McFaddin-Ward House Museum

10/24/2026

Our team is excited to be taking part in the Ghosts, Goblins & Gardens Fall Festival hosted by our friends at Beaumont Botanical Gardens today.

Come make a craft with us and enjoy this fun, family event!

10/23/2026

Join us in welcoming our new Visitor Services Assistant, Jamie Blackburn! 🎉

Having lived her entire life within the Golden Triangle, Jamie has fostered a deep interest in the region’s development from small farming communities into influential industrial cities leading Southeast Texas.

She has always been interested in cultural transitions throughout history, which encouraged her to pursue a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in art history at Lamar University. She will graduate this December.

Jamie is excited to explore these interests with one of Beaumont’s most impactful families—the McFaddins—and come to better understand their relationship with the growth and historical culture of Beaumont.

10/22/2026

🏛️ McFaddin-Ward House Museum 40th Anniversary | 40 Milestones & Memories in 40 Weeks

☑️ Number 32: “Jimmy Simmons on the Jazz Age” Lecture & Performance

In April 2003, the Museum’s Lecture Series kicked off with a special lecture/musical performance combination by Dr. James “Jimmy” Simmons, president of Lamar University at the time.

The presentation, “Jimmy Simmons on the Jazz Age,” focused on the history of the era and a following performance brought the sounds of the 1920s to life. Musicians included Simmons on saxophone and clarinet; Dr. Raul Ornelas of Lamar’s Music Department on bass; and Lamar music major Billy McQueen on drums.

In two weeks, both Simmons and McQueen will return to the McFaddin-Ward House for 🎶 Music at the McFaddins’ Outdoor Concert Featuring Jimmy Simmons & Friends on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. on the east lawn. We are honored musicians of their caliber continue to share their exceptional talents with our audience and hope multiple generations have enjoyed their performances at the Historic Home.

Were you in attendance at the 2003 lecture and performance by Jimmy Simmons? Share your memories in the comments!

10/21/2026

Is it science or supernatural? 🧐🧪👻

While the neon green glow this glassware produces under a blacklight looks ghostly, there’s no need to call the Ghostbusters. These pieces from the McFaddin-Ward House Museum Collection actually contain small amounts of uranium.

Uranium glass was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was prized for its vibrant colors, and families like the McFaddins purchased the distinctive glassware for their homes.

Today, many examples of uranium glass remain in the Museum Collection and can be spotted on display in the Historic Home during admission-free tours.

Visit the link in our bio to learn how to see these interesting objects in person.

Do you own any uranium glass? Test your glassware under a blacklight to see if it fluoresces and let us know what you find in the comments.

10/20/2026

Participants at today’s Craft & Share Workshop for Adults got in the fall spirit by making festive floral centerpieces awash in the shades of autumn. The finished pieces were absolutely beautiful!

Thank you to everyone who shared your floral design skills with us. You should be very proud of your work!

Our next Craft & Share Workshop for Adults, “Rocking Around the Holidays,” will be Tuesday, Nov. 17. We hope to see you there!

10/19/2026

Crowd-favorites Jimmy Simmons & Friends will bring big band brilliance back to the McFaddin-Ward House Museum’s 🎶 Music at the McFaddins’ Concert Series for the fifth consecutive year on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m.

Check out our website news story for more details:

Crowd-favorites Jimmy Simmons & Friends will bring big band brilliance back to the McFaddin-Ward House Museum’s Music at the McFaddins’ Concert Series for the fifth consecutive year on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m.

10/19/2026

🏵 Want to learn how to craft festival floral centerpieces to add to your décor? Don’t miss our FREE Craft & Share Workshop for Adults (21+) TOMORROW!

✨: Craft & Share Workshop for Adults – Falling for Flower Arrangement
📅: Tuesday, October 20
⏰: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
📍: 1906 Calder Ave. | Beaumont

Participants will receive a tutorial on flower design and crafting seasonal centerpieces.

There is no fee for this event. Registration is not required, but seating is limited.

10/17/2026

We're doing a fun craft with our Beaumont Heritage Society friends at the John Jay French House Pumpkin Walk. It's a great event, and we hope to see you there!

10/16/2026

Excellent lecture on Texas sports history by Columbia University professor, author, and historian Frank A. Guridy last night!

We are grateful to Frank for traveling from New York City to share his insights and to everyone who joined us. 💚

For those unable to attend last night, the full lecture is available on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/21nLOChXFX0. Be sure to subscribe!

If you are interested in learning more on the subject, Frank is the author of numerous scholarly works on the intersection of sports, society, and politics, including the books “The Stadium: An American History of Politics, Protest, and Play” (2024) and “The Sports Revolution: How Texas Changed the Culture of American Athletics” (2021).

Our next lecture, “America 250: A Beaumont History,” by local historian Judith Walker Linsley will be Thursday, Nov. 12. We hope to see you there!

10/15/2026

Historian Frank Guridy and our team stopped by 12NewsNow to talk with Tia Johnson about what attendees can expect at his free lecture, "The Texas Sports Revolution," tonight at 6:30 PM at the McFaddin-Ward House Museum Visitor Center.

Watch the video to learn more:

Historian Frank Guridy will discuss how Texas shaped American sport...