Issue 34: July 2023

The Lake Jackson Historical Association provides education relative to the

history and culture of Lake Jackson, Texas.

This Thursday! Something to Chew On with Sam Collins III: Life After Juneteenth 1865

For our July Something to Chew On program, we're excited to welcome Sam Collins III, acclaimed citizen historian based in Galveston, TX and Co-Chair of the Juneteenth Legacy Project. Sam will give a presentation titled "Life After Juneteenth 1865" in which he'll discuss the experiences of African Americans in Texas after emancipation. 


You don't want to miss this presentation! Buy your tickets and order lunch today!

Buy Tickets

Read Sam's full bio below: 


Samuel Collins III is a 7th generation Texan with roots back to 1837. He owns SLC Investment Services and has been providing financial consulting services in Galveston County for 24 years. In 2015 the Galveston County Daily Newspaper selected him as the Galveston County Citizen of the Year for his work in the preservation community on the local, state and national levels.


He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1994 with a BBA in Accounting and has been a lifelong resident of Galveston County. He is married to his wife Doris. They have four children, two daughters and two sons.


He currently serves as an advisor with the National Trust for Historic Preservation representing Texas. He is actively involved in the national campaign to #TellTheFullStory by expanding the narrative and telling the truth about American history. He was very active in the effort to recognize the Sugar Land 95 that were discovered in Fort Bend County in 2018 and how convict leasing was used to re-enslave individuals on the same plantation sites that they or their ancestors had been freed from at the end of the Civil War.


He is working in Brazoria County with the Texas Historical Commission at the Levi Jordan Plantation as a consultant for the new African American museum that will be built at the site. He is co-chair of the Juneteenth Mural Committee in Galveston which led one of the largest Public Art projects in the country recognizing Juneteenth and the contributions of the United States Colored Troops to delivering the message of freedom to the state of Texas on June 19, 1865.


Statement from Sam:


“My dream is that we create an environment of absolute equality that fosters the individual development of each person to their best self for the benefit of the entire community. Absolute equality is not a goal of equal results, but equal opportunity for personal growth without unnecessary roadblocks or obstacles that will hinder that growth.”

Welcome our new staff members, Jordan & Ariel!

Jordan Weaver, Youth Education & Programming Coordinator

"Hi there! My name is Jordan Weaver, and I am so excited to be the new Youth Education & Programming Coordinator for LJHA!


I grew up in Buda, Texas, and graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with my bachelor’s degree in Art Education. I have taught grades Pre-K-8th and love making education fun and engaging for children of all ages."


Jordan is already creating new and exciting opportunities for kids! Watch our Facebook page for details on how to register your kiddos for our Archaeology Camp happening in August!


Jordan can be reached at [email protected]. Welcome, Jordan!

Ariel Lara, Adult Education & Programming Coordinator

Ariel Lara is a Brazoria County native. Family is the most important part of ‘why’ she is continuously motivated to be involved in her community. Being married with three children is her most valued accomplishment. Mom is by far her favorite title. Rudy (her husband), Gabriel, Little Rudy, and Adelyn Joe enjoy local farmers markets, volunteering, and anything involving sunshine! Duke, the dog, and Vader, the cat with no tail, are rescues and the Lara’s family pets.


Ariel is currently enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs - Women's Campaign School. She has also completed training through the River School of Government in Tampa, FL, and the Leadership Institute. She served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a 12B Combat Engineer. Currently, she chairs the End Veteran Homelessness Committee for the Texas Homeless Network, is a Rotarian with the Brazosport Rotary Club, and Pathfinder for the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Lake Jackson Development Corporation and Vice Chair for the Brazoria County Young Republicans.  


She has been working and volunteering in the non-profit and chamber of commerce sector for more than 8 years with her dearest work being done with The Warrior's Refuge in West Columbia where she continues the community relations effort. 


Ariel can be reached at [email protected]. Welcome, Ariel!

Thank you, Katelyn Landry!

