BEAUMONT, Texas — The electrical rewiring project at McFaddin-Ward House has been completed, and now the museum is ready to reopen on Thursday.
This massive restoration project began in January 2023 and was done in an effort to restore and preserve the historical home, which is over 100 years old.
“Prior to the upgrade, the 118-year-old house, built of heart pine and cypress wood, utilized the original knob and tube wiring from its construction more than a century ago, which posed a potential threat to the home’s integrity,” said McFaddin-Ward House Executive Director Tony Chauveaux.
Oak Grove Restoration Company, experts in historical restoration, was brought in to lead the expansive project. Beaumont’s Newtron Electrical Services, was tasked with installing the new wiring. Crenshaw Lighting was responsible for refurbishment and rewiring of the house’s antique light fixtures. Rutledge Paint Company from Vidor oversaw plaster repair work and painting, according to a McFaddin-Ward House news release.
“The McFaddin Ward House chose Oak Grove Restoration because it is the premier restoration company for national historical landmarks, national parks, and registered properties in America,” said McFaddin-Ward House Board President Leslie Wilson.
For nearly nine months the teams worked together to install a brand new commercial electrical system to power all three floors of the house, including the porches.
They added six new master control switches in the security office that will allow museum employees to turn on power for all light fixtures in the house by simply flipping two switches on each floor, according to the release.
Crenshaw Lighting removed and reinstalled the house’s 98 light fixtures, which were sent to Virginia to be refurbished.
Crenshaw Lighting's restoration took three months. They replaced outdated parts with new lamp materials that match the originals. Minor repairs and welding work was done as well as the cleaning of every fixture and crystal adornment.
One of the most important things Oak Grove had to do was purify the air. They couldn't let dust into the building so they brought in negative air machines that had huge filters inside. This way, they were able to ensure that no dirt got inside during the restoration.
Visitor's can tours of the McFaddin-Ward House again starting on October 25, 2023. People who visit will enjoy a fall theme with some special Thanksgiving items displayed from the collection.
“It will be wonderful to open our doors again to welcome visitors, just in time for the holidays. One of our goals is to ensure this museum remains a beacon of tourism for Southeast Texas and a center for education and learning for our school children and adults alike," said Wilson.
There are also some exciting new surprises. This includes LED lighting in every upper-cabinet doorway in the Butler’s Pantry and restoration of the Breakfast Room’s iconic bronze topped, alabaster fountain, which will be flowing for the first time in the museum’s history, the release states.
This is the largest restoration project undertaken by the museum since the roof was replaced in 2001.
The McFaddin-Ward House was built in 1905-1906 in the Beaux-Arts Colonial style. It reflects the lifestyle of the prominent family which lived in the house for 75 years according to the release.
The museum features free tours, educational programming, year-round events, a carriage house and gardens.
The McFaddin-Ward House is an accredited museum by the American Alliance of Museums.
McFaddin-Ward House endures as one of Beaumont’s primary historical and educational resources and will continue to do so for years to come.