Ethics Tickets, Thursday, May 28  •  4:30 PM - 7 PM | Eventbrite

Presented by Archaeology Now and the Institute for Advanced Criminal Law Studies

Join us in person or on Zoom for this fascinating look at ancient legal history, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Irving Finkel, esteemed Assyriologist from the British Museum and author of "The Ark Before Noah" and "The First Ghosts."

This is a two-hour CLE presentation, of which .5 hrs is ethics. Attorneys of all practice areas are welcome, as are interested non-lawyers.

In-person attendees will be able to ask questions. Zoom attendees will unfortunately not be able to engage with speakers.

Schedule:

4:30 PM- Gather, complimentary happy hour, introductions.

5:00 PM- From Hammurabi to Harris County, Ancient Legal Foundations- Dr. Irving Finkel

5:30 PM- Customs, Codes, and Writs: Sources of Law in Ancient and Medieval Europe- Nick D. Reed

6.30 PM- Blood Feuds and How To Prevent Most of Them: Case Studies from the Icelandic Vikings- Allison Mathis

7:00 PM- Adjourn

🍽️ Lunch & Learn: Slavery, Segregation, and the Second Founding of Rice University

Thursday, May 21, 2026 • Noon The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park

The Heritage Society welcomes Dr. W. Caleb McDaniel and Dr. Alexander X. Byrd of Rice University for a special Lunch & Learn exploring their forthcoming book, Slavery, Segregation, and the Second Founding of Rice University (Louisiana State University Press, 2025). Their research—conducted as co‑chairs of the Rice University Task Force on Slavery, Segregation, and Racial Injustice—reveals new insights into the university’s origins, its entanglements with slavery and segregation, and the long arc of racial justice work on campus.

This program also connects directly to The Heritage Society’s own landscape of history: the Nichols‑Rice‑Cherry House, relocated to Sam Houston Park, which preserves the legacy of William Marsh Rice, the university’s founder. The speakers will discuss Rice’s life, the world he inhabited, and how his legacy has been re‑examined through new archival findings.

📘 About the Program

Dr. McDaniel and Dr. Byrd will discuss:

• The historical foundations of Rice University and its ties to slavery

• How segregation shaped the university’s early decades

• The “second founding” of Rice through integration and civil rights activism

• New archival discoveries from their research for the Task Force

• How public history sites—like the Nichols‑Rice‑Cherry House—help contextualize Rice’s legacy

This session offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the scholars leading Rice University’s most significant historical reassessment in its modern era.

🎙️ Featured Speakers

Dr. W. Caleb McDaniel

Dr. McDaniel is the Mary Gibbs Jones Professor of Humanities and Professor of History at Rice University. His research focuses on the nineteenth‑century United States, the Civil War era, slavery, abolition, and emancipation. He co‑chaired the Rice University Task Force on Slavery, Segregation, and Racial Injustice from 2019–2023.

He is the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Sweet Taste of Liberty: A True Story of Slavery and Restitution in America (2019), which also received major awards from the Organization of American Historians. His earlier book, The Problem of Democracy in the Age of Slavery, won the Merle Curti Award and the James H. Broussard Prize. His scholarship has appeared in The New York Times, Smithsonian, The Atlantic, and leading academic journals.

McDaniel holds a PhD from Johns Hopkins University and BA/MA degrees from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Alexander X. Byrd

Dr. Byrd is Vice Provost for Access and Institutional Excellence and Associate Professor of History at Rice University. His expertise centers on Afro‑America, the African diaspora, and Black life in the Atlantic world and the Jim Crow South.

He is the award‑winning author of Captives & Voyagers, which received the Wesley‑Logan Prize in African diaspora history. His scholarship includes influential essays on the transatlantic slave trade, the nativity of Olaudah Equiano, and the social consequences of racial violence. He is also a celebrated educator, having received Rice’s George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching four times.

Byrd earned his BA from Rice University and his PhD from Duke University.

📅 Event Details

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026 Time: Noon Location: The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park Admission: Free to members and $10 for non members

🍻 History on Tap: The Story of the USS Houston (CA‑30)

Thursday, May 14, 2026 • 6:30 PM New Magnolia Brewing Co. 1616 Bevis Street, Houston, TX 77008

Presented by The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park

Join us for a special edition of History on Tap featuring Donald M. Kehn Jr., one of the nation’s leading historians on the USS Houston (CA‑30) and the U.S. Asiatic Fleet. A native Houstonian and longtime researcher of the ship, Kehn brings more than four decades of scholarship to this compelling program about one of the most storied vessels of World War II.

The USS Houston, known as “The Galloping Ghost of the Java Coast,” served as the flagship of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet and fought with extraordinary resilience during the opening months of the Pacific War. Her loss in the Battle of Sunda Strait in 1942—and the fate of her crew—remains one of the most powerful chapters in American naval history.

This program also highlights The Heritage Society’s stewardship of the USS Houston Monument, which honors the ship and the men who served aboard her.