For the past year, many of you have gotten to know Katelyn Landry in her role as our Program and Education Coordinator. Katelyn will be leaving us at the end of this month to pursue her Masters in Archives and Public History at New York University. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to her as she embarks on an exciting new chapter in life. Katelyn's dedication and contributions to our team have been invaluable, and we are immensely grateful for her time with us. Katelyn-- as you purse grad school, we have no doubt that you will continue to excel and make a positive impact in the field, just as you have already done here. Thank you for your hard work, and we wish you the very best in your future endeavors!



Summer Internship Symposium: August 5th at 6 PM

Our two interns, Zahrah Butler and Sierra Hardesty, will give presentations on the research they conducted this summer as part of LJHA's inaugural research internship. The public is invited to learn about their work at our Summer Internship Symposium on Saturday, August 5th, at 6 PM at the Alden B. Dow Office Museum.


Zahrah will present research on the history of ownership of the Lake Jackson Plantation and how the plantation has culturally influenced the modern city of Lake Jackson. Sierra will present research on the history and ongoing experience of the Jewish community in Brazosport. Don't miss these fascinating presentations!


This symposium is free and open to the public. Please note: The Barbara Ross Education Center at the Alden B. Dow Office Museum can only accommodate 25 people seated. Please RSVP to secure your seat. 


This was LJHA's inaugural research internship program! We're proud to have been able to pay our interns modest stipends for their work, and to give them an opportunity to conduct meaningful research experience in a public-facing history institution that will prepare them for future employment in the public history field.

RSVP 

Coming Soon: Junior Archaeology Camp!

Do you enjoy discovering buried artifacts and learning about people from the past? Join the Lake Jackson Historical Association for Junior Archaeology Camp! During this four-day camp, children ages 6-12 years old will learn about responsible archaeology, meet a Park Ranger, and visit Varner-Hogg Plantation’s excavation site for some hands-on learning. At the end of the week you will be a recognized Junior Archaeologist through the National Park Service!


Spots are limited, register as soon as possible!


More details about Junior Archaeology Camp will be shared very soon! Keep an eye on your email and follow us on social media to be alerted when registration opens!

New Exhibits at the Alden B. Dow Office Museum!

We have exciting things coming up at the Alden B. Dow Office Museum! Over the next couple months, we will have new exhibits rotating into our gallery spaces.

Faces of Lake Jackson


On view the 2nd Saturday of each month, 9 AM - 4 PM


Come see our new wall display commemorating influential figures in Lake Jackson's history.


We are taking suggestions for other Lake Jackson pioneers to add to this exhibit! When you visit the Faces of Lake Jackson exhibit, you'll see suggestion forms that you are encouraged to fill out and give to one of our volunteers. We value community input and want to create an exhibit that reflects the breadth of our history and diversity of our community.


Early Medical Practices in Lake Jackson


Opening Saturday, August 12, 2023


Doctors, nurses, and other medical workers were integral to Lake Jackson's early development. We're excited to unveil a new exhibit in one of our exhibition rooms which will include items from our collection that were used by Lake Jackson medical workers, such as a 1950s medicine cabinet (pictured left), uniforms, equipment, and more!

The Vaquero: The First American Cowboy


Opening Saturday, September 2, 2023


LJHA is excited to bring The Vaquero: The First American Cowboy to the Alden B. Dow Office Museum. Learn about the cultural evolution of Mexican vaqueros and the influence they've had over Texan life, including here in Lake Jackson! We'll supplement the exhibit with photographs from our collection that detail the importance of cattle ranching and horseback riding among Lake Jackson's early residents such as Dr. A.P. Beutel. 


The Vaquero will be on view at the Alden B. Dow Office Museum on Saturdays from 10 AM - 4 PM and Tuesday - Fridays by appointment from September 2nd through October 14th. You can make an appointment by emailing [email protected] or calling (979) 297-1570.


Learn more about the exhibit here.

Kids' Corner

Book your Event with LJHA!

