Michael Berry to Emcee for Lone Star Stomp XXV

The Fort Bend County Museum Association is proud to announce that Michael Berry, renowned talk radio host of KTRH News Radio will be serving as emcee at Lone Star Stomp XXV: Southern Belles & Beaux on Saturday, April 12, 2014.

 Above, Michael Berry, the special guest Emcee for Lone Star Stomp XXV,

 and below, Josh Fuller Band at a recent House of Blue performance.

“The Fort Bend County Museum Association is very excited to have Michael Berry participate and enrich our major fundraising event of the year,” said Lynn Hewitt, Event Chairman.

This year, a pre-Stomp party will be held exclusively for sponsors who have contributed at least $1,500 to the fundraiser. Sponsor Party guests will get a chance to meet Michael Berry and the Josh Fuller Band one hour before Lone Star Stomp XXV begins.

A variety of sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available for purchase online at www.fortbendmuseum.org/annual-events/stomp/, and Stomp organizers are currently seeking donations for the live and silent auctions. To get involved, email the Stomp Team at LoneStarStomp@FortBendMuseum.org or call (281) 342-1256.  Proceeds from Lone Star Stomp XXV benefit the Fort Bend County Museum Association’s mission to teach and preserve Texas history for future generations.

Rememberto “like” Fort Bend County Museum on Facebook to get the latest updates and auction item previews during the countdown to Lone Star Stomp XXV: Southern Belles & Beaux, 6:30 – 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 at George Ranch Historical Park’s indoor arena.

Children's Day Set for March 29

All ages are invited to join the fun at Fort Bend County Museum’s annual Children’s Day Celebration on Saturday, March 29. Families and children can enjoy a day of FREE family fun at the Museum 12 – 5 p.m.

Activities include petting native Texas snakes and baby alligators with Brazos Bend State Park Volunteers, learning gardening skills from the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, digging into Texas history with the Fort Bend Archeological Society, ginning cotton, grinding corn, milling rice, and making butter with Fort Bend County Farm Bureau, up-close encounters with dinosaur-like lizards from Knights of the Iguana, Victorian games on the lawn, and more.

Houston’s InterActive Theater Group is returning by popular demand

 for a live performance of “Fantastic Four: Founding Fathers.”

Guests are also welcome to explore the historic 1883 Moore Home

 and the Fort Bend County Museum’s gallery of exhibits.

Activities at last year's Children's Day included carding and spinning cotton, victorian games, an archeological dig, wood carving demonstrations, live animal encounters with Brazos Bend State Park Volunteers, demonstrations from Fort Bend County Farm Bureau, a tent full of historical head wear, live theatrical performances, face painting, cookie decorating, planting with the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, and more!

 

For more information about Children’s Day 2014, call the Museum at (281) 342-6478, or email Jessica Avery at javery@fortbendmuseum.org.

2014 Stomp Team

The event planning committee for Lone Star Stomp XXV: Southern Belles & Beaux has announced Lynn Hewitt as this year’s Event Chairman. Co-chairs include Melody Hess - Live Auction Chair, Diane Elko – Silver Star Auction Chair, and Kathleen Randall – Silent Auction Chair. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Lynn Hewitt as our Chairman for the Stomp this year! She has such a qualified group of co-chairs that I am sure the event will be both successful and fun,” said Claire Rogers, Executive Director for Fort Bend County Museum Association.

On the front staircase of the Moore Home, 

Executive Director, Claire Rogers (front row, left), welcomes the 2014 Stomp Team: 

(back row, from left) Diane Elko - Silver Star Auction Chair, Kathleen Randall - Silent Auction Chair, 

(front row, from right) Melody Hess - Live Auction Chair, and Lynn Hewitt - Event Chairman.

“Many people have watched the Lone Star Stomp grow from being under the stars at Dr. Cooley’s ranch to what the event is today. It is amazing to see the spirit and the support for the Fort Bend County Museum Association throughout the last 25 years,” said Hewitt.

As the countdown to the event continues, Stomp organizers are actively gathering donations for the live, silent, and Silver Star auctions and seeking sponsors and underwriters at a variety of levels. Donations can be brought to the McFarlane House, located at 410 Jackson Street in Richmond, during regular business hours. Individual tickets are $65 each, and tables for eight can be reserved for $600.

Proceeds from Lone Star Stomp XXV benefit the Fort Bend County Museum Association and its mission to teach and preserve Texas history. To get involved in keeping Texas History alive for future generations to enjoy, email the Stomp Team at LoneStarStomp@FortBendMuseum.org or call (281) 342-1256.

Remember to “like” Fort BendCounty Museum on Facebook to get the latest updates and auction item previews during the countdown to Lone Star Stomp XXV: Southern Belles & Beaux, 6:30 – 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 at George Ranch Historical Park’s indoor arena.

