Bites & Brews Returns for Round Two

     Because of the popularity of the event at its debut back in September, Fort Bend County Museum has scheduled another round of Bites & Brews. The foodie event is set for Saturday, February 22, 2014 and will be held at the historic 1883 home of Congressman John. M. Moore from 6:30 p.m to 9 p.m.

     “Bites & Brews was originally designed as date-night style event, where couples could sample offerings of local cuisine, brews and wines,” said Lindsay Lucas, Director of Development. “We are aiming to show how warm and inviting this historic home still is, thanks to the community’s continued interest in keeping Texas history alive. At the same time, we want our guests to enjoy a fun evening that isn’t like any other party they’ve attended.”

     The evening will feature light bites from a variety of local vendors as well as a selection of beer and wine samples. Guests are invited to tour the Moore Home, where several pieces of antique family furniture were recently returned to the second story.

     “Dorethea Moore Gholson, granddaughter of Judge John M. Moore, Jr., donated a bedroom set that belonged to her grandmother, Dorethea Guenther Moore, two settees and a chair. All of the pieces are in good condition and currently on display upstairs in the bedroom and sitting room that Dorethea and John Jr. used when they lived in the house 1942-1975,” explained Claire Rogers, Interim Executive Director.

3rd Annual Wassail at DeWalt Heritage Center

Come One, Come All...And Deck the Halls of Dew House!!!!

On Sunday December 8 2013, the DeWalt Heritage Center (the historic Dew House) is hosting its 3rd Annual Wassail.  The Dew House will be open to the community FREE of charge from 1 - 4 p.m.  

The Scanlin Oaks Recorder Ensemble, the "Whistlestops" and the Elkins Knightbeats, as well as other area performers will be entertaining with songs of the season.  The past two years Santa Claus also dropped in, so kids of every age could whisper their wishes in his ear. Cookies and Wassail will be served courtesy of HEB-Sienna Market.

Dew House is East Fort Bend County's only museum and is located at the back of Kitty Hollow Park. Going South on Highway 6, the park entrance is just past the Sienna/HEB entrance on the left.   

Thousands Attend Texian Market Days 2013

Over 6,000 guests explored four historic sites and a plethora of activities at George Ranch Historical Park on Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26. The Park was bustling with excitement over the weekend  as guests traveled from miles around to experience over 100 years of Texas history at the 30^th Annual Texian Market Days, benefiting the Fort Bend County Museum Association’s educational programs and historic preservation efforts.

 Candace Jones, Director at George Ranch Historical Park, said, “It was truly one of the best in terms of smoothness of operations, quality of programs, diversity of publicity, and great customer service. The entire festival reflected commitment and teamwork.  The 30th Anniversary showed a strong re-focus on our historical ‘roots’ and the quality was superb.  Our attendance was noticeably higher and the visitors were enthralled with all of the activities.”

 Among the thousands of festival attendees were folks from neighboring counties, states and even foreign countries. Throughout the Park, familiar faces of long-time volunteers and history enthusiasts could be seen sharing their knowledge and personal collections alongside newcomers who were participating for the first time.

 “The Fort Bend County Museum Association would like to extend sincere thanks to all of the volunteers, docents, staff, sponsors, contributors, and festival patrons who have made this living history festival possible year after year. Texian Market Days would not be successful without all of you, and we deeply appreciate your continued support and participation. Thank you for helping us keep Texas history alive!” said Krystal Willeby, 2013 Texian Market Days Chairman.

New for 2013, this 1874 Gatling Gun was

 brought out by Harperhaus Productions.

Long-time volunteer participants of Texian Market Days,

 the Lee Family brougt out this WWII Jeep in

 addition to their antique wheeled riding toys.

Volunteers from Brazos Bend State Park invited guests

 to learn about native wildlife 

at their booth  near the bridge over Dry Creek.

Soldados march back to camp after defeating 

roving bandits in the 1830s battle reenactment.

Don Herlitz, 30 year Texian Market Days participant, and 

his Confederate artillery crew fire off a shot at advancing

 Union troops in the 1860s Civil War reenactment.

