2024 Reed and Stanley Graff Texas History Symposium Features Two Dynamic Speakers

Join us on Saturday, February 24^th!   Sponsored by the Dallas Historical Society

There is a very special treat in store for Dallas Historical Society (DHS) members and all history enthusiasts on Saturday, February 24^th at the 2024 Reed and Stanley Graff Texas History Symposium sponsored by the DHS. The event features two dynamic speakers: Kolby Lanham, Senior Researcher and Historian at the Alamo speaking on Revolutions and the Weapons that Won Them and Thomas Ledesma, Researcher at the Alamo speaking on A Tussle over Tierra Incognita.

        
This entertaining and informative symposium begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Hall of State in Fair Park. Plus afterwards, go right next door to the interactive massive diorama of the Alamo, Texas Liberty Forever,  ( https://www.dallashistory.org/exhibitions/ ) and use the iPads to hear the sounds of the battle, see close-up images and hear brief explanations of the different scenes. The app can also be downloaded to your own cell phone to experience this fabulous diorama.  The event is free and open to the public. Parking is free. Light snacks and refreshments are available. CPE credit is available for educators.  What a fun Saturday!
        
Karl Chiao is the executive director of the Dallas Historical Society and Dr. Roy Washburn is board chair.
        
The 2024 Reed and Stanley Graff Texas History Symposium is funded by a donation from Dallas native Stan Graff with the goal of preserving the history of Texas by bringing educational and informative speakers to the Dallas Historical Society's Hall of State, and to invite participation by the general public in these free events.       
        
For more information, the public can contactthe office assistantat assistant@dallashistory.org   or call 214-421-4500. Or visit the website at  https://www.dallashistory.org/programs/

The Dallas Historical Society: Whether someone is new to Dallas or a native Texan, the Dallas Historical Society offers programs and exhibits that educate and inform visitors about their home city and reveal insights and little-known facts that one might be unable to attain from history books alone, especially with the museum’s newest permanent exhibit, the interactive Texas Liberty Forever: The Battle of the Alamo diorama by Thomas Feely.

Ongoing events include Brown Bag Lectures, An Evening With programs, and Pour Yourself Into History happy hours. Join in discovering more about Dallas and take part in one or more of these wonderful programs. Visit the website for more information at www.dallashistory.org 

The Dallas Historical Society Celebrated Its Centennial Year In 2022 

The stories of Dallas are shared each day at the Dallas Historical Society through the three million items that comprise our archives and artifact collections. Established in 1922, the Dallas Historical Society collects, preserves, and exhibits the unique heritage of Dallas and Texas to educate and inspire future generations. 

Housed at the Hall of State in Fair Park since 1938, DHS presents these collections through education programs, exhibitions, tours, access to research materials and workshops. 

Among the three million historical artifacts at DHS are such treasures as Sam Houston’s handwritten account of the Battle of San Jacinto, the only known original Juneteenth document, James Fannin’s watch, and Santa Anna’s spurs. The DHS collection houses over 10,000 bound volumes and receives more than 1,500 research requests annually. 

Each year, the Dallas Historical Society is visited by over 160,000 people and serves more than 20,000 students through guided tours and educational programming at the Hall of State, as well as outreach programs at schools. Visit the website for more information at www.dallashistory.org

(Courtesy images.) (Photos of Karl Chiao by Danny Campbell.)

It was a delightful scene at the Dallas Historical Society’s  (DHS) Cocoa with Santa hosted and sponsored by Helen and John Carona and chaired by Calvert Collins-Bratton and Vince Bratton.
        
Families of DHS supporters were surrounded by fanciful Christmas decorations throughout and treated to photos with Santa in a festive outdoor gazebo setting, face painting by students from the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, cookie decorating with colorful sparkles and toppings and delicious food, spirits and libations crafted and sponsored by Wendy Krispin Caterer.  After private photo ops, Santa even mingled with the crowd for more photos and chatted with the partygoers.
        
Calvert began by welcoming the crowd and thanked the Caronas as hosts. She recognized Justin Kimball, a descendant of relatives who fought in the Alamo and Dr. Roy Washburn, DHS board chair. She encouraged the children to continue to enjoy the fun and engaging activities and introduced Karl Chiao, executive director, DHS.
        
