Events

Join us on Saturday, Sept 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the University of Houston Alumni Center – O’Quinn Great Hall to attend the Heritage Brunch and Celebration of Heroes with the Freedmen’s Town Museums Houston of the Rutherford B.H. Yates Museum. We are proud to honor the heroes of freedom, resilience, and community who

On behalf of the Freedmen’s Town Museums of Houston of the Rutherford B.H. Yates Museum, Inc.; the Community Music Center of Houston; the Community Arts Collective; and the Legacy Awards Project 2026 Committee, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us this past month.

This June was truly historic, as it marked the official launch of our 30th-anniversary milestone for the Freedmen’s Town Museums of Houston!

Join us for an intimate evening with Houston legend David Rainey, Alley Theatre Resident Acting Company member and founder of Studio for Actors Houston. Hear his story, dive into his work on The Body Snatcher, and explore his life as an artist and educator. Guests will also enjoy light bites, refreshments, and artwork by John Ross

Located within the Freedmen’s Town National Register Historic District in Houston, the home of Reverend Ned and Emma Pullum dates back to 1898. Reverend Pullum, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church and later founder of Friendship Baptist Church, was not only a religious leader but also a successful entrepreneur. He established the Pullum Standard Brickworks, two

Join us Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Emancipation Park for the Second Annual “Celebrate Freedom.” This event unites 7 historic Black communities in Houston to honor Juneteenth pioneers, revel in our rich culture, and kick off Juneteenth festivities with food, drink, fellowship, and vibrant activities.This momentous day commemorates the 159th annual observance of freedom at

Join us on May 18th for the “Museum of Legal Professions & Educators” Soft Opening! Huge thanks to the Ismaili Volunteers for their invaluable help in exhibit preparation. From meticulously installing plexi to safeguard the historic wallpaper at the J Vance Lewis House Museum, their efforts promise a seamless and captivating visit.

Alley Theatre, in collaboration with The Ensemble Theatre and the Freedmen’s Town Museums of Rutherford B. H. Yates Museum, Inc. seeks two community members to participate in a staged reading of RADIO GOLF by August Wilson. WHEN: Monday, April 22 nd from 5:30pm-8:30pm. No appointment necessary.   WHERE: Rutherford B. H. Yates Museum, 1314 Andrews St,

The bi-annual Michael C. Duda Preservation Awards was hosted by the Texas Historical Foundation. The foundation honored outstanding preservation efforts in Texas and the event paid tribute to architect Michael C. Duda’s legacy. At the inaugural 2024 event, Freedmens Town Museums Houston received an $11,000 honorable mention award, supporting the restoration of the 1907 Isabella

The Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) conference united enthusiasts passionate about preserving and leveraging their communities’ heritage. FTM Houston’s Debra Blacklock-Sloan agrees with THC’s sentiment that attendees will learn best practices to protect and promote visitation to historical sites in the Lone Star State.

Stayed tuned for captivating productions like “The World is Not Silent” a powerful exploration of family dynamics and the universal language of the heart which took place March 22nd to April 14th, 2024. Freedmen’s Town Museums Houston is excited about the future partnership with Alley Theatre. Reserve your seats for upcoming productions and immerse yourself

The Black Houston(s) Symposium 2024, held at Rice University and the African American History Research Center, thoroughly explored Houston’s rich cultural tapestry. Highlighting its diversity since 1837, discussions delved into the profound impact of Afro-Diasporic communities. FTM’s Debra Blacklock-Sloan moderated a poignant session on Black cemetery preservation, featuring insights from Margott Williams, Dexter McCoy, and

Join The Center for the Healing of Racism for a Poetic Storyteller & Racial Justice Catalyst film screening and workshop Saturday, February 24, 2024, 11:30 – 3:30 PM CT Dominican Center for Spirituality 6501 Alameda Rd. Houston, TX 77021. Explore reparations with Lotte Lieb Dula and Briayna Cuffie, creators of reparations4slavery.com, featured in PBS’s The

Discover the basics of family history with historian Debra on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Join us at Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, 1105 Valentine Street, Houston, Texas 77019, with Dr. Elmo Johnson, Pastor. Learn about starting your genealogy journey, resources, challenges, and research benefits.

Join Debra Blacklock-Sloan on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Mt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church in Houston for a vital discussion on researching African and African-American ancestors. Explore topics like ancestral separation, research benefits, record types, health insights, DNA, and recommended reading.

Join Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society Inc. – Willie Lee Gay H-Town Chapter and Holocaust Museum Houston to honor Black History Month on Saturday, February 10th, 2024. Explore plantation tourism, depictions of the enslaved, preservation, and research methods. Check-in at 10 AM. Free event with limited seating. RSVP at https://hmh.org or scan QR code. Workshops

RESCHEDULED EVENT: DATE TBD. We will be holding an event at Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church for a special session on “The Importance of Researching Your African and African-American Ancestors” by Debra Blacklock-Sloan.   Explore the richness of your heritage at Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church during a special session on “The Importance

“7 Sites in Houston included in UNESCO slavery awareness project” – Houston Chronicle

“7 Sites in Houston included in UNESCO slavery awareness project” – Houston Chronicle