On the night of December 31, 1862, enslaved and free African Americans gathered, many in secret, to ring in the new year and await news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. Just a few months earlier, on September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the executive order that declared enslaved people in the rebelling Confederate States legally free. However, the decree would not take effect until the clock struck midnight at the start of the new year. (Source: The Smithsonian Institute)

Join us at The Heritage Society on 1100 Bagby Street, HTX 77002

Saturday, December 28, 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Tuesday, December 31, 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Performances by Actress Kijana Wiseman and Poet Dr. Don Williams

Experience a historic houses tour with re-enactments of Watch Night known as “Freedom's Eve,” marks when African Americans across the country watched and waited for the news of freedom. Today, Watch Night is an annual New Year's Eve tradition in places of worship that includes the memory of slavery and freedom, reflections on faith, and celebration of community and strength.

On the night of December 31, 1862, enslaved and free African Americans gathered, many in secret, to ring in the new year and await news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. Just a few months earlier, on September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the executive order that declared enslaved people in the rebelling Confederate States legally free. However, the decree would not take effect until the clock struck midnight at the start of the new year. (Source: The Smithsonian Institute)

Join us at The Heritage Society on 1100 Bagby Street, HTX 77002

Saturday, December 28, 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Tuesday, December 31, 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Performances by Actress Kijana Wiseman and Poet Dr. Don Williams

Experience a historic houses tour with re-enactments of Watch Night known as “Freedom's Eve,” marks when African Americans across the country watched and waited for the news of freedom. Today, Watch Night is an annual New Year's Eve tradition in places of worship that includes the memory of slavery and freedom, reflections on faith, and celebration of community and strength.

On Saturday, May 26, families will gather at The Heritage Society in Downtown Houston to learn about pioneering Texans in the 1800s through outdoor hands-on activities focused on German and African-American Texas history.  The children’s event is free and will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 1100 Bagby Street.

“We tell everyone’s stories through the lens of archeology,” Archaeology Now Houston’s executive director, Rebecca Lao says.  “What’s more important than knowing where you came from is knowing where others came from because ultimately, we get a better understanding of who Texans all are.”

“Partnering with Archaeology Now Houston to teach kids about Texas’ multicultural identities for Texas History Month provides families constructive quality time together on our historical campus.” The Heritage Society’s executive director, Alison Bell says.  “Our Connally Plaza will be filled with hands-on activities that will make them feel like a time-traveler visiting a rustic colony and receive a free tour of 1823 Old Place and of our replica of the Duncan General Store built circa 1870s.”

“Our goal is to reach out to Houston with events about our many pasts.” says Lao.  The event is being hosted by Archaeology Now Houston, formed in 1967, by Dominique de Menil, and served as an academic organization centered at Rice University.