About the Beaumont Heritage Society
Preserving Southeast Texas History Since 1968
The Beaumont Heritage Society is a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and education of history in Beaumont, Texas. The society owns and operates the 1845 John Jay French Museum and operates the 1907 Chambers House Museum. In addition to providing tours of each museum, the society hosts seasonal events and serves as an educational resource for the community.
The John Jay French Museum
The John Jay French Museum is the oldest extant building in Beaumont and the oldest fully restored home in the city, built in 1845 under the Republic of Texas. John J. French (1799-1889), a merchant and tanner from Connecticut and New York, designed the home in the Simple Greek Revival style. His home was one of the first painted two-story homes in the area and one of the first made from milled lumber—a striking contrast to the log cabins common at the time. The building served as a home, store, and trading post on the Opelousas Trail, where early settlers came to trade tallow, hides, corn, and beef for shoes, harnesses, salt, coffee, and everyday items.
Historic Grounds and Collections
The home remained in the French family for 95 years until 1940. The Beaumont Junior League purchased the property in 1968 and donated it to the Beaumont Heritage Society, which restored it to its 1845 appearance in 1969. Today, the grounds include Heritage Hall, a smokehouse, laundry shed, tannery, blacksmith shop, and cemetery, providing visitors with a comprehensive look at mid-19th century Southeast Texas life.
Plan Your Visit
The John Jay French Museum is located at 3025 French Road in Beaumont, off US 69/96/287 at the Lucas exit. Tours are available Tuesday through Friday at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., and Saturday at 10 a.m. and noon. Admission is $5 for all ages (free for children three and under). For reservations, call (409) 898-0348 or visit beaumontheritage.org for information about both museums and upcoming events.
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