It’s almost like getting in a time machine and traveling back to big moments in time. Historical findings brought to life through sculptures, bringing new revelations about what may have happened way back when. Sounds cool, right? You can hear about this first hand from forensic artist and sculptor, Amanda Danning. Her last Beaumont visit was wildly popular and now she’s set to return!

The Mcfaddin-Ward is kicking off the 2016 lecture series with Amanda Danning, on January 21st. Danning specializes in historical facial reconstructions. She uses the most current forensic and anatomical science to determine what someone looked like when living by using the skull. Learn more on her website.

For this Beaumont visit, Danning returns with her tales of the doomed La Salle Expedition into Texas. She will talk about three skulls found among the remains of early French settlers at Fort St. Louis. What she has discovered from reconstructing the skulls is giving new insight into what may have happened. 

When Danning came to Beaumont last year the event was so popular it was standing room only and people had to be turned away. So, this year organizers plan to have it at the larger Betty Greenberg Center for Performing Arts, on 4155 Laurel Avenue. The event is free, open to the public and begins at 6:30 pm. Call (409) 832-1906 for more information. Event details can be found online here.

Danning is just the start of a impressive lineup the Mcfaddin-Ward Lecture Series is hosting this year. In the works, presentations by a popular antique appraiser, several well-known authors, a documentary film maker and musicians. 

Here is a scheduled lineup for the 2016 McFaddin Ward Lecture Series:

  • January 21 - Amanda Danning, Forensic Sculptor - "Tales From the Grave"
  • February 18 - Dan Hartman, Director of Glennsheen - “Glennsheen: Minesotas House Museum”
  • March 3 - Phil Lancaster, Musician & Presenter - “Riders on the Orphan Train”
  • April 14 - Hermes Mallea, New York Architect and Author - "The Great Houses of Havana”
  • May 12 - David Lackey, Houston Antique Dealer & Appraiser
  • June 16 - Randy Tibbits, Houston Art Historian & Collector
  • July 21 - James Evans, West Texas/Big Bend Nationally Recognized Photographer
  • August 18 - Marla Fields, Video Producer - "Frank Reaugh: Pastel Poet of the Texas Plains" 
  • September 22 - Paul Doros, Author - “The Art Glass of Louis Comfort Tiffany”
  • October 13 - Adair Margo, Founder & President of the Tom Lea Institute in El Paso

** Events are subject to change, so always check for the most up to date information.

Enjoy a free lecture and make it a night out with dinner at one of Beaumont’s great restaurants! Check here for a complete list of restaurants.