Did you know that the Lake Jackson Historical Museum is available to rent for private events?


The museum is a unique and exciting place to have your event! We can welcome up to 200 people in our two-story museum space.


Rates:

$100 per hour

$150 per hour if your event requires us to close the museum to the public during our regular hours (Tuesday - Saturday, 10 pm - 4 pm)


All events must be booked for a minimum of 3 hours, including clean up and tear down.




Call (979) 297-1570 or email [email protected] to learn more about our policies and inquire about your event!

Honor Someone You Love with a Memorial Brick



Pave the walkway to the Lake Jackson Historical Museum or the Jackson Plantation Historic Site with a personalized brick


Order a memorial brick here.

Upcoming Events

Buy Tickets

Something to Chew On with Sam Collins III: Life After Juneteenth 1865


Thursday, July 20th, 12 - 1 PM

101 S. Parking Place

Admission: $5 for non-members, free for members


Come have lunch with us and Sam Collins III, Co-Chair of the Juneteenth Legacy Project and an acclaimed citizen historian based in Galveston, TX. Sam will give a presentation titled "Life After Juneteenth 1865" in which he will discuss the experiences of African Americans in Texas after emancipation. 

RSVP

Summer Internship Symposium



Saturday, August 5th, 6 - 7 PM

101 South Parking Place, Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Free and open to the public


Our two interns, Zahrah Butler and Sierra Hardesty, will give presentations on the research they conducted this summer as part of LJHA's inaugural research internship. Zahrah will present research on the history of ownership of the Lake Jackson Plantation and how the plantation has culturally influenced the modern city of Lake Jackson. Sierra will present research on the history and ongoing experience of the Jewish community in Brazosport. Don't miss these fascinating presentations!

Learn more 

Jackson Plantation Historic Site Open


Saturday, August 5th, 10 AM - 5 PM

1030 FM 2004, Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Admission by donation


Founded in the 1840s, the Jackson Plantation was the second of three plantations developed by Abner Jackson. Originally known as "Lake Place," the site was once a bustling sugar plantation that stretched over 4,642 acres with more than 80 enslaved workers.


Come visit and learn about one of Texas' most important archeological sites.

Learn More

Alden B. Dow Office Museum Open



Saturday, August 12th, 9 AM - 4 PM

101 South Parking Place, Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Admission by donation


On the second Saturday of every month, see the restored Alden B. Dow 1943 office in downtown Lake Jackson. Learn all about the city’s beginnings and the indelible mark that A.B. Dow left as the principal architect of Lake Jackson.

Buy Tickets

Something to Chew On with Judge Everett Stovall



Thursday, August 17th, 12 - 1 PM

101 South Parking Place, Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Admission: $5 for non-members, free for members


For our August Something to Chew On, we're excited to welcome Judge Everett Stovall! A Lake Jackson native since 1943 and 1957 graduate of Brazosport High School, Judge Stovall has served as Municipal Court Judge in Lake Jackson since 1969. Join us for a lunchtime lecture from Judge Stovall as he recounts some memorable moments in the Municipal Court's history over the past 50+ years. 

Learn more

The Vaquero: The First American Cowboy

Exhibit Opening



Saturday, September 2nd, 10 AM - 4 PM

101 South Parking Place, Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Free admission


LJHA is excited to bring The Vaquero: The First American Cowboy to the Alden B. Dow Office Museum. Learn about the cultural evolution of Mexican vaqueros and the influence they've had over Texan life, including here in Lake Jackson! We'll supplement the exhibit with photographs from our collection that detail the importance of cattle ranching and horseback riding among Lake Jackson's early residents such as Dr. A.P. Beutel. 

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Lindsay Scovil

Executive Director

[email protected]


Angela Villarreal

Curator

[email protected]


Jordan Weaver 

Youth Education & Programming Coordinator

[email protected]

Ariel Lara

Adult Education & Programming Coordinator

[email protected]

Funding has been provided to LJHA by Humanities Texas and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the Federal ARP Act.