Discover the History of Memorial Day May 26 & 28
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY
MAY 26 & 28 AT THE GEORGE RANCH HISTORICAL PARK
Decoration Day Ceremony set for 11:30 a.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 4, 2018
MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer Farrell, 281-382-0219 (c)
RICHMOND – The George Ranch Historical Park is proud to present a special Memorial Day Remembrance event on Saturday, May 26 and Monday, May 28, 2018. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a historic Decoration Day ceremony, hear a reading of James A. Garfield’s first Decoration Day speech from 1868 and read letters from real soldiers who participated in the Texas Revolution and Civil War. Cost for participating in these events is included with general admission.
A USO-inspired Memorial Day lunch will take place at 12:30 p.m. in the yard of the 1930s George Home. Cost for the meal is $15 for adults ages 13 and older; $12 for children ages 5-12 and $4 for children 4 and under. Members of the Fort Bend History Association receive a discount.
The menu, which is inspired by authentic World War II USO menus, includes homemade cream of tomato soup, sliced roast turkey, sliced spiced ham, assorted breads and cheeses, pickled okra, onions, beets, potato salad, pasta salad, molasses baked beans, apple and peach cobblers, tea and water.
Reservations for the historic lunch are required; please call (281) 343-0218 or make reservations online.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY
Memorial Day’s roots began in the South just after the Civil War, when the Ladies Memorial Association of Columbus, Georgia, established a day of remembrance for fallen Confederate soldiers. Then, in May 1868, General John A. Logan issued a proclamation calling for “Decoration Day” to be observed annually and nationwide on May 30.
“The holiday quickly took root in Northern states and was widespread by the end of the century,” said Director of Programs Krystal Willeby. “Whether celebrated in the North or South, the remembrance traditions had many things in common. Families would visit the graves of their lost soldiers and great care and effort was given to cleaning the tombstones and laying flowers and wreaths on the graves. Picnics were held by the markers of the lost. Often, large-scale grave cleanings and decoratings were organized and held with speeches and hymns performed to commemorate these activities.”
The name change – from Decoration Day to Memorial Day – began to take root in the 1880s, but would not be formally recognized by the United States government until 1967. In 1968, the date was moved from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May.
GEORGE RANCH HISTORICAL PARK ONGOING ACTIVITIES:
- Historic House Tours
- Hands-On Historical Activities
- Cattle Roping & Sorting Demonstrations
- Dipping Vat Demonstrations
- Livestock Encounters
- Blacksmithing Demonstrations
- Heritage Trail Nature-Watching
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The Park is located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond. General admission is $15 for adults ages 13+, $12 for seniors ages 65+ and $10 for children ages 4 to 12. Children three and under are free. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.georgeranch.org or call 281-343-0218.
ABOUT THE PARK:
Welcome to the Ranch!
The George Ranch Historical Park is a living history museum that showcases Texas history from the 1830s through the 1930s. The Park is anchored by four different home sites: the 1830s Jones Stock Farm, 1860s Ryon Prairie Home, 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion and 1930s George Ranch Cattle Complex. Regular activities include historic home tours, living history demonstrations, hands-on activities, cattleworking and dipping vat demonstrations and more! Guests should allow three to four hours to visit the Park and should dress for the weather.
The George Ranch Historical Park is a living history partnership between the Fort Bend History Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and The George Foundation, a Texas Charitable Trust.
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