Thursday, October 29, 2020
5:30–8:30 p.m.
The Ballroom at Bayou Place
(Former Albert Thomas Convention Center)
500 Texas Avenue

Albert Thomas was Houston's Democratic congressman for 29 years, an LBJ protégé, instrumental in bringing NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center to the Bayou City. A year after his death, in 1967, the city opened the Albert Thomas Convention and Exhibit Center, in the structure Bayou Place now occupies. It cost $12 million and, in true Houston fashion, closed a mere two decades later upon construction of the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Thanks to preservation efforts when the convention center was reborn as Bayou Place in 1997, you can still see a replica of the room in which Thomas wielded his power, complete with photos of the congressman chumming it up with President Kennedy. A U.S. Congressional seal hangs on the back wall, while an old red book rests in the middle of his wooden desk; appropriately, it's titled Science in Space.

There will be a short program discussing Congressman Thomas' illustrious career and his important contribution to Houston. There will also be an opportunity to view his office.

The event will be held at The Ballroom at Bayou Place and will be limited to 150 guests (15% capacity) to provide for safe health protocols. Please wear a mask and practice safe social distancing.

There are luxurious balcony spaces to gather outdoors to see a beautiful sunset and a nearly full moon rising.

Tickets cost-$60 for non-members and $55 for THS members. To purchase tickets order below or contact Laura Woods at 713.655.1912, ext. 112.