Please note that advance registration is required for this online program. Scroll down or click here to register.
If you registered for the originally scheduled program date (February 16), you do not need to re-register.
Join Preservation Houston and award-winning author Steven Fenberg at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 6, for a special online program exploring the life and legacy of Jesse H. Jones. Houston’s preeminent developer in the first half of the 20th century, Jones played pivotal roles in bringing the United States through the Great Depression and preparing the nation for World War II.
Jesse Jones was one of Houston’s most influential business leaders and a public servant whose commitment to good government can still be a model today.
Jones grew up on his father’s Tennessee tobacco farm. In 1898, at the age of 24, he moved to Houston and became one of the city’s most active civic leaders. Jones championed construction of the Houston Ship Channel and deepwater port, nurtured the performing arts and built homes, hotels, grand theaters and skyscraping office buildings — a career that earned him the nickname “Mr. Houston.” In public service, Jones chaired the federal Reconstruction Finance Corporation, the infrastructure bank that saved capitalism during the Great Depression and militarized industry in time to win World War II. Sixty-five years after his death, Houston Endowment — the philanthropic foundation established by Jesