John Jay French Museum - Beaumont Heritage Society

The John Jay French Museum demonstrates the life of a prosperous Texas pioneer family from 1845-1865. The historic pioneer settlement, built by John Jay French, tanner and merchant, is replete with antique furnishings, clothing and pioneer household utensils. Outbuildings on the grounds include a blacksmith shop, tannery, privy and smokehouse.

The John Jay French house is the oldest house in Beaumont that has been restored to it's original state. Built in 1845, the home is one of the first two-story homes, one of the first made with milled lumber, and one of the first painted homes in the area.

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Visionaries in Preservation Workshops (VIP)

The workshops will be held on the third Tuesday of each month starting in February for 8 months. All meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Heritage Hall, 2985 French Rd., on the grounds of the John Jay French Historical House Museum.

Meeting Dates:

August 17, 2010

September 21, 2010

Haunted Halloween Tours:

Date: Friday, October 29, 2010

Location: John Jay French Museum, Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm

Chambers House Museum, Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Tickets are available at both locations.

Description: The Beaumont Heritage Society proudly presents “Haunted Halloween Tours” on Friday, October 29, 2010, at both the historic John Jay French Museum and the Chambers House Museum. Costumed actors will be on hand to portray various family members who lived in the homes during their respective time periods. Come join us, as we take a peek into the lives of two of Beaumont’s families of the past!

Candlelight Tour:

Date: Sunday, December 5, 2010

Location: John Jay French Museum, Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm

Cost: Free to the public.

Description: The John Jay French Museum celebrates a mid-19^th century holiday season with fresh greenery, candles, and music evoking the old-fashioned Christmas spirit. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the French home and grounds, then head to Heritage Hall for a delightful afternoon of holiday music and refreshments. Tours of the museum and entertainment during this event are free and open to the public.

Chambers House Museum Christmas Tour:

Date: Sunday, December 5, 2010

Location: Chambers House Museum, Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm

Description: Come experience Christmas at the historic Chambers House Museum. The house, decorated as it would have been in the mid-1920's, will be open for self-guided tours. We will have Christmas music playing as well as an exhibit of Ruth and Florence Chamber’s childhood toys on display.

The Beaumont Heritage Society is organized for educational and civic purposes, to preserve and assist in the preservation of landmarks, (including but not limited to the John Jay French House),documents, pictures, names, mementos, and instruments of historical value, and to preserve the natural beauty of Beaumont, Texas.

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