Karl also welcomed everyone, thanking the hosts for their gracious generosity in sponsoring this joyful event. He announced the January 2024 launch of an upper level giving society at DHS titled the Directors Inner Circle, and also thanked the Caronas for coming on board as honorary chairs for the society’s inaugural year.
        
Membership in the Directors Inner Circle includes behind-the-scenes access to the DHS archives, private dinners in prominent homes, including conversations with noted authors and historians in open discussions about their books and more exclusive opportunities.
        
The Dallas Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Dallas and Texas history. Offering education programming, lectures, historic city tours, museum exhibitions, and other special events, this organization strives to be the preeminent resource for exploring, and instilling appreciation for the diverse history of Dallas and Texas. We endeavor to encourage historical inquiry and maintain the importance and relevance of history today. Our collection of archival material- including historic photographs, diaries, journals, papers, periodicals, maps, and books- is available to researchers. Formed in 1922, the Dallas Historical Society is the oldest organization in Dallas County committed to preserving the history of the region and presenting it to the public in innovative and informative ways.
        
Visit the website at www.dallashistory.org for information on membership and more about the Dallas Historical Society.

Photos by Thomas Garza          

Presenting Sponsor Ryan | Honorary Chairs Holly and Jim Trester

The 2023 Folds of Honor North Texas Annual Gala presented by Ryan welcomed over 1,700 supporters as they filled the playing field of the AT&T Stadium. It was an evening of patriotic inspiration fueled by personal testimonies and stirring presentations from veterans, scholarship recipients and singing of the Folds of Honor Anthem.  
        

The annual gala brings together military families, veterans, scholarship recipients and members of the North Texas community in an event of celebration which includes dinner, a live auction, raffle, live entertainment, fellowship and a custom cowboy hat steaming station in partnership with American Hat Company for donors who funded a full Folds of Honor Scholarship ($5,000). The scholarship donors had the choice of choosing a custom hat by American Hat Company or a pair of cowboy boots in partnership with Petite Paloma.
        

The money raised provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces and now, the Folds of Honor mission has expanded to incorporate America’s first responders, including police, fire-fighters, EMTs and paramedics.
        

Entering the playing field, guests walked through the Folds of Honor Memorial sponsored by Higginbotham, which was flanked with flags above and 13 footprints and plaques representing 13 servicemembers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and their families are now benefitting from a scholarship through the Folds of Honor.
        

VIPs were feted in an early reception in their honor at the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders locker room, while Honorary Chairs Holly and Jim Trester and their family greeted guests, sponsors, underwriters and supporters as they browsed the silent auction, bought tickets in support of the raffle and enjoyed cocktails.
        

Just before dinner, the crowd stood for the singing of the National Anthem by Kia Dawn of Party Machine. Meredith Land, Master of Ceremonies, explained the meaning of the POW/MIA Table, which was a place setting for one so that tonight, as everyone celebrated and honored our nation’s heroes, guests were asked to take the time to reflect on why that small, lone table is there and raise a glass for the ones that have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.
        

She recognized scholarship recipients as they stood, as well as veterans and those now serving in active duty as the crowd applauded in collective gratitude for their service. She also thanked sponsors, including Ryan as Commander in Chief sponsor; Trudy and Robert Wright, General Sponsors; The Stephenson Foundation, Patriot Mobile as Colonel Sponsors, and Major Sponsors Lydia and Bill Addy on behalf of the Addy Foundation, Aero, Aethon Energy, The Buster Family and Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services. 
        

Taking the stage, Sarah Duncan, Folds of Honor Senior Director of Impact and also the daughter of a fallen hero and a scholarship recipient, along with Meredith Connally, Folds of Honor Regional Impact Officer; Mary Scott, Folds of Honor Regional Impact Officer and Mike Beltz, North Texas Board Chair, invited the honorary chairs to the stage and presented them with World War II handmade bomber jackets, expressing heartfelt thanks for their hard work and support of Folds of Honor and this very special event.
        

