Jjfrench.com
Title
John Jay French Museum - Beaumont Heritage Society
Contact
- Denise Roussel jjfrench@sbcglobal.net +1.4098980348
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Description
The Beaumont Heritage Society is organized for educational and civic purposes, to preserve and assist in the preservation of landmarks, (including but not limited to the John Jay French House), documents, pictures, names, mementos, and instruments of historical value, and to preserve the natural beauty of Beaumont, Texas.
Our organization has been in existence since 1967 when concerned citizens saw the need to curb the rampant destruction of historic structures in the city. At that time, with a matching grant from the Beaumont Junior League, we acquired and restored the John Jay French House, which now operates as a unique museum to demonstrate the life of a prosperous Texas pioneer family from 1845-1865. The historic pioneer settlement, built by John Jay French, tanner and merchant, is replete with antique furnishings, clothing and pioneer household utensils. Outbuildings on the grounds include a blacksmith shop, tannery, privy and smokehouse.
In 1990, the Society acquired and restored the David French House, circa 1850, which now serves as our office. We have also been responsible for helping develop programs such as: SPARE Beaumont, “Beaumont, USA Our Built Environment”, Landmark Commission, and preservation efforts of Munro House, the Dixie Hotel, and the Tyrrell Historical Library.