The Brazos River Pickers played old-time tunes 

under the shade of the ancient oak trees

 in the yard at the 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion.

Another 30 year veteran of the Texian Market Days Festival,

 Dr. Bushrod sings of the magic of Wonder Oil during the 

Medicine Show comedy act with the Tanner Family Minstrels.

Vendors of all kinds were selling a variety of goods

 and crafts throughout the Park during the festival.

Learning Victorian dances at the 1890s Davis Mansion was just 

one of the many hands-on activities available

 to guests during Texian Market Days.

A full album of photos from the event is available on the George Ranch Historical Park’s Facebook page.
See something you loved at this year’s festival? Email your Texian Market Days festival feedback to info@georgeranch.org

Texian Market Days Celebrates 30th Year!

     Guests of all ages are invited to experience over 100 years of history as it comes alive before their eyes at Texian Market Days. This exciting and educational event will be held at George Ranch Historical Park on Saturday, October 26 from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.

As the 30^th anniversary draws near, staff members of Fort Bend County Museum and George Ranch Historical Park remember the early days of the annual celebration. In 1984, the Fort Bend County Museum Association created Texian Market Days as a gathering for Texas history enthusiasts and local craft and food vendors. It was originally held at Decker Park in Downtown Richmond.

 “The goal was to create a lively living history atmosphere, where costumed re-enactors portrayed characters of the past to educate a modern audience,” said Candace Jones, Director at George Ranch Historical Park.

Five years later, it was moved to the George Ranch Historical Park as the festival began to outgrow the space. Every October, the Festival’s coordinators and volunteers have strived to bring a unique, historically accurate and immersive educational experience that people remember long after the event.

Texian Market Days is still bursting at the seams with the sights and sounds of Texas history! Re-enactors come from cities as far away as Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth and even as far as out of state to stage the battle skirmishes and camp life of the Texian Revolution and Civil War.

“We salute the ranks of dedicated Museum Docents and volunteers who do everything from making corn husk dolls to selling hot dogs. A small, special pool of volunteers who have participated from the beginning will also be celebrating their 30th anniversary with us in 2013,” said Claire Rogers, Interim Executive Director for Fort Bend County Museum Association.

It would not be Texian Market Days without the Texian Marketplace. Crafts and food are still at the heart of the celebration with a wide variety of booths scattered throughout the park, ready to sell their unique wares to passing patrons.

Although different types of games, demonstrations, hands-on activities and attractions have come and gone as the festival evolved over the years, there is always something fun and unique.

“Whether learning pioneer survival skills, waiting for the smoke to clear after a Civil War skirmish, or learning the cowboy way, guests of all ages are sure to enjoy this celebration of Texas history,” said Krystal Willeby, Director of Programs at George Ranch Historical Park.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early on October 26 for the 30^th annual Texian Market Days because there is so much to see and do! Tickets are just $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-15, and children under 4 years old are free. For more information for guests, sponsors, volunteers and vendors, visit www.texianmarketdays.com or call George Ranch Historical Park’s Visitors Center at (281) 343-0218 x0

Bites & Brews was a BIG hit!

The Fort Bend County Museum Association’s new event, Bites & Brews, premiered on Saturday, September 21.

Held at the historic home of Congressman John M. Moore, the event featured samples of light bites, sweet treats, wine and beer from local vendors. Guests enjoyed music by Heartstrings and The Cool Tones as they mingled on the lawn, and explored the Museum’s gallery.

Lindsay Lucas, Director of Development for Fort Bend County Museum Association, expressed her optimism about the future of Bites & Brews as a regular happening. “We were so excited to bring a new event to the Fort Bend County Museum Association that offers something different and fun for our existing supporters and patrons, as well as people who had previously never visited the Museum or participated in Museum events. Thank you to everyone who attended and to all of our vendors who came out to share samples with the crowd!”

