Bryan Museum subject of program for Dayton Historical Society

Dayton historians are in for a treat Monday evening, September 25 at 6:00 p.m.as Beverly Davis, a wellknown local educator and history buff , will present the program about the Bryan Museum in Galveston. She has been a docent there since its opening in 2015, leading tour groups through one of the world’s largest collections of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to Texas and the American West.

The museum is located in the historic Galveston Orphans Home which was founded in 1878, survived the 1900 storm and several other catastrophes, before being closed in 1984. Mr. J.P. Bryan, whose great, great grandmother was the sister of Stephen F. Austin, purchased the Galveston Orphans Home building in 2013 and immediately began a thorough restoration to house his extensive collection and opened its doors in June 2015.

Beverly’s program will include how the museum came about and she will give information about some of its many items, plus the history of the building. A special orphanage display is being highlighted at the museum the first and third Saturdays through January and will also be part of the program.

Davis, who is a retired teacher of 30 years is involved with the Galveston Historical Foundation and serves on the Events Committee which includes Dickens-on-the-Strand and the annual historical house tours, plus other events. She is also a member of the Laffite Society and other Galveston organizations.

Locally, she is secretary for the Friends of the Liberty, secretary for the Liberty County Historical Commission, corresponding secretary for the Trivium Club, a member of the First Baptist Church choir, a member of the Folly House Book Club and a docent at the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center, AND leads a yoga class. She enjoys traveling, gardening, reading, and attending plays and the symphony.

All are invited to this event which will be held at Parker Hall in Dayton, located behind The Old School Museum at 111 W. Houston Street.