Bayou Bend and Durham Elementary Partnership
Bayou Bend, one of the house museums of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, began a relationship with Durham Elementary in the summer of 2008 when twenty-four students from Durham Elementary attended Bayou Bend’s Summer History Camp program for 5th graders. This program continued into 2009 with another group of talented Durham students who spent a week at Bayou Bend learning about life in Colonial America. At this one-week day camp, students explore the facets of life in the 18th century, from clothing and entertainment to vocations such as blacksmithing, woodworking, painting, and printmaking. In addition, students in Durham’s GT Science program work with Bayou Bend Gardens Curator Bart Brechter in learning about the natural world and Texas ecology.

Visit for Free!
On the third Sunday of each month between September and May Bayou Bend offers free Family Day programs. At these themed Family Days, Bayou Bend presents performances, 1st floor tours of the museum, workshops, demonstrations, and craft activities designed for families with children. Admission hours are from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. (we recommend arriving no later than 3:00 p.m. to enjoy as much of the day as possible). Bayou Bend Family Days are always free.

About Bayou Bend
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, Houston’s home for America’s treasures, features one of the world’s great collections of American decorative arts and paintings. The objects are displayed in the home of legendary Houston philanthropist and collector Ima Hogg (1882-1975), who gave her estate to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in 1957. More than 20 room settings reveal the evolution of American style and taste from 1620 to 1876. The mansion is situated on 14 acres of formal gardens and lush woodlands. Bayou Bend is open year-round to visitors, and offers many programs for children, families, and adults.

September 20, 2009
Here’s to Your Health!

Did you know that Ben Franklin was so sure that fresh air was important good health that he took a daily “air bath” each morning? Join us in September as we kick off the Family Day season by exploring the history of American health and wellness. Enjoy fitness-inspired performances on the terrace, learn about advances in exercise and medicine, and make your own food pyramid at the craft table!

October 18, 2009
American Icons

This Family Day we celebrate the symbols and individuals that are uniquely American – from George Washington to Uncle Sam to Superman. Celebrate American iconography with music and storytelling performances and historical re-enactors, as well as crafts based on famous American symbols, & tours with highlighted objects in the house.

November 15, 2009
Harvest Celebration

Celebrate the first and the many subsequent American harvest celebrations with traditional Native American performances, music, and storytelling. Find out about the dress and customs of the earliest European settlers before heading over to the craft table to make your own corncob doll or pine cone turkey!

December 20, 2009
Holiday Festival

Join us at Bayou Bend to celebrate the joyous spirit of the season. Outside, enjoy the fabulous sounds of local talent of all ages as they ring in the season with your favorite songs and stories from Christmas, Hannukah, and more. Try your hand at some holiday crafts and create your own special heirloom decorations for the season. Guests may tour the first floor of the house and view this year’s Yuletide exhibition.

January 17, 2010
Asian Influences

Ever wonder how tea came to America? Visit Bayou Bend to learn about this and other Asian influences on America. Experience the music and dance of our neighbors in the Far East. Explore the various countries that contributed to trends and fashions in America as you tour the collection. Make sure to spend time in our hands-on workshops as you immerse yourself in various Asian cultures and learn about their influence on American art and design.

February 21, 2010
Love is in the Air

Valentine’s Day may be over, but the spirit of romance is very much alive at Bayou Bend! Valentine’s Day performances, crafts, and activities are highlights of our February Family Day. Bring the special young people (and adults!) in your life to Bayou Bend to enjoy a unique afternoon of nature, beauty, and history.

March 21, 2010
Bayou Bend in Bloom

Envelop yourself in the splendor of Bayou Bend in springtime and learn about nature too! Among the spectacular blooming trees and azaleas enjoy the nature-inspired crafts from local groups. Explore the movements of birds and insects through dance and take a tour of the collection specializing in works inspired by nature itself. Make time to visit with the many animals in our petting zoo and even create your own flowers and crawling creatures!

April 18, 2010
A World of Music

Celebrate sounds both local and international in April at Bayou Bend and Rienzi. Diverse music styles from around the world will be featured and celebrated through live performance, craft activities, and a chance to interact with various exotic musical instruments that have shaped world and American cultures. Be sure to ride the trolley between the two houses for twice the Family Day experience at the MFAH’s treasure houses.

May 16, 2010
Creature Comforts

From the butterflies and bunnies who make Bayou Bend’s gardens their home to the many animal – inspired influences in the objects in the collection, the animal kingdom is alive and well at Bayou Bend. Take a tour through the first floor of the house to see the animal influences displayed in the furniture and decorations, then stop by and visit a woodworker as he demonstrates making the claw foot of a chair. Enjoy animal-themed performances as you create a totem of your favorite critter, then stop by the petting zoo to compare your work with the real thing!

 Durham Elementary School  |  4803 Brinkman Street  |  Houston, Texas  77018-2021  |  713.613.2527  |  info@durhamschool.org        E-Newsletter Subscribe
It is the policy of Houston Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or political affiliation in its educational or employment programs and activities.

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