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.

“From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience” is a “Houston Signature Experience” by Visit Houston

During your tour of three historic houses that tell Houston’s stories from plantation to emancipation, the talented actor brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life in dramatic reenactments. The historical script was written by Martha Whiting-Goddard, Reverend Jack Yates’ great granddaughter, who lived in the Yates House that was relocated to Sam Houston Park.

Explore the following three houses that are designated by UNESCO as Sites of Memory for their “Routes of Enslaved Peoples’ Project” - 1847 Kellum-Noble House; 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage; and 1870 Yates House. “Sites of Memory,” or “Sites of Conscience” are historic places that activate the power of memory to engage the public in a deeper understanding of the past, inspiring action to shape a more just future. These sites break the silence surrounding slavery, and place the tragedy into our universal memory. It is only through dialogue that we can have peace and reconciliation. We have a duty to remember the crimes committed against humanity by our ancestors, especially as we see the return of prejudice and discrimination today.

Starring Kijana Wiseman, M.Ed.! You will be enchanted by Kijana’s dynamic and versatile performances in the realms of theatrical and communicative arts. An award-winning lyric coloratura soprano with an impressive 3.5-octave range, she has garnered accolades such as the City of Houston Talent Competition and the national APCA Best College Performing Artist of the Year. Her interactive one-woman show, The Griot, was honored as the Best College Diversity Program. Kijana’s theatrical journey began in her childhood at Houston’s Theatre Inc. and Alley Theatre, where she played numerous lead roles in both musicals and plays. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree specializing in African Theatre, achieved through joint studies at Texas Southern University and the University of Liberia, West Africa.

The talented reenactor, Khi Stephens, brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life through song, a Library of Congress slave narrative, and a portrayal written by a descendant of the Reverend Jack Yates. Stephens studied theater in Los Angeles and was coached by Martha Whiting-Goddard on her roles.

From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience begins on Saturday, February 10 in celebration of Black History Month. These 90-minute tours are offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month; from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to make a reservation at least two (2) weeks in advance. To make a reservation or to request more information, call 713-655-1912 or email tours@heritagesociety.org.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your tour time for parking and walking through our campus to the museum gallery for check-in. Free parking is available at 212 Dallas Street.

“From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience” is a “Houston Signature Experience” by Visit Houston

During your tour of three historic houses that tell Houston’s stories from plantation to emancipation, the talented actor brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life in dramatic reenactments. The historical script was written by Martha Whiting-Goddard, Reverend Jack Yates’ great granddaughter, who lived in the Yates House that was relocated to Sam Houston Park.

Explore the following three houses that are designated by UNESCO as Sites of Memory for their “Routes of Enslaved Peoples’ Project” - 1847 Kellum-Noble House; 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage; and 1870 Yates House. “Sites of Memory,” or “Sites of Conscience” are historic places that activate the power of memory to engage the public in a deeper understanding of the past, inspiring action to shape a more just future. These sites break the silence surrounding slavery, and place the tragedy into our universal memory. It is only through dialogue that we can have peace and reconciliation. We have a duty to remember the crimes committed against humanity by our ancestors, especially as we see the return of prejudice and discrimination today.

Starring Kijana Wiseman, M.Ed.! You will be enchanted by Kijana’s dynamic and versatile performances in the realms of theatrical and communicative arts. An award-winning lyric coloratura soprano with an impressive 3.5-octave range, she has garnered accolades such as the City of Houston Talent Competition and the national APCA Best College Performing Artist of the Year. Her interactive one-woman show, The Griot, was honored as the Best College Diversity Program. Kijana’s theatrical journey began in her childhood at Houston’s Theatre Inc. and Alley Theatre, where she played numerous lead roles in both musicals and plays. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree specializing in African Theatre, achieved through joint studies at Texas Southern University and the University of Liberia, West Africa.

The talented reenactor, Khi Stephens, brings the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom to life through song, a Library of Congress slave narrative, and a portrayal written by a descendant of the Reverend Jack Yates. Stephens studied theater in Los Angeles and was coached by Martha Whiting-Goddard on her roles.

From Plantation to Emancipation – The Freedom Experience begins on Saturday, February 10 in celebration of Black History Month. These 90-minute tours are offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month; from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to make a reservation at least two (2) weeks in advance. To make a reservation or to request more information, call 713-655-1912 or email tours@heritagesociety.org.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your tour time for parking and walking through our campus to the museum gallery for check-in. Free parking is available at 212 Dallas Street.