On Tuesday, June 4, The Heritage Society received a proclamation from the City of Houston for its 70th Anniversary that highlights the theme of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “People Saving Places”. The Heritage Society’s 10 historic houses in Sam Houston Park stand as enduring monuments that not only preserve the city’s history but also symbolize its cultural legacy. Anchored in the past, these architectural treasures serve as a cornerstone for the narrative of Houston’s evolution, offering a tangible link between bygone eras and the unfolding future.
“We have been partnering with preservation organizations, architects, and archaeologists, the past 70 years to ensure that stories are told through the 10 restored historic houses that grace Sam Houston Park,” The Heritage Society’s outgoing board president, Minnette Boesel said. “It’s important that people saving places network and support each other which is why our organization has co-produced events with AIA Houston, Astrodome Conservancy, Friends of River Oaks Theatre, LULAC 60, the University of Houston, and more.”
“Today is our Founders’ Day…our organization began 70 years ago because of the Kellum-Noble House that was once a brick-making plantation, a school, Houston’s first zoo, as it is the oldest house on its original foundation,” The Heritage Society’s executive director, Alison Bell said. “Our founders were preservationists of this house in 1954: Birdsall Briscoe, Charles L. and Faith P. Bybee, C.C. “Pat” Fleming, Kenneth Franzheim, Maria T. Gregory, Mary Van den Berge Hill, Ima Hogg, Harvin C. Moore, Sr., Marie Lee Phelps, Alvin S. Romansky, Mary Ellen Shipnes, and Ellen Hamilton Wilkerson.”
“As gateways to the past, our museum gallery, exhibits, historic houses, events, and collections provide a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Houston’s heritage,” Bell said. “By exploring the stories encapsulated in the collections and people who lived within the walls, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the diverse communities that have contributed to the city’s vibrant mosaic.”
Moreover, The Heritage Society’s three UNESCO Sites of Memory play a pivotal role in shaping Houston’s future by serving as catalysts for dialogue and reflection of slavery. By embracing the narratives of inclusivity and diversity that the Kellum-Noble House, Jack Yates House, and Fourth Ward Cottage represent, Houston can forge a path towards a more equitable and harmonious tomorrow.
“Our new 2024 Board Members will carry the batons of our founders for they are ‘People Saving Places’: President Jillian Jopling, Vice President Joanne E. Zumbrun, Secretary Angela Caughlin-Cannady, Treasurer The Honorable Susan Barnes, Andrew D. Adams, Evelyn H. Boatwright, Minnette Boesel, Matthew S. Brollier, Jill Brooks, Shane T. Davis, Hank Deslaurier, Michelle ‘C.C.’ Ensell, Scott ‘Duke’ Ensell, Vicki S. Faulkner, J. J. González, Kirksey Gregg, Nick Hellyar, Harriet C. Latimer, Peter McGillivray, Mister McKinney, Barry Moore, Kristina Hornberger Somerville, Rives T. Taylor, Martha Whiting-Goddard, and Dr. Donald R. Williams.” Boesel said.
Museum gallery and tour hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday. In addition to tours, visitors can enjoy the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo History Exhibit, Texas history exhibit of the General Duncan Store with old-fashioned toys and a trunk show-and-tell, and a UH Latino cARTographies interactive board. For tickets and/or inquiries about field trips, group tours, or museum gallery events, please see: www.heritagesociety.org.
More about The Heritage Society: The Heritage Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1954 whose mission is to tell the stories of the diverse history of Houston and Texas through collections, exhibits, the arts, educational programs, film, video, and other content. A number of public-spirited Houstonians formed in order rescue the 1847 Kellum-Noble House from demolition. The Heritage Society has since saved an additional nine historic buildings, moved them from various locations to join the Kellum-Noble House in Sam Houston Park, and restored them to reflect their respective eras. These 10 buildings, along with the museum gallery, serve as historic reference points and exhibition spaces for more than 23,000 artifacts that document life in Houston from the early 1800s to the mid-1900s. For more information, please contact info@heritagesociety.org.