Special thanks go out to local vendors who offered samples at Bites & Brews, including Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Braman Winery, Italian Maid Café, ‘Ole Railroad Café, Teresita’s Catering, Joseph’s Coffee and Cigars, Fajita Pete’s, Pier 36 Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar, The Sweet Tooth Custom Cake Shop, and the George Ranch Historical Park.

The works of local artist, Charles Weiss, were on display in the Museum’s gallery, and guests had an opportunity to meet the artist during the event. Featuring paintings of historic buildings and familiar places in Fort Bend County, the exhibit is titled A Moment in Time in Fort Bend.

Because of the success of Bites & Brews, the foodie event will be returning in the spring for another round. Like “Fort Bend Museum” on Facebook and stay tuned for more details!

Another Great Year for Texian Golf Classic

The 2013 Texian Golf Classic was held on Monday, September 9 at the Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land. The tournament kicked off at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. Participants were all smiles as they made their way out onto the course to enjoy friendly competition.

Claire Rogers, Interim Executive Director for Fort Bend County Museum Association said, “An event like the Golf Classic is only a success when it has the support of the community. We would like to thank Severn Trent and WCA Waste Management for their financial support, and we want to thank all of those local businesses that provided items for the silent auction and the golfers’ goody bags. Most of all we want to express our appreciation to the golfers who came out to play! It was a wonderful day with good weather and a great crowd!”

As the tournament concluded, participants made their way back to the club house for a buffet-style lunch and awards. The team for McDonald & Wessendorff Insurance/WJ Interests, LLC, which included Jared Jameson, Dan McDonald, and Tommy Mouch achieved first place with a gross score of 57; Team Ventana Development, which included Jim Grover, Paul Grover, Jeff Haley, and Stephen Ray, achieved first place net with a score of 61. Dan McDonald was the winner for “closest to the pin” on hole #14, while Jeff Haley won the “longest drive” on hole #6. Congratulations to all of the winners!

The Fort Bend County Museum Association was also very pleased to acknowledge County Judge Bob Hebert and County Commissioners Richard Morrison, Grady Prestage, Andy Meyers, and James Patterson as our Honorary Chairs.

Lindsay Lucas, Director of Development for Fort Bend County Museum Association said, “In the current challenging climate for non-profit organizations, we are so thankful for our generous sponsors, teams and individual players who helped make the tournament successful. The Museum Association is also deeply grateful for the long and loyal partnership of Fort Bend County’s government leaders.”

Paintings by Charles Weiss on display at Fort Bend County Museum

One of the highlights of the Fort Bend County Museum’s new event, Bites & Brews, will be a special exhibit in the Museum’s gallery, featuring the artwork of Charles Weiss. The exhibit will be on display at the Museum’s gallery for the months of September and October.

The exhibit, titled A Moment in Time in Fort Bend, is a collection of realism paintings of historic buildings and familiar places in Fort Bend County, Texas. A private opening reception will be held for Fort Bend County Museum Association members and special guests of the artist on Thursday, September 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit will be open to the general public on the following day, September 6. Admission to the Museum includes access to the entire gallery where this special exhibit will be on display, plus tours of two historic homes located on the property.

Artist, Charles Weiss

“Many of the paintings are of historic buildings from the mid 1800s to the early 1900s, including the Beasley chapel, the Moore Home, the McNabb House, Imperial Sugar, and a couple of the Courthouse in Richmond,” Weiss said.

Weiss explained his inspiration for this series of 14 paintings. “Fort Bend County has played an important part in the development of Texas, dating back to the 1700s. As a resident and artist, it is very exciting for me to capture these buildings as they sit today, realizing their long histories and the roles they played in the progress of our great community, whether in agriculture, transportation, entertainment, religion or law and order.”

Attendees of Bites & Brews will have a special chance to view this art exhibit as they enjoy music by HeartStrings to be played in the gallery during the event on September 21 at the historic 1883 Moore Home.

