RSVP HERE!

Join the League of Women Voters for Women’s History Month on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 for the play screening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at The Heritage Society’s museum gallery at 1100 Bagby Street.

The First Ladies portrayed in 'Tea for Three'—Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, and Betty Ford—hold significant historical importance for various reasons:

1. Lady Bird Johnson (1912-2007)

• Environmental Advocacy: As First Lady from 1963 to 1969, she championed environmental causes, notably the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, which aimed to improve the appearance of highways across America.

• Civil Rights: She played a role in her husband's Great Society programs, which sought to eliminate poverty and racial injustice.

• Public Image: Lady Bird's focus on beautification and her public persona helped redefine the role of First Lady, emphasizing activism and social issues.

2. Pat Nixon (1912-1993)

• Supportive Role: Serving as First Lady from 1969 to 1974, Pat Nixon was known for her loyalty and support of her husband, Richard Nixon, during his presidency and the Watergate scandal.

• Advocacy for the Arts: She promoted the arts and education and was involved in numerous charitable organizations.

• Public Engagement: Pat Nixon was one of the first First Ladies to travel extensively, representing the U.S. abroad and engaging with various communities.

3. Betty Ford (1918-2011)

• Health Advocacy: As First Lady from 1974 to 1977, Betty Ford was open about her battles with breast cancer, bringing awareness to women's health issues and promoting breast cancer screenings.

• Substance Abuse Awareness: After leaving the White House, she became a prominent advocate for addiction recovery, founding the Betty Ford Center, which helped countless individuals struggling with substance abuse.

• Feminist Icon: Betty Ford was known for her progressive views on women's rights, including her support for the Equal Rights Amendment.

Conclusion

These First Ladies not only shaped their husbands' presidencies but also left lasting legacies in social, environmental, and health advocacy. Their stories reflect the evolving role of women in politics and society, highlighting the impact of their contributions beyond the traditional confines of the First Lady's role.

LIONWOMAN PRODUCTIONS TX HOSTS

A CONVERSATION WITH HOUSTON WOMEN LEADERS

As we embrace fresh challenges in 2025, Lionwoman Productions TX invites you to a public conversation, “Women Empowerment: Changing the Landscape.” This event will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at The Heritage Society of Houston, 1100 Bagby St., from 4:00 – 6:00 PM.  Join us at a pre-talk reception in the Museum Gallery, to meet and chat with speakers and fellow attendees.  TICKETS:  www.lionwomanproductionstx.com / Women Empowerment. (Free parking)

The conversation will focus on how women lead and explore strategies for advancing empowerment, particularly by recognizing the value of female experience and incorporating female perspectives into policymaking and problem-solving at local and national levels.

Our esteemed panelists, representing various disciplines in business and the arts here in Houston, include:

·       Malinda Beckham, Co-Artistic Director, Dirt Dogs Theatre, and business entrepreneur

·       Claudia de Vasco, Managing Director, Miller Theatre Advisory Board, and longtime Arts and Culture Advocate

·       Judge Dolores Lozano (Precinct 2, Position 2), First female justice of the peace to be elected to the position, Advocate for Hispanic community.

·       Eileen J. Morris, Artistic Director, The Ensemble Theatre, and longtime Civil Rights Activist

·       Tamara Siler, Director, University Relations - Admission, Rice University, and Houston singer and actor

·       Dr. Diana Strassmann, Carolyn and Fred McManis Distinguished Professor in the Practice, Emerita, at Rice’s Center for Women, Gender, and Sexuality. Scholar in feminist economics.

·       Geraldina Wise, Artist, Co-owner of Sawyer Gallery Studios, Advocate for Hispanic voices and diversity, Activist for the Environment and Cultural Awareness.

Join Us for the “From Plantation to Emancipation Tour”, a Visit Houston Signature Experience!

Saturday, July 27 at 12:30 p.m. - Actress Khi Stephens and a tour guide breathe life into the struggles and triumphs of those who lived through the times of slavery and the jubilation of freedom. The stories, steeped in authenticity, draw from a script penned by Martha Whiting-Goddard, a direct descendant of Reverend Jack Yates, and once a resident of one of the featured houses you explore.
The 1847 Kellum-Noble House, the 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage, and the 1870 Yates House—each one a UNESCO-designated Site of Memory —stand as pillars of remembrance. As you wander through these homes, you are not just walking through museum exhibits; you are transported to a different era, where each room tells a story of endurance and each artifact a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

Join Us for the “From Plantation to Emancipation Tour”, a Visit Houston Signature Experience!

Saturday, June 15 and Saturday, June 22 at 12:30 p.m. - Actress Khi Stephens and a tour guide breathe life into the struggles and triumphs of those who lived through the times of slavery and the jubilation of freedom. The stories, steeped in authenticity, draw from a script penned by Martha Whiting-Goddard, a direct descendant of Reverend Jack Yates, and once a resident of one of the featured houses you explore.
The 1847 Kellum-Noble House, the 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage, and the 1870 Yates House—each one a UNESCO-designated Site of Memory —stand as pillars of remembrance. As you wander through these homes, you are not just walking through museum exhibits; you are transported to a different era, where each room tells a story of endurance and each artifact a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

Join Us for the “From Plantation to Emancipation Tour”, a Visit Houston Signature Experience!

Saturday, June 15 and Saturday, June 22 at 12:30 p.m. - Actress Khi Stephens and a tour guide breathe life into the struggles and triumphs of those who lived through the times of slavery and the jubilation of freedom. The stories, steeped in authenticity, draw from a script penned by Martha Whiting-Goddard, a direct descendant of Reverend Jack Yates, and once a resident of one of the featured houses you explore.
The 1847 Kellum-Noble House, the 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage, and the 1870 Yates House—each one a UNESCO-designated Site of Memory —stand as pillars of remembrance. As you wander through these homes, you are not just walking through museum exhibits; you are transported to a different era, where each room tells a story of endurance and each artifact a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

Come see this special performance by young musical performers by Ms. Mila’s String Studio. Their instructor also plays for some of Houston's most notable musical and performance organizations! This community outreach recital event is free and open to everyone.

Some of the performers will also be sharing the history behind the holiday music.

Dessert will be served - cookies and hot chocolate!

Please RSVP to info@heritagesociety.org.