African American Historic Preservation Committee

Today marks one year since our beloved ambassador and friend, Lonnie Jones, departed this life. His presence, dedication, and unwavering support of our community continue to be deeply missed. The members of the African-American Historic Preservation Committee cherish the memories, wisdom, and friendship he shared with us. Though he is no longer with us in person, his legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the work he helped inspire. We miss him beyond measure and honor his memory today and always. ❤️

"Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts."

Happy Heavenly birthday to our ambassador, Lonnie “Cowboy” Jones. We really do miss you 💕

Happy birthday blessings to our past president, Darnell Ray. Hope your day is great, and many, many more‼️

Tomorrow (2/21) we will have the Bell Home open to the public from 12pm-2pm! Here is some information on the historic home:

After the Civil War, an African-American community known as The Settlement emerged during the Reconstruction era. Unlike many freed slaves, the founding families of the community were landowners and eventually formed a thriving, self-sufficient community.

The Bell Home is the oldest structure in this 1867 Settlement Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The home was owned by Flavilla Bell, who was the daughter of Settlement founder Calvin Bell.

Calvin made history as the first freed slave to register a cattle brand in Galveston County. There is a replica on display inside the home; the original is on display in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.

To some, the interior may look unfinished, but this was intentional, as a complete restoration would have covered over important, original architectural detailing. Many of the walls have remnants of the original wallpapers, and some even have remnants of the newspapers used as a base for the wallpapers.

Much of the wood in the home is mismatched because it is reclaimed wood. After hurricanes, the family would collect lumber scraps to use in the home.

There are no furnishings, but there are interpretative panels all throughout the home, detailing the history of the Settlement and its founding families.

The Bell Home is located at 117 S. Bell Drive. It will be open for free tours this Saturday, Feb. 21 from 12-2 p.m. Please note: there is no A/C or heat in this historic home. There is also not a restroom, although there are some nearby at Carver Park.