Weiss expressed his enthusiasm about this new evening event coming to the Museum.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to exhibit my Fort Bend County paintings at the Museum and even more so to have them up in time for the Museum’s first Bites & Brews event in September,” said Weiss. “My wife Kristin and I are looking forward to attending. This will be a great, fun event that will bring together people who are already very involved with the Museum as well as those who have never had the opportunity to visit.”

Other attractions at Bites & Brews will include music by The Cool Tones, plus samplings of wines, brews, and treats of all kinds from a variety of local eateries. Vendors include Saint Arnold Brewery, Braman Winery, Pier 36, Joseph’s, Teresita’s Catering, A Sweet Tooth, Fajita Pete’s, George Ranch Historical Park, and many more.

Bites & Brews will begin at 6:30 p.m. and continue through 9 p.m. 

Tickets are $25 each or $45 per couple, 

available at the gate or for purchase ahead of time through the Museum by calling (281) 342-6478.

Vendors to be featured at Museum's Bites & Brews event

Representatives from Teresita’s Catering, Italian Maid Café, The Sweet Tooth, Pier 36 Seafood, and Joseph’s Coffee shop gathered at the historic Home of Congressman John M. Moore for a quick photo op, in preparation for Bites & Brews, coming to Fort Bend County Museum on September 21.

(left to right) On the lawn of the historic Moore Home, Katheryn Joseph of Joseph’s Coffee Shop, Lanie Alvarez of Italian Maid Café, Jaime Crespo of Teresitas Catering, Jimmy Cantu of Pier 36 Seafood, and Andrea Lindsey of The Sweet Tooth toast to Bites & Brews, a new foodie event coming to Fort Bend County Museum on September 21.

  In addition to the above mentioned vendors, this event will also feature samplings from Saint Arnold’s Brewery, Braman Winery, The Railroad Café, Fajita Pete’s, and George Ranch Historical Park.

During the event, guests can also enjoy live music by The Heart Strings and The Cool Tones and explore the Fort Bend County Museum’s Gallery, where paintings by Charles Weiss will be on display for a limited time only.

This new event for Fort Bend foodies will begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 each or $45 per couple. Contact Lindsay Lucas for more information. LLucas@fortbendmuseum.org (281) 342-1256

2013 Texian Golf Classic Honorees

It is time once again to prepare for the Fort Bend County Museum’s annual Texian Golf Classic!

“The Texian Golf Classic is an opportunity to recognize and thank our county leadership who are dedicated to serving the citizens of Fort Bend County through their positions in the county Commissioners Court”, said Lindsay Lucas, Director of development for Fort Bend County Museum Association. “Simultaneously, the tournament raises funds to benefit the educational and historic preservation efforts of the Fort Bend County Museum.”

(Pictured above) - This year’s honorees include 

Commissioner Richard Morrison – Precinct 1, Commissioner Grady Prestage – Precinct 2,

 County Judge Bob Hebert, Commissioner Andy Meyers – Precinct 3, 

and Commissioner James Patterson – Precinct 4.

The 2013 Texian Golf Classic will take place on Monday, September 9 at the beautiful Sweetwater Country Club, Located at 4400 Palm Royale Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479. Participants will tee off at 8:30 a.m. All players are welcome to enjoy complimentary breakfast tacos prior to teeing off and will also be offered beer and snacks through their tournament play. A buffet style lunch will be served after the tournament concludes.

Contact Lindsay Lucas to register to the tournament and learn more about the variety of sponsorship opportunities available and silent auction needs. Registration and sponsorship forms are also available online at: http://fortbendmuseum.org/annual-events/golf/golf2013.pdf  |  LLucas@fortbendmuseum.org  |  (281) 342-1256

Texian Golf Classic

Fort Bend County Museum Association's annual fundraising tournament, Texian Golf Classic returns to the pristine greens of Sugar Land's Sweetwater Country Club on Monday, September 9. Items are still needed for the silent auction, and numerous sponsorship opportunities are available.

The Texian Golf Classic honors Fort Bend County leadership and all proceeds raised directly benefit the educational programs of the Fort Bend County Museum Association. Participants will tee off at 8:30 a.m. and enjoy complimentary breakfast tacos, snack carts and beer during the tournament and a buffet style lunch afterwards.