Click here to purchase sponsorships, underwriting, table reservations, individual tickets or make a direct donation of your choice. Join the Facebook event to stay in the loop and let us know you'll be there!

Spring Break Day Camp

The Fort Bend County Museum’s annual Spring Break Day Camp is set for Friday, March 14!

Children are invited to explore local Texas history through educational programs and hands-on activities related to important events in Texas history. Day Campers will learn about the Runaway Scrape, Texas Declaration of Independence, life in early Texas, and more.

"Every year, the children have a great time playing as they learn about the major milestones in our state’s history. The day just seems to fly by because we have so much fun with these programs,” said Jessica Avery, Educational Coordinator.

Spring Break Day Camp is open to children ages 8-12; children under 8 are also welcome, as long as a parent can accompany them at camp.

Camp will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the cost is $10 per child. The deadline for Spring Break Day Camp registration is Wednesday, March 12. Please note: all campers are expected to bring their own lunch. Call (281) 342-6478 or email Jessica Avery, at javery@fortbendmuseum.org for more information or to register your child for the 2014 Spring Break Day Camp.

Lone Star Stomp Preparations Kick-off at Annual Luncheon

On Wednesday, February 19, past and present contributors to the Lone Star Stomp met for the annual kick-off luncheon. This year’s gathering was graciously hosted by Billie Wendt in her lovely Richmond home.

“The Lone Star Stomp is the spring fundraiser for the Fort Bend County Museum Association. What better way to kick-off preparations for the event than to invite our long time supporters to meet the Honorary Chairs and Event Committee over lunch! We truly appreciate all that our supporters do for the Museum Association each year,” said Claire Rogers, Executive Director.

Although kick-off attendees brought in a variety of items, there is still a need for more donations for this important fundraising gala. Stomp organizers are actively gathering donations for the live, silent, and Silver Star auctions. Donations can be brought to the McFarlane House, located at 410 Jackson Street in Richmond, during regular business hours.

Proceeds from Lone Star Stomp XXV benefit the Fort Bend County Museum Association and its mission to teach and preserve Texas history. A variety of underwriting and sponsorship opportunities are available. Individual tickets are $65 each, and tables for eight can be reserved for $600. To get involved in keeping Texas History alive for future generations to enjoy, email the Stomp Team at LoneStarStomp@FortBendMuseum.org or call (281) 342-1256.

*Click here to purchase sponsorships, individual tickets, and table reservations online*

From left: Lone Star Stomp Co-chairs Kathleen Randall, 

Melody Hess, Diane Elko, with Event Chairman Lynn Hewitt

 and kick-off luncheon host, Billie Wendt (center).

From left: Claire Rogers - Fort Bend County Museum Association Executive Director,

Lynn Hewitt - Event Chairman, and Austa Sue Kelley - Docent Society President

*Additional photos from the kick-off luncheon on Facebook*

Remember to “like” Fort Bend County Museum on Facebook to get the latest updates and auction item previews during the countdown to Lone Star Stomp XXV: Southern Belles & Beaux, 6:30 – 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 at George Ranch Historical Park’s indoor arena. 

Docent Society Named Honorary Chairs for 25th Anniversary of Lone Star Stomp

The Fort Bend County Museum Association's Docent Society has been announced as the honorees of Lone Star Stomp XXV, to be held at the George Ranch Historical Park on Saturday, April, 12, 2014.

“The theme for this year’s Lone Star Stomp is Southern Belles and Beaux. In addition to celebrating the Stomp’s silver anniversary, we will be thanking the Fort Bend County Museum Docent Society for all the hard work and hours of volunteerism they have put in,” said Lindsay Lucas, Director of Development for Fort Bend County Museum Association.

Left to right: Matt Driggers, Joyce Senior, Austa Sue Kelley - Docent Society President,

 Joyce Lolley, Barbara Johnson, & Dottie Allen take a photo op on the front porch of

 the 1860s Ryon Prairie Home at george Ranch Historical Park.

Many of the Docents will be dressed in period costumes like these on the night of the event.

Over the years, the Docent Society has assisted the Fort Bend County Museum, George Ranch Historical Park and DeWalt Heritage Center in a variety of endeavors.

“You name it, and the Docents have had a hand in making it happen and run smoothly,” said Lucas, “From guiding tour groups through the George House during Texian Market Days to helping out with school programs at the Museum, these Southern Belles and Beaux are truly devoted to keeping Texas history alive for future generations to enjoy.”

It’s not too early to show your support for this year’s fund-raising gala. Numerous underwriting and sponsorship opportunities are available, and Stomp organizers are actively seeking donations for the live and silent auctions. Email the Stomp Team at LoneStarStomp@FortBendMuseum.org or call (281) 342-1256 for more information on how you can support Fort Bend County Museum Association’s Lone Star Stomp XXV.

