“French’s Trading Post” Grand Opening

Date: Friday, February 7, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: John Jay French Museum (3025 French Road, Beaumont, TX 77706)

The Beaumont Heritage Society invites you to experience history like never before at the grand opening of our new interactive children’s exhibit, “French’s Trading Post.”

Step back in time to explore a miniature trading post, just like Mr. French! Try your hand at running the trading post, stocking goods, and making trades, or shop for items just as families did in the 19th century. Through this engaging activity, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how the early Beaumont community thrived, relying on trade and collaboration to grow and flourish.

As part of the experience, children can dress in pioneer clothing and take on the role of the youngest member of the French family, exploring life on the Texas frontier through a kid-friendly guided tour. The tours are filled with imaginative play and storytelling, making history come alive in a fun and engaging way. Tours are open to children of all ages, but recommended for kids ages 4 and up. Reservations for tours are required. Tours run hourly beginning at 10 a.m., and each slot is limited to 10 participants. Reserve your spot by completing the form at the bottom of the page.

In addition to the tours, a special craft station in our Heritage Hall event space will be set up for kids to enjoy. This activity is part of our quarterly Homeschool Days program and is “come and go,” meaning reservations are not required to participate. It’s the perfect hands-on addition to your visit!

Admission is $5 per person (ages 4 and up) including parents, and includes entry to the exhibit, a spot on the tour, and participation in the craft station (children 3 and under attend free). Payment must be made upon entry by cash, card, or check.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore history through play, imagination, and discovery!

Special thanks to the Juanita Parker Corbin Charitable Trust for their generous support in making this exhibit possible. This exhibit is in honor of Merle and Jimmy Booker.

All proceeds benefit the John Jay French Museum and Beaumont Heritage Society’s mission to foster a connection to Beaumont’s history and inspire others to value preservation and heritage.