Bites & Brews - a new foodie event coming to Fort Bend County Museum

Fort Bend County Museum presents an exciting new evening event that connoisseurs and couples of any generation are sure to enjoy. Bites & Brews will debut on Saturday, September 21 at the historic 1883 home of Congressman John. M. Moore.

Local vendors including Saint Arnold Brewery, Braman Winery, Pier 36, Joseph’s, Theresita’s Catering, The Railroad Café, A Sweet Tooth, Fajita Pete’s, George Ranch Historical Park, and many more will be offering light bites and samplings of wines, brews and treats of all kinds. Local musicians will take the front porch of the Moore home as their stage for this unforgettable soiree that is sure to become a favorite regular happening for Fort Bend County.

Festivities will begin at 6: 30 p.m. and continue through 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 each or $45 per couple. Contact Lindsay Lucas for more information. LLucas@fortbendmuseum.org (281) 342-1256

Summer History!

Children ages 8-12 years old are invited to time travel with the Fort Bend County Museum in Summer History Programs, including Frontier Survival, The Runaway Scrape, Life in the 1860s, 1890s and 1940s, a Hometown History walking tour and more!

Two Summer History sessions will be offered: 

Session 1, July 16-19

Sign-up Deadline: July 12

&

Session 2, August 13-16

Sign-up Deadline: August 9

Each day of Summer History will feature a morning activity from 9:00 a.m. to Noon and an afternoon activity from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost is $6 per activity or $48 per week for members of the Fort Bend County Museum Association, and  $8 per activity or $64 per week for non-members.

The schedule of daily activities in Session 2 will be opposite of those offered in Session 1. “We flip the activity schedule between the two sessions for children who may only be able to attend in the morning or only in the afternoon, so they  will get an entirely different experience when they attend both sessions,” said Jessica Avery, Educational Coordinator at Fort Bend County Museum.

Parent attendance is required for all children under 8 years old. All-day attendees are advised to bring a sack lunch. For more information and to sign your child up for Summer History at the Fort Bend County Museum, contact Jessica Avery (281) 342-6478 javery@fortbendmuseum.org

Victorian Tea Party on June 22

Fort Bend County Museum Association invites you to step back in time to the 1880s and take part in a classic Victorian Tea Party at the historic home of Congressman John M. Moore on Saturday, June 22.

The festivities will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., in alignment with traditional tea time, on the beautiful glassed-in porch of the Moore Home. Guests will learn proper Victorian tea etiquette and have the opportunity to sample a variety of tea sandwiches, scones and desserts. Visitors will also learn about Victorian fashion and parlor games.

 “This is a great opportunity for mothers, daughters, family and friends to spend some quality time together while they’re immersed in Victorian splendor of the late 1800s,” said Jessica Avery, Educational Coordinator for Fort Bend County Museum.

The cost for this event is $10 per person. Members of Fort Bend County Museum Association will receive a discounted admission price of $8. Reservations and questions can be directed to Jessica Avery at 281-342-6478 or javery@fortbendmuseum.org Tea cups are limited, so make your reservations today!

Click here to sign up to be a member of Fort Bend County Museum Association

 and enjoy free general admission to

 Fort Bend County Museum & George Ranch Historical Park 

all year!

Meet Your Neighbor: Austa Sue Kelley

Austa Sue Kelley is the new President of the Docents Society. She was surprised when she was elected in January and hopes that she can do as good of a job as past presidents. Her main responsibility in this role is to keep the board updated and informed so the Docents can continue to stay involved in events.

Austa Sue grew up in the West University area of Houston, Texas, but is originally from Arkansas, where her mother was a school teacher. She moved to Houston in the 1950s when her father passed away and has lived here ever since. She now lives with her his­tory buff husband, Ray, in Greatwood, the place they have called home since 2004.

Austa Sue is the mother of four daughters and is dedicated to volunteer work. “I’ve been a scout leader, volunteered for senior services, served on the parks board... You name it, I’ve done it. Having four daughters makes you want to get involved,” Sue said.

