Flashback: Texas Independence Day Celebration Valor and Swagger benefits Dallas Historical Society
(Featured photo: Event chairs and Host Committee members: Bob Jenevein, Susan Jenevein, Jeanette Graff, Stan Graff )*
Flashback to February 2023: It is always inspiring to attend events at The Dallas Historical Society’s beautifully renovated Hall of State. From cowboy chic to black-tie, everyone feels quite at home in this impressive venue. Such was the vibe at the Texas Independence Day Celebration Valor and Swagger chaired by host committee couples Jeanette and Stan Graff along with Susan and Bob Jenevein.
This uniquely Texas event celebrating Texas’ independence showcased the spirit of Texans and collective pride. As guests entered, they were greeted by historical reenactor Lenn Kaptain, who was portraying Erastus (Deaf) Smith, a member of Stephen F. Austin’s Army, a spy and scout who later commanded a company of Texas Rangers. Deaf Smith County is named in his honor.
Following the invocation by Aidan Miano, DHS executive director, Karl Chiao, thanked sponsors Devil’s River Whiskey, Texas Ale Company, along with Topped Hats, who donated 20% of sales to DHS and Olivia Bennett who previewed her newest collection including Olivia Bennett footwear by Twisted X, donating 25% back to DHS and 50% of artworks sold.
Everyone stood as John Harris led the pledge to the Texas Flag. Bob shared the story of Dolphin Ward Floyd, an Alamo defender who died in that battle and of such stature that Floyd County is named after him. He thanked supporters for coming from all over Texas today to celebrate this event. He expressed special thanks to Cathay and Rogge Dunn, Lisa and Jeff Cook; Melinda and Matt Bracy, Mary and Bill Pickens, Jr., and Lisa and Clay Cooley.
As a special treat, guests enjoyed a private, up-close look at the interactive Texas Liberty Forever: The Battle of the Alamo, created by artist Tom Feely. It is the world’s largest diorama depicting the Battle of the Alamo.
Download the app so when you visit this fabulous exhibit, the Alamo comes to life.
It offers 360 panoramas that place you at pivotal battle locations around the Alamo fortress, as well as an augmented reality-enhanced narrative feature that uses target imagery and stunning 3D visualizations to bring these climactic moments to life. Read more here.
In addition to the Graffs and Jeneveins, host committee members also included Mary and Bill Pickens, Jr., Rogge Dunn Group, PC, Scheef and Stone – Solid Counsel, Sullivan and Cook, LLC.,and Lisa and Clay Cooley.
Proceeds of this event benefit the Dallas Historical Society, an organization devoted to preserving and exhibiting the heritage of Dallas and Texas to educate and inspire present and future generations. Dr. Roy Washburn is board chair.
For more information about the Dallas Historical Society, venue rentals, its membership benefits and ongoing special events, visit the website at www.dallashistory.org
Upcoming Events:
- Friday, November 27, 2023: Dallas History Makers Awards for Excellence Luncheon (formerly Awards for Excellence Luncheon) at the Fairmont Hotel.
- Daniel Murchison and Laura Woodall, Luncheon Chairs
- The Collins Family: Dick Collins, Calvert Collins-Bratton and Vince Bratton; Genevieve Collins-DeCarme and Dwight DeCarme, Honorary Chairs
- Details, award recipients, tickets and sponsorships here.
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 reveals insights and little-known facts that one might be unable to grasp from history books alone, especially with the museum’s newest permanent exhibit. Ongoing events include brown bag lectures, Evening With programs, and the Deep Vellum series along with the very special exhibit honoring Texas’ independence, the interactive Texas Liberty Forever: The Battle of the Alamo diorama by Tom Feely. 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: Celebrating 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
*Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio
Catering: Wendy Krispin Caterer
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent the Dallas Historical Society and their special events and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Flashback Scene.)
