John Jay French Museum 180th Anniversary Event

Join the Beaumont Heritage Society as we celebrate a major milestone — 180 years of the historic John Jay French House! On June 14, 2025, from 10 am – 2 pm, step back in time and experience a day filled with history, fun, and community spirit.

Throughout the day, guests of all ages can explore hands-on activities, including period-accurate lawn games and pioneer crafts. At the same time, the museum will be open for walkthroughs, offering a chance to step inside the home that has stood for nearly two centuries. At the forge, blacksmiths will demonstrate traditional skills essential to 19th-century life. Plus, Stable-Spirits and Texas AgriLife Extension will be on-site with live animals for visitors to meet and learn about.

The Big Thicket Outlaws will bring history to life through exciting live reenactments on the grounds at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Please note: As part of their performances, the Big Thicket Outlaws will be firing blanks to simulate historic gunfire, so guests should be prepared for sudden loud sounds.

Local historian and French family descendant Judy Linsley will share her knowledge of John Jay French, his family, and Texas history during two special talks at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in Heritage Hall.

In honor of the occasion, we invite all descendants of the French family to attend and gather for a special group photograph in front of the historic home at noon. Help us celebrate the legacy of John Jay French and the generations that followed in his footsteps.

Admission is just $5 per person, and every dollar raised directly supports the preservation of the John Jay French House, ensuring that this important piece of Beaumont’s history will continue to inspire future generations for another 180 years.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us make history — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!