Her love of museums and local history lead Austa Sue to becoming a member of the Do­cents Society about a year ago. Sue said, “The best way to learn more about it was to get involved in it,” and was glad she did. Sue described the Docents as, “…a great group Everyone is well informed and there’s a lot of history here.”

Click here to learn how you too can become a member of the Fort Bend County Museum Association for as little as $50. By becoming a member, you'll be supporting the mission of the Fort Bend County Museum Association, to educate this generation about Texas heroes and preserve our local history for generations to come. Fort Bend County Museum Association members enjoy free admission to the Fort Bend County Museum and George Ranch Historical Park all year long.

Fort Bend Museum participating in Blue Star Museums program

Today, the Fort Bend Museum is proud to announce the launch of Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,800 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 27, 2013 through Labor Day, September 2, 2013. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundations through Blue Star Families. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums

 “Blue Star Museum is a collaboration between the arts and military communities,” said NEA Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa. “Our work with Blue Star Families and with more than 1,800 museums ensures that we can reach out to military families and thank them for their service and sacrifice.”

 This free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U. S. military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U. S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commission Corps – and up to five family members. The

Fort Bend Museum is happy to be a part of this latest NEA Program to bring quality arts programs to the military, veterans, and their families.

Historic Richmond Walking Tour: May 11

Put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore Historic Downtown Richmond with the Fort Bend Museum this Saturday, May 11. Lead by Jessica Avery, Educational Coordinator for the Fort Bend Museum, this tour will begin at 10 a.m. at the the Fort Bend Museum's Gallery, located at 500 Houston Street in downtown Richmond, Texas. The tour is expected to last about 45 minutes and cover a little less than a mile.

"This tour will focus on many of the historic homes in Richmond, Texas, including the John M. Moore House, the McFarlane House, the Long-Smith Cottage, and many more. We will discuss the early history of Richmond and many of its historic residents," said Avery.

Congressman John. M Moore's Home is located right

 next door to the Fort Bend Museum Gallery.

The McFarlane House, which is now serving as the administrative offices for the 

Fort Bend County Museum Association, is just around the corner.

In the front lawn of the Long-Smith Cottage, there is a historic marker that tells the story of Erastus "Deaf" Smith, who is supposedly buried somewhere near where the Cottage now stands.

Tour participants are advised to bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. The weather is expected to be warm with a high of 81 degrees, but there will be a chance of showers, so bring an umbrella just in case. The cost for the tour is $10 per person for non-museum members, $5 for members, and children under 12 years old are free.

For more information regarding this month's Walking Tour of Historic Richmond, call (281) 342- 6478 or email javery@forbendmuseum.org or crogers@fortbendmuseum.org

Want to experience events like this plus all that the 

 Fort Bend Museum & George Ranch Historical Park

have to offer ALL YEAR? 

Sign up today to become a member of the Fort Bend County Museum Association for a little as $50 to enjoy all that these history hubs have to offer. Click here to get involved in preserving local history!

Another Successful Stomp!

Over 450 guests filled the arena at George Ranch Historical Park on Saturday, April 20 for Lone Star Stomp XXIV, the annual fundraising gala benefiting the educational and historic preservation efforts of Fort Bend County Museum Association.

Comprised entirely of items and packages generously donated by local supporters of the Fort Bend County Museum Association, the live and silent auctions were the highlight of the evening, raising nearly $50,000 alone. Total proceeds from the event grossed over $122,000 thanks to the compassionate charity of the local community who continues to whole-heartedly support this event and organization year after year. Proceeds from this event provide a significant percentage of the Fort Bend County Museum Association’s annual operating budget and funds educational and historic preservation efforts as well as community services and programs.

Executive Director of Fort Bend County Museum Association, Candace Jones said, “We are incredibly grateful to have a community that is ready willing and able to help us keep Texas history alive for generations to come. We could not do this without the individuals and business who continue to selflessly contribute to the prosperity of the Fort Bend County Museum Association with their hard work and dedication.”