Folds of Honor founder, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional and F-16 fighter pilot in the Air Force Reserves, who has served three tours of duty in Iraq, revealed his inspiring story: As he was returning home from his second tour of duty on a domestic flight, he became painfully aware as the passengers deplaned of the reality families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled. The airline pilot announced they were carrying the remains of a fallen soldier, asking passengers to respectfully remain seated while the casket deboarded. He watched as the family of the deceased walked somberly alongside the flag-covered casket. Among them was the young son of the fallen Corporal. Seeing the other side of the war through the eyes of this fallen soldier’s child was life-altering. He decided he had to do something to pay tribute to American service members and their families. He founded Folds of Honor in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States armed forces and now, have expanded to incorporate America’s first responders, including police, fire-fighters, EMTs and paramedics. The motto says it best: Honor Their Sacrifice. Educate Their Legacy. This year because of the support of generous patriots and Folds of Honor supporters, the organization was able to expand its mission to honor the sacrifices of families of first responders, as well.
        

Since that time Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 51,000 educational scholarships totaling roughly $240 million in financial assistance. For the 2023-2024 school year, Folds of Honor has awarded 1,131 scholarships in the state of Texas alone, totaling more than $5,282,825 in financial assistance for our deserving recipient families. The Gala Host Committee are Cindy and Fred Balda, LeeAnn and Josh Campbell, Kristen and Nick Cassavechia, Krystle and Chad Craycraft, Annie and Travis Jones, Richelle and Justin Kerber, Meredith and Daniel Rath, Karen and Rick Schornack, Brittany and Aaron Sizemore and Ashley and Lance Whitworth.
        

A real treat was when acclaimed country singer James Colton sang the Folds of Honor Anthem, produced by Toby Keith. A spirited live auction followed which featured items including a stay in beautiful mountain homes, a once-in-a-lifetime elk hunt, a Montana excursion, Operation Overlord with Lt. Col. Dan Rooney honoring the 80^th Anniversary of the allied invasion of Normandy and more.
        

Honorary speakers Colleen Katzenberger and her son, Everett Katzenberger spoke and shared their heartfelt and moving story beginning with Colleen meeting her late husband, Army Staff Sergeant Jeremy Katzenberger and married when she was only 19. After she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, they expanded their family. Even though SSG Katzenberger was deployed in October 2010, the Army allowed him to return home for the birth of their son, Everett. Only a few months later in 2011, Colleen and Everett lost Jeremy.  In 2016 both Colleen and Everett became Folds of Honor Scholarship Recipients. She graduated with a Master of Education degree from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri and currently works as a high school teacher. Everett continues to excel in many areas and enjoys science, Boy Scouts and golf. She expressed how grateful she is for the support of Folds of Honor and the blessings that have happened in their lives, much due to the involvement of Folds of Honor.
        

A call for donations in the Give from the Heart segment raised just over $1,236,131.00, bringing the total amount raised from the gala to $3,192,201.  Then the crowd danced the night away to the tunes of Party Machine, celebrating a truly fabulous gala.
        

Donation dollars: 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly back to programs. Folds of Honor has a four-star rating on Charity Navigator and a platinum level rating on Guidestar, the highest possible ratings for both organizations.
        

For more information visit the website at www.northtexas.foldsofhonor.org or  contact Sarah Duncan, Folds of Honor Senior Director of Impact, at sduncan@foldsofhonor.org; Meredith Connally, Folds of Honor Regional Impact Officer at mconnally@foldsofhonor.org or Mary Scott, Folds of Honor Regional Impact Officer at mscott@foldsofhonor.org

Photos by Thomas Garza, Lisa Means and Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

Preservation Park Cities (PPC) New Member Soirée was generously hosted by Lindsey and Ben Doramus in their lovely home. New members over the past couple of years were invited to bring a guest and learn more about Preservation Park Cities, its mission and upcoming events.
        

Amy Beale, president of Preservation Park Cities, welcomed guests and thanked the Doramuses for opening their home and welcomed Lindsey as a new member of the board.
        