⚓ About the Program

Don Kehn will explore:

• The USS Houston’s service in the Asiatic Fleet

• The ship’s final battle and the experiences of her crew

• New insights from decades of archival research

• How the USS Houston Survivors Association preserves this legacy

• The importance of the USS Houston Monument at The Heritage Society

Kehn’s work is known for uncovering long‑standing mysteries, correcting the historical record, and bringing forward the human stories behind the ship’s dramatic final months.

🎙️ Featured Speaker: Donald M. Kehn Jr.

Donald M. Kehn Jr. is the official historian for the USS Houston (CA‑30) Survivors Association and the official historian of the Naval Order of the United States, Texas Commandery.

An independent scholar specializing in U.S. Navy operations in the Pacific during World War II, Kehn has spent more than 40 years researching the USS Houston and the Asiatic Fleet.

He is the author of several major works, including:

• A Blue Sea of Blood (2008), which solved long‑standing mysteries surrounding the disappearance of the destroyer USS Edsall (DD‑219).

• In the Highest Degree Tragic (2017), the most comprehensive study of the Asiatic Fleet’s campaign in the Dutch East Indies.

Kehn’s research is widely respected for its depth, accuracy, and use of rare firsthand accounts. His work has provided many families with the first clear understanding of what happened to loved ones lost in the early months of the Pacific War.

🍺 Venue & Atmosphere

Enjoy an evening of history, conversation, and community at New Magnolia Brewing Co., where craft beer and storytelling come together in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

📅 Event Details

Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM Location: New Magnolia Brewing Co., 1616 Bevis Street, Houston, TX 77008 Admission: Free and open to the public

#Beer #Free #Program #SpeakerSeries #TexasHistory #HoustonHistory

📺 Facebook Live! with Mister McKinney & Author Linda Dodge

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 • 7:00 PM Streaming on The Heritage Society Facebook Page

The Heritage Society continues its popular Facebook Live! series with a special conversation featuring author and Museum of Fine Arts, Houston scholar Linda Dodge. This program builds on the success of March’s Lunch & Learn, where Dodge captivated audiences with her exploration of A Museum Is Born and the influential role of Emma Richardson Cherry in shaping Houston’s early arts community.

Now, she joins Mister McKinney of Mister McKinney’s Historic Houston for an engaging virtual discussion that brings Houston’s art history directly to viewers at home.

About the Program

Linda Dodge’s research illuminates the remarkable grassroots effort that led to the founding of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Her work highlights how teachers, civic leaders, artists, and women’s organizations—including the Public School Art League—built a museum “erected by the people, for the use of the people.”

“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.

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.

Tickets Here

📅 Thursday, April 16, 2026 🕛 Noon - 1 PM

Lunch & Learn: Barry Ward on Trees for Houston and Earth Month Action

Thursday, April 16 • Noon The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby Street HTX 77002 Celebrating Earth Month

This Earth Month, The Heritage Society welcomes Barry Ward, Executive Director of Trees for Houston, for a special Lunch & Learn on the power of urban forestry and community-driven environmental action. Ward will share insights from his decades of nonprofit leadership and discuss how tree planting transforms neighborhoods, improves public health, and builds climate resilience across Houston.

Event Overview

Trees for Houston has planted over 700,000 trees since its founding, creating shade, beauty, and cleaner air for generations of Houstonians. Barry Ward’s leadership has expanded the organization’s reach, deepened its partnerships, and brought environmental equity to underserved communities.

HISTORY ON TAP

Join The Heritage Society’s free Community Outreach Program for adults: a monthly lecture series at New Magnolia Brewing Co, located at 1616 Bevis Street. Every second Thursday of the month, expert speakers bring Houston’s rich history and culture to life in a relaxed brewery setting. Mingle with fellow history enthusiasts, enjoy craft brews, and deepen your connection to the city you love.

Raise Your Glass to This!

America 250: Beer and the American Revolution

Thursday, April 9, 2026 • 6:30 PM

Thursday, April 9, 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

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 7 PM

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Facebook Live:

Hosted by Mister McKinney of Mister McKinney’s Historic Houston live from the TeaRoom at The Heritage Society

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 • 7:00 PM

Event Overview

🌿 Kirk Farris on Frost Town

When Kirk Farris speaks about Frost Town, Houston’s earliest immigrant neighborhood, he does so with the conviction of someone who has spent a lifetime fighting for the city’s cultural soul. Standing at the confluence of Buffalo Bayou and the city’s oldest roads, Farris paints Frost Town not as a forgotten patch of land, but as a living archive of Houston’s beginnings—an early settlement shaped by German immigrants, African American families, and working‑class laborers who built the foundations of the modern city.