Fort Bend County Museum Association would like to express our deepest appreciation for all who attended, contributed and donated to this year’s Lone Star Stomp. Because of the generosity and support of our local community, the association is able to continue preserving historic land marks, teaching children about Texas heroes, and protecting endangered historical resources of Fort Bend County.

 Honorary Chairs Anita & David Harris

 Executive Committee members: Steve Metzenthin, President of the Board of Trustees, Anita & David Harris, Honorary Chairs, and Candace Jones, Executive Director of Fort Bend County Museum Association

 2013 Lone Star Stomp Chairman, Jennifer Montgomery and Silent Auction Chair, Kathleen Randall

Additional photos can be viewed here and photo booth shots can be viewed here.

Scenic Stroll Through Historic Richmond with Fort Bend Museum

The Fort Bend County Museum invites local history buffs to come along on a Walking Tour of Historic Richmond on April 20. The tour begins at the Fort Bend Museum Gallery at 10 a.m. and will cover about a mile in 45 minutes. This month’s tour will feature sites in the 200 block of Morton Street, plus other historic buildings nearby. 

One of the first stops on the tour will be at Congressman John M. Moore’s Home, built in 1883. Here, visitors will learn the history of the family who lived in this home from 1883 to 1975.  The home is now part of the Fort Bend County Museum Association and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Next on the route is the Fort Bend County Courthouse. Built in 1908, this is the county’s 5^th courthouse, featuring monuments of Mirabeau B. Lamar and Deaf Smith who played major parts in shaping our state.

Just across the street, the McFarlane House is now the administrative offices for the Fort Bend County Museum Association. Visitors will learn about Isaac McFarlane, who built the house in the early 1850s and served as a member of Terry’s Texas Rangers during the Civil War.

Next, the tour will venture to the site of Jane Long’s Boarding House. Jane Long, known as the Mother of Texas, opened a boarding house in Richmond in 1837 where she provided hospitality and comfortable accommodations for visitors. This building also served as the campaign headquarters for Mirabeau B. Lamar during his run for the presidency.

Another noteworthy stop on the tour is the site of the Jaybird-Woodpecker Feud, a bloody shoot-out that occurred in what is now Historic Downtown Richmond in 1889, marking the end of the post-Civil War fight for political power and control in the county government.

Tour participants are advised to bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes. The cost for the tour is $10 per person for non-museum members, $5 for members and children under 12 years old are free. For more information regarding the tour call (281) 342-6478 or email javery@forbendmuseum.org or crogers@fortbendmuseum.org

The next tour on May 11 will feature a different section of Downtown Historic Richmond. Be sure to check the Fort Bend County Museum’s Facebook and blog for regular updates on tours and other upcoming events.
www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Bend-Museum/86588539416

www.fortbendmuseum.blogspot.com

Lone Star Stomp Auction Items

Fort Bend County Museum Association is proud to present this year’s Lone Star Stomp with a little extra Texas flare. The theme “We are Texas” celebrates the culture, style and traditions of the Lone Star State. Decorations of bright turquoise will add the extra sparkle and shine to this sophisticated soirre.

Enjoy southern hospitality at its finest at Lone Start Stomp XXIV on Saturday, April 20.  Guests are invited to partake in a night of dancing, dining and exciting live and silent auctions. We have all kinds of items generously donated by our supporters and friends. Guests are advised to pick out favorites now and have a bidding plan for the night of the gala because the unique items and fun-filled packages are sure to go quick.

Here are just a few of the fabulous packages up for bid in the live auction:

Big Texas Barn Party- Regina and Vincent Morales open their unique Texas-style barn for you and 50 friends with food from local favorite, The Swinging Door. Create a custom selection from Steve’s famous, tasty menu and cold beer from Silver Eagle Distributors.

A Dog Named George – Donated by friends of Fort Bend Museum and the Ladies Group, this adorable pure-bred long-hair Dachshund comes complete with all the essentials for a new puppy, including shots and a FREE neuter provided by Foster Creek Veterinary Hospital.

