McFaddin-Ward announces fall events

The McFaddin-Ward House announced its Fall 2023 public programming lineup, which will include the return of the museum’s popular Lecture Series, as well as Music at the McFaddins’ outdoor live music events, and its annual Holiday Open House.

Among upcoming events:

• Sept. 28: Music at the McFaddins’ featuring Jimmy Simmons & Friends, 6:30 p.m., Museum Lawn (1906 McFaddin Ave., Beaumont)

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, food, and drinks as they gather on the grounds of the historic house to enjoy a great evening of live jazz with Jimmy Simmons & Friends.

• Oct. 5: McFaddin-Ward House Lecture Series presents “Texas Fossil Finds: Following the Journey from Dig to the Museum” by Andre LuJan, 6:30 p.m., Visitor Center (1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont).

Professional paleontologist Andre LuJan will take guests on a journey through Texas fossil discoveries, detailing technology, innovation, and commerce related to the field of paleontology and sharing his expertise in the preparation work and display of museum fossil installations.

A Dallas native, LuJan is the founder and CEO of PaleoTex, a commercial paleontology company that provides professional services and research specimens to institutions, vocational paleontologists, and independent researchers around the world.

• Oct. 20: McFaddin-Ward House Lecture Series & the Lamar University Center for History and Culture of Southeast Texas present “Swamp Pop: History and Sounds of a Gumbo-Combo of Rock ‘N’ Roll, Country, and Cajun Music” by Rachel Stiles along with Music at the McFaddins’ featuring Jivin’ Gene, 6:30 p.m., Museum Lawn (1906 McFaddin Ave., Beaumont)

The McFaddin-Ward House and the Lamar University Center for History and Culture of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast will host a unique outdoor event exploring the history and narrative of Swamp Pop music, featuring a presentation by Rachel Stiles and a live performance by original Swamp Pop musicians including Jivin’ Gene.

A 2022-23 Fellow at Lamar University’s Center for History and Culture, Stiles has focused her research on the 20th century phenomenon of Swamp Pop—a regional rock and roll variant unique to Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. As a teenager, Port Arthur native Gene Bourgeois – aka Jivin’ Gene – helped to invent the new genre music cooked up from a virtual gumbo of influences: country music, rhythm and blues, Cajun ballads, and rock ‘n’ roll. Fast-forward to Antone’s Club in Austin earlier this year, and the 83-year-old singer, songwriter, and guitarist was once again sharing his unique sound to a packed house.

Events are also penned on the calendar for November and December. All McFaddin-Ward House events are free and open to the public. For lectures and lawn events, doors/gates open at 6 p.m. Seating for lectures is limited. For more information, call (409) 832-2134 or visit mcfaddin-ward.org.