Lone Star Stomp XXV: Southern Belles & Beaux

Save the date for the return of the Fort Bend County Museum Association’s annual fundraising gala, Lone Star Stomp, to be held at George Ranch Historical Park on Saturday, April 12, 2014.  This year marks the 25^th anniversary of one of Fort Bend County’s most loved charity events.

Let us know you'll be there! Join the event on Facebook!

The theme for Lone Star Stomp XXV, Southern Belles & Beaux, radiates classic elegance and true Texas hospitality. In celebration of the Stomp’s silver anniversary, the indoor arena at George Ranch Historical Park will be ornamented in royal blue, silver and white with magnolia flowers.

“The magnolias are especially significant because they are a reminder of the early days of the Museum Association. Just as the towering magnolia tree in the front lawn of the Moore Home has grown to an impressive size, so has the membership of Fort Bend County Museum Association grown,” said Lindsay Lucas, Director of Development.

This unforgettable evening will feature a Texas-sized dinner, live music by the Josh Fuller Band, dancing, live, silent, and quick draw auctions. Individual tickets are just $65 each, and table reservations are available. All proceeds from Lone Star Stomp XXV benefit the Fort Bend County Museum Association’s educational and historic preservation efforts.

A variety of sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available, and Stomp organizers are currently seeking donations for the live and silent auctions. To get involved, email the Stomp Team at LoneStarStomp@FortBendMuseum.org or call (281) 342-1256. Visit www.fortbendmuseum.org/annual-events/stomp to purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or reserve a table online.

February Bites & Brews Offers Opportunity for Local Eateries

The Fort Bend County Museum’s evening foodie event, Bites & Brews, still has a few free spaces left for vendors who would like to showcase samples of their culinary specialties.

“Bites & Brews offers a unique marketing opportunity for local cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and catering services. Because of the sampling aspect of the evening, all of our guests are potential new customers for participating vendors,” said Lindsay Lucas, Director of Development.

Braman Winery, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, and George Ranch Historical Park are just a few of the vendors that will be offering tastings at the event on Saturday, February 22. Free vendor spaces for Bites & Brews are currently available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“The only expense on the vendors’ behalf will be the samples they bring to Bites & Brews. There is no charge for table or booth space, and we welcome all kinds of adventurous varieties and savory flavors,” Lucas added.

For more information on becoming a vendor or underwriting entertainment for the evening, contact Lindsay Lucas at (281) 342-1256 or email llucas@fortbendmuseum.org. Bites & Brews will kick-off at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 each or $45 per couple. To purchase tickets for Bites & Brews on February 22, call the Fort Bend County Museum (281) 342-6478. 

5-Week Spinning & Loom Class

Fort Bend County Museum is offering a special 5-week training course in old-fashioned textile techniques on the spinning wheel and loom. Classes begin on Tuesday, January 28.

“This is a rare chance to learn a historic craft that was once an everyday skill passed down through the years, typically from mothers to daughters. A class like this is just one of the ways the Fort Bend County Museum keeps our local history alive for generations to come,” said Jessica Avery, Education Coordinator. 

Originally designed to prepare volunteers for giving loom and spinning wheel demonstrations at the Museum, this class is also open to the general public for $25 per participant. Members of the Fort Bend County Museum Association may attend free of charge.

Spinning wheel and loom training classes will be held 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. every Tuesday, January 28 through February 25. For more information or to RSVP call (281) 342-6478 or email javery@fortbendmuseum.org. 

Upcoming Volunteer Training Days at Fort Bend County Museum

The New Year brings exciting new opportunities for volunteers to get involved in local history at the Fort Bend County Museum with training classes to prepare them for a variety of ways to lend a helping hand.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS TRAINING: 1/22/14

HISTORIC HOME TOUR TRAINING: 1/23/14 

 “We are always looking for volunteers to help with an assortment of things at the Museum. These training days are an opportunity for volunteers to get the necessary training required to help with school programs throughout the year and lead tours of the Moore Home and Long-Smith Cottage,” said Jessica Avery, Education Coordinator. 

Schools have already started booking their field trips to the Fort Bend County Museum for the spring semester, and the Museum is in need of volunteers to help with school programs. A training class for current school programs volunteers and anyone who would like to become a school programs volunteer will be held 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22 at the Fort Bend County Museum. Lunch will be provided for trainees. 

The Museum is also hosting a training class for volunteers who would like to serve as tour guides in the historic Moore Home and the Long-Smith Cottage. This training is open to experienced Fort Bend County Museum Docents as well as new volunteers. Historic home tour training is set for 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Thursday, January 23 at the Fort Bend County Museum. Lunch will be provided for trainees following the class.

Anyone who would like to attend either of these volunteer training opportunities at the Fort Bend County Museum should RSVP to Jessica Avery at (281) 342-6478 or javery@fortbendmuseum.org. For more opportunities to get involved, visit www.fortbendmuseum.org, and like Fort Bend Museum’s Facebook page for the latest happenings in local history.