By Their Hands: The Lives and History of Domestic Workers at the Chambers’ Family Home

Beaumont Heritage Society’s Chambers House Museum commemorates Black History Month with a brand-new, permanent exhibit housed in the Museum’s Domestic Employees’ Quarters entitled: “By Their Hands: The Lives and History of Domestic Workers at the Chambers’ Family Home.” This exhibit depicts the living conditions of domestic employees of the Chamber family from 1914 and specifically focuses on the lives and work of Nona Williams, Fannie Bowie, and Etta Mack. Panels on the walls of the staff’s quarters share the history of domestic employment in Southeast Texas, the daily life of those who worked at the Chambers House, and the history of the structure. “They Will Talk About Us: The Charlton-Pollard Story,” from Gordon Scott Williams and Lamar University’s KVLU is featured alongside maps of African American communities in the North and South end to inform guests on the life of these communities outside of employment.

“Though we recognize it is a difficult and often painful history, we are honored to tell the stories of men and women like Nona Williams, Fannie Bowie, and Etta Mack. Their stories and contributions to not only our history here at the Chambers House, but also to their communities at-large, deserve recognition and remembrance. Without their work by their hands, we would likely not have the preserved history we have today at the Museum,” said Beaumont Heritage Society’s Executive Director, Shelby Brannan. “We tell these stories not only to reflect on history but to hopefully create better futures together with what we learn. We hope our community will join us.”

The exhibit opens February 6th, 2024, and can be seen during regular tours and scheduled tour times Tuesday – Friday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

The community is invited to an event to commemorate the exhibit on February 10, 2024, from 1-3 p.m. Entry for this event is free. Visitors can walk through the first floor of the Chambers House Museum and tour the exhibit space. Community organizations will be present on the lawn and refreshments provided. If you’re interested in attending this event as a community organization, please contact (409)832-4010.

This event promotes Beaumont Heritage Society’s mission to foster a connection to Beaumont’s history and inspire others to value preservation and heritage.