The Sport of Kings –The best seat in the house for your party of 50 to watch this private exhibition polo match will be on the veranda of the clubhouse at Pecan Acres Polo Club, among the 100-year-old oaks of Simonton. Enjoy the tradition of stomping the divots between the chuckers and a delicious dinner provided by Molina’s.

Weekend Getaway in San Antonio - Relax at the luxurious Mokara Hotel and Spa for two nights on the River Walk. Select a rental car of your choice from Marvin Marcell with A1 Automotive, and savor all of the flavors of Italy just fifteen minutes from your hotel with a gift certificate to Carraba’s Italian Grill.

Cisco Pottery- To quote Cisco's passion for her artistic endeavors, "I wear art, drive art, and sweat art.  I create because I can." A graduate of Southwest Texas, Cisco's oils and pottery are shown at Koelsch Gallery in Houston.

WHOOP! – This is the ultimate Aggieland package, including four tickets on the 25 yard line for any 2013 Aggie football game, two tickets to a Texas Aggie Men’s Basketball game, two tickets to a Texas A&M Lady Ags Basketball game, two tickets to watch an Aggie Baseball game an Aggie wooden cooler, an autographed football by Kevin Sumlin and a framed and autographed picture of Johnny ‘Football’ Manziel, Texas A&M’ Heisman Trophy winner. 

Fort Bend Brewery- Enjoy your private party for 20 at the brewery where you will have the opportunity to taste four of their specially crafted brews, perfectly paired with your dinner and a delicious desert from Sassy cakes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The Texas Constitutional Chair- This chair bearing the Texas State Seal is only available for purchase by sitting members of the Texas Legislature, so don’t miss out on your chance at this iconic piece. The package also includes cigars and a bottle of liquor.

A Hunter’s Dream- The Rio Brazos Hunting Preserve has created the perfect hunting package for the upland bird enthusiast, including a round of 100 sporting clays for 10 people. Then, relax on the pavilion for lunch with outstanding cuisine from Dekkers Grill.

Shot Heard Round the Bend- Six couples will venture to George Ranch Historical Park  to enjoy their choice of  beer or wine, a Texas-sized steak dinner, cowboy coffee, homemade blackberry cobbler and fiddle music around the campfire at the Jones Stock Farm, in George Ranch Historical Park. The host of the evening will enjoy a ground shaking, once in a lifetime opportunity to fire a shot from a replica of the Texas revolution’s  “Come and Take It” cannon.

Southern Hospitality - You and three friends will be treated to a visit to Pat Herbert’s special retreat in Foster Creek and  get an insider’s look at how she produces one of a kind artistic creations in her “Quilter’s Cottage”. Enjoy lively conversation over lunch at Another Time Soda Fountain located in Historic Downtown Rosenberg.

THANK YOU to all of our generous sponsors and contributors!

Left to Right: El Patron Sponsor, Cynthia Barratt with OCuSOFT, Contributor, Sharon Coburn with Fort Bend Brewery, Contributors, Roberto, Ricardo Molina, El Patron Sponsor, Tom Shirley with NewFirst National Bank, Contributor, Erika Molina, El Patron Sponsor and Honorary Stomp Chairman, Anita Harris and Stomp Auction Co-chair, Kathleen Randall take a photo op with auction items including A Dog Named George (pure-bred dachshund puppy), decorative cow skulls and The Texas Constitutional Chair on the front steps of the historic Moore Home at Fort Bend Museum. 

The festivities will commence at 6:30 p.m. and continue until 11:30 p.m. at the George Ranch Historical Park, 10215 FM 762 in Richmond. Tickets are $65 each and reserved tables are available for groups of eight or more. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the educational and preservation efforts of the Fort Bend County Museum Association.

For more information or to purchase tickets and sponsorships, visit www.fortbendmuseum.org or call (281) 342-1256. For Sponsorship-Ticket Form click here: http://www.fortbendmuseum.org/annual-events/stomp/sponsor.pdf