At 1100 Bagby Street - T-shirts, necklaces, stickers, toys, baseball caps

Tickets: Evening Speaker Wine Reception Series — The Heritage Society

The Heritage Society Presents in Celebration of Women’s History Month

How Las Rancheras Helped the American Revolution

Thursday, March 26 • 6:00 PM

1100 Bagby Street, HTX 77002

(Free parking at 212 Dallas Street)

In honor of Women’s History Month, The Heritage Society presents an Evening Speaker Series event featuring historian Dr. Erika Arredondo‑Haskins, whose research brings long‑overlooked Tejana women to the forefront of early American history. Her work on Spanish Texas women—las rancheras—reveals how their leadership, resilience, and cultural influence shaped the political and social landscape during the era of the American Revolution.

This program draws from Dr. Arredondo‑Haskins’ extensive scholarship and public history work, including her exhibitions and invited presentations on Spanish Texas women (“Rancheras: Spanish Texas Women and their Contributions to American Independence” and multiple invited talks on the same theme). 

Tickets are $10. Wine and cheese will be served. Tickets and more information - Evening Speaker Wine Reception Series — The Heritage Society

“It’s important that we expand the story of the American Revolution through women’s voices,” says Jill Brooks, an America 250 leader, board member, and exhibit co-curator at The Heritage Society.

Program Overview

How Las Rancheras Helped the American Revolution explores the vital contributions of Tejana women who lived along the northern frontier of New Spain. These women—landowners, cultural stewards, community leaders, and political actors—played essential roles in stabilizing frontier settlements, sustaining local economies, and shaping diplomatic relationships that influenced the broader struggle for independence in North America.

Guests will discover how ranchera women:

• Exercised authority through landownership, ranching operations, and family networks

• Preserved cultural and religious traditions that anchored frontier communities

• Influenced political alliances among Spanish officials, Indigenous groups, and settlers

• Contributed indirectly yet powerfully to the conditions that supported the American cause

By centering women’s experiences, this program reframes the American Revolution as a hemispheric story—one in which the contributions of Spanish Texas women are indispensable.

Why This Matters for Women’s History Month

Dr. Arredondo‑Haskins’ work directly aligns with the mission of Women’s History Month: to recover, honor, and elevate the stories of women whose impact has shaped our shared history. Her research restores visibility to Tejana women whose leadership has long been overshadowed, offering a richer and more inclusive understanding of the American past.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Erika Arredondo‑Haskins

Dr. Erika Arredondo‑Haskins is a historian, educator, and public humanities scholar whose work centers on the lives, leadership, and cultural impact of women in Spanish Texas and early Texas history. She holds a Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word, where her dissertation examined high school girls’ experiences in a global leadership program (“Examining High School Girls’ Experiences in a Global Leadership Program” ).

Her extensive public history work includes consulting for the City of San Antonio’s Municipal Archives Museum, the National Museum of the American Latino, the Bexar County Historical Commission, and the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution (“historical consultant/editor for inaugural Municipal Archives Museum… historical consultant/research on Tejanas in the Alamo” ).

Dr. Arredondo‑Haskins has authored numerous entries for the Handbook of Texas Online and contributed to exhibitions, documentaries, and historical publications that highlight Tejana narratives and women’s leadership in early Texas. Her forthcoming exhibition, Rancheras: Spanish Texas Women and Their Contributions to American Independence, will open in 2026 as part of the U.S. Semiquincentennial (“Historian, Curator, and Lead Developer… 2026” ).

Reception & Golden Flyer Viewing

Saturday, March 21 • 10 AM

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

Free Parking available at 212 Dallas Street

(Donuts and coffee will be served. Wear white for photo! Free event!)

The Heritage Society invites the community to a special Women’s History Month reception celebrating the extraordinary legacy of Alice Snitjer Burke and Nell Richardson—two trailblazing suffragists who, in 1916, drove 10,700 miles across the United States in their bright yellow Saxon roadster to rally the nation behind “votes for women.” Their journey, described in the article as an “epic car trip across the country and back in a small Saxon roadster for ‘the cause,’” became one of the most visible and daring campaigns of the suffrage movement.

More than a century later, their story is inspiring a new generation. A restored 1914 Saxon—matching the original “Golden Flyer”—is retracing the historic route to promote congressional recognition of the Equal Rights Amendment, and The Heritage Society is honored to host a public viewing as it arrives in Houston.

What Guests Will Experience

• A warm reception welcoming the Golden Flyer to Houston

• An up‑close viewing of the restored 1914 Saxon roadster

• Stories from the original 1916 journey, including diary entries that “often made front‑page news” and accounts of snowstorms, desert detours, and speeches delivered from the car itself

• Reflections on how the fight for equality continues today, echoing the promise that “we will never give up, we will never give in”

The Ongoing Legacy

The 1916 tour helped build momentum for the 19th Amendment, certified in 1920 after decades of organizing. Today’s Driving the Vote for Equality tour honors that legacy while calling attention to the ongoing effort to secure full constitutional equality through the ERA—an effort the article describes as essential “to ensure full voting rights are not rolled back.”

Join Us

Help us welcome this symbol of courage, persistence, and democratic promise. Bring family, friends, and anyone who loves history, women’s stories, or vintage automobiles.

Free program. Open to the public at New Magnolia Brewing Co. on 1616 Bevis.

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