She gave an overview of events, including the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon chaired by Cory Bowen and Krista Porteous with Allie Beth Allman as honorary chair, Holiday Party at Park House in December, Spring 2024 Home Tour chaired by Meredith Ferrell and Courtney Petit, Car Show chaired by Jason Morski, PPC’s participation in the 2024 University Park Centennial April 6 through 13, 2024 with Alisa Sell as the Preservation Park Cities Centennial Representative heading up the Landmarking Committee that will gift plaques to University Park in honor of the Centennial, and educational meetings.
        

Reminding everyone about Al McClendon’s efforts gathering video histories and interviews about the Park Cities, Amy said they are available on the YouTube channel @PreservationParkCities including Ray Washburne, president and managing director of Highland Park Village; Larry Good, author of A House for Texas; Gerald Turner, president of Southern Methodist University and more.
        

Landmarking will be happening as PPC focuses on the Top 100 Homes with write-ups by Joan Clark, which will be part of a coffee table book soon. Larry Good and Craig Melde are the chairs of the Save the Top 100 committee and are instrumental in the research and writing of the fourth book. Amy reminded everyone about the PPC archives in the University Park Library and happening in May 2024, a special event celebration National Historic Preservation month.
        

Encouraging membership and everyone to bring in more friends to join, Amy invited everyone to become a part of this vital organization. Membership and more details can be found at www.preservationparkcities.org
        

Over the past several years, PPC has expanded its commitment to education in the Park Cities. In 2011, the organization's board voted to allocate funds from the Historic Home Tour, the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, and the Classic & Antique Car Show to create an endowment with the Highland Park Education Foundation. PPC and its supporters have built the endowment in excess of $250,000. It provides the annual underwriting for the Distinguished Chair for History at Highland Park High School and scholarships for deserving HPHS graduating seniors interested in architecture or history, reflecting the organization’s passion for the significance of historic preservation.          

The mission of Preservation Park Cities is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show are used to fund:

•        Property Landmarking

•        Stewardship of the PPC archives at the UP Library

•        HPISD Architecture/History Student Scholarship Award

•        The Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village

•        The Distinguished Chair for History at HPHS

•        The “Save the Top 100” campaign and publication of a new book

Overview:

•  The Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon and the Park Cities Car Show are the organization’s only fundraisers each year. The proceeds are allocated to help further our mission to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities.

•  The purpose of the annual Historic Home Tour is to showcase architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities and illustrate how these homes have been restored or remodeled to serve the lifestyle needs of families today.

•  The organization landmarks architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park Cities, some of which are on the Historic Home Tour. 

•  Members of the organization enjoy historic and preservation oriented educational programs.                                              
                                                       

Photos by Thomas Garza.

Secure your tables and get your hats ready for Thursday, April 18, 2024 benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman’s Garden

The word is out! Mad Hatter’s 2024 Luncheon Theme Reveal Party was hosted by Bonnie Shelby in her lovely home, welcoming over 150 guests to hear the scoop.
         

Mad Hatter’s Luncheon chair Allison Brodnax welcomed guests, along with Karen Sargent, Women’s Council president, as everyone enjoyed champagne, wine, and passed hors d’oeuvres in addition to a bountiful table of delicious charcuterie.
        

Karen began the presentation by thanking Bonnie for her generous hospitality and said that now is the time to set the stage for Mad Hatter’s 2024! She announced Barbara Bigham as honorary chair to a rousing round of applause. Barbara is a longtime supporter of the Women’s Council, chair of A Woman’s Garden 25^th Anniversary Kick-Off Birthday Party in 2021, a 2019-2020 Founder’s Award Honoree, 1995 Mad Hatter’s Tea chair, long-time supporter, former board member and dedicated volunteer.
        

Allison gave special thanks to Elizabeth Rois-Mendez and Brittany Davenport for chairing this evening’s soirée. She also thanked Elizabeth for her generosity in sponsoring the wines tonight. Other sponsors included Food Glorious Food, Gold Crown Valet, Top Tier Rentals, who donated all the rentals and linens and made a custom bar to match theme colors, and David Kimmel Designs who went over the top with the beautiful florals at the entrance and dining table, including centerpiece florals for the tall tables outside.
        

