Houston Community News >> Bayou Bend Free Family Day

11/9/2007 Houston—Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens revels in the season with Harvest Celebration, a free Family Day on Sunday, November 18, on the grounds of the 14-acre estate at 1 Westcott Street off of Memorial Drive. The event also features art-making activities for children and their families, and tours of the first floor of the historic home. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m.

Bayou Bend, the American decorative arts center of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, hosts a free Family Day the third Sunday of each month from September through May.

On November 18, historical costume export John Keahey, shows off replicas of everyday clothing and household objects from the 1600s from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on the East Terrace. Keahey also discusses what resources pilgrims had available for their harvest celebration.

In the Clio Garden, Puppet Pizzazz presents The Living Pumpkin Patch at 1:30 and 3 p.m. During the hour-long performance, puppeteers dressed in black and covered in vines fade into the background as they manipulate larger-than-life jack-o-lanterns.

Two musical performances are planned on the Circle Drive:

· At 1:15 p.m., Lonestar Bluegrass Band, with award-winning banjo player Chris Hirsch, presents a selection of bluegrass favorites.
· At 3:15 p.m., The Concrete Prairie Dancers bring authentic Native American song, story, and dance to Bayou Bend.

Craft activities offered from 1 to 4:30 p.m. are:

· Pine Cone Turkeys. Participants can create the seasonal bird using pine cones, leaves, and decorative craft materials.
· Corncob Dolls. Participants can create their own version of this once-popular homemade toy.

In addition to the outdoor activities, first floor rooms of the house are open to all ages for tours led by volunteers from the Houston Junior Woman’s Club.

Guests also can register for prizes, which are given away during the afternoon.

About Bayou Bend and Family Day
Just minutes from downtown, Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens showcases the American decorative arts collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Housed in the former residence of the late Houston philanthropist and collector Miss Ima Hogg, the collection is displayed in over 20 room settings that trace the evolution of style in America from the colonial period to the mid-19th century. Visitors can stroll through the surrounding 14 acres of formal gardens and paths bordered by native bayou woodlands.

Bayou Bend’s Family Day programs are designed to encourage adults and children to explore American history. Each month features a different theme and a variety of related activities and performances geared toward educating and entertaining children. On Family Day, volunteers from the Houston Junior Woman’s Club show visitors the first floor of Bayou Bend. 

(Bayou Bend: 713-639-7750; MFAH: 713-639-7300)