Letter from the President’s Desk

Dear Members and Supporters,

As we bid farewell to 2023, I find it both an honor and a privilege to reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve undertaken together at the Freedmen’s Town Museums (Rutherford B. H. Yates Museum, Inc.). Throughout this year, your unwavering commitment has been a beacon guiding us as we continued our mission of preservation and education in the heart of Houston’s historic Freedmen’s Town.

Our current list of historic properties stands as a testament to the progress we’ve made, with the preservation of homes and archaeological sites dating back to the 19th century.

In 2023, we built upon this foundation by:

1. Sustaining the monthly cataloging of tours and visits, with plans to expand these efforts.
2. Improving our communication through a monthly newsletter, aiming to grow our volunteer and docent base.
3. Updating the website showcasing our house museums, goals, visions, the Building Bridges Campaign, corporate donors, and details of FTM-RBHY activities.
4. Increasing collaboration with the annual NOB Back to School project, Juneteenth Houston Committee, and Alley Theatre.
5. Projecting the soft openings of the Barber Shop and Nixon Agroecological Labs during the first quarter of 2024, and
6. Officially launching our search for an Executive Director.

I extend my deepest gratitude to each one of you for your continued support and interest in the Freedmen’s Town Museums (Rutherford B. H. Yates Museum, Inc.). Our success is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our community. Your contributions are the driving force behind our achievements.

Sincerely,

Byron Cobbin, Chair/President
Freedmen’s Town Museums (Rutherford B. H. Yates Museum, Inc.)