Encouraging everyone to mark their calendars for Thursday, April 18, 2024 for the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, Allison announced NorthPark Center as the sponsor of the fashion show which will include risers, lights, and music produced by the remarkable Jan Strimple Productions and always includes a few surprises.
        

Raising the curtain on the theme Commemorating the 36^th Annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon Gardens of Greece, applause filled the room as Allison presented the logo, an original artwork of a Grecian statue in a colorful garden by Barbara Elam, who had also created the artwork for the 2021 Mad Hatter’s Tea Out of Africa - Into the Garden, chaired by her daughter, Jolie Humphrey.
        

These Hat Categories were announced: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Olympic Games, Greek Mythology, Greek Life (sorority), Best Botanical Using Fresh Flowers and Greek Goddesses (group of 3 or more).
        

This fabulous party has been an ongoing fundraising event sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Monies raised assist with the development, growth and maintenance of A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Dallas Arboretum. 
        

Guests travel from all over the United States, planning their trips to Dallas not only to take part in the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, taking the theme as inspiration for their sophisticated, glamorous, and delightfully lavish hats, but to view the glorious springtime azalea displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum.

The morning will begin with a Welcome Reception, a stroll in the gardens and a Silent Auction while the discerning hat judges take note of the Grecian-influenced interpretations of this year’s theme. Inside Rosine Hall, Hat Contest winners will be announced, which will be followed by the fashion show and then a delicious three-course luncheon.
        

Last year, just over 650 people attended the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon in a party spread over Rosine Hall and A Tasteful Place. This year, the cap on attendance is 500, as it will take place only in Rosine Hall. So, do not delay securing tables, underwriting and sponsorships now.
        

Sponsorships begin at $2,500. Patron Tickets start at $500. Visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/tua/  to purchase sponsorships or tickets or scan the QR code included in this release. Individuals who purchase a patron level ticket and up will be invited to a patron party at the Harlan Crow Library. Visit the website for more information www.wcdabg.org         

About the Women’s Council: Celebrating its 42^nd Anniversary in 2024.
Since 1982 the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the design, construction, funding and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, the only public garden in the United States conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women and dedicated to the spirit of women. The support of over 500 members of the Women’s Council make possible the continued expansion and development of A Woman’s Garden. The Women’s Council is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  www.wcdabg.org

About A Woman’s Garden: Celebrating its 27^th Anniversary in 2024.
A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women. Ablaze with color in every season, A Woman’s Garden is a living testament to the passion and vision of the Women’s Council founders and the boundless energy and devotion of its members whose commitment to creating a garden dedicated to the universal spirit of women across generations is realized in its inspired design. Our beautiful garden celebrates the power, creativity, resourcefulness, passion and unwavering commitment of the women who came before us and those entrusted with its care now, and into the future.     

About Mad Hatter’s: Celebrating its 36^th Anniversary in 2024.
In 1989, Carole Ann Brown chaired the first Mad Hatter's Tea to bring awareness to the Women's Council and the Dallas Arboretum. The tea was held in the Camp House garden for 100 ladies and raised $10,000. Over the years, Mad Hatter’s has been chaired by many notable Dallas ladies such as Linda Ivy, Barbara Bigham, Connie Carreker, Barbara Daseke and Patti Flowers. Honorary Chairs have included some of the most philanthropic names in Dallas history such as Annette Simmons, Gene Jones, Caroline Rose Hunt, Tincy Miller, Sally Hoglund, Dee Wyly, Margaret Crow, Nancy Rogers, Amy Warren, Patty Dedman Nail, Sherwood Wagner, Laurie Sands Harrison and Kim Hext.

Finally, it would not be a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party without the hats. The creativity at Mad Hatter’s over the years has been impressive. Ladies have been inspired to create millinery creations based on Royal Ascot, Run for the Roses, April in Paris, Steel Magnolias, Under the Tuscan Sun and even Garden by the Sea. We have seen the Golden Age of Hollywood, have come Out of Africa into the Garden, enjoyed a Wonderland of Fashion while having Tea with Alice and Majestic Mad Hatter’s –A Celebration of English Elegance.   

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio