Name: Exhibit Opening: “Between Surface Noise and Song"
Start: 2025-03-06T17:30:00-06:00
End: 2025-03-06T19:30:00-06:00
Location: Chambers House

$Exhibit Opening: \u201cBetween Surface Noise and Song"$

Experience the rhythm of Beaumont’s past with “Between Surface Noise and Song: A Curated Selection of Music from the Chambers Family Collection,” an exciting new exhibit at the Chambers House Museum. This immersive journey through the city’s musical and cultural evolution highlights how entertainment shaped and reflected Beaumont’s identity from the 19th century to the mid-20th century.
While not a comprehensive representation of Beaumont’s entire cultural history, this exhibit provides a view of Beaumont’s cultural and musical landscape from the perspective of the Chambers family. This engaging exhibit delves into the ways economic growth, religion, and education shaped Beaumont’s cultural scene.
Through the lens of music and entertainment, visitors will journey from the intimate parlor performances of the 19th century to the grand stages of the Kyle Theatre and Jefferson Theatre in the 20th century. Highlights include an exploration of Beaumont’s early opera houses, the rise of radio broadcasting, and the pivotal role of the Spindletop Oil Gusher in expanding entertainment opportunities. The exhibit will showcase shellac and vinyl records from the Chambers Family’s personal collection. Visitors will learn about the evolution of these recording technologies, from fragile shellac “78s” to revolutionary vinyl LPs that transformed the music industry.
The exhibit will open at the Chambers House Museum on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, during regular operating hours. A free opening reception will take place at the museum (located at 2240 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX 77701) on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Ms. Franke will be available to discuss the exhibit and answer questions from guests. Complimentary wine (for our 21 and up guests) and cheese will be served. Guests can also visit a pop-up booth by For the Record, a local music venue and record store. A children’s craft activity, themed to the exhibit, will also be available, ensuring fun for visitors of all ages. The reception is open to the public, and no registration is required. Additionally, a satellite exhibit will be available at the Jefferson County Courthouse from March 3, 2025 - May 5, 2025.

The Beaumont Heritage Society is a non-profit, organized to educate and engage the community through Beaumont’s history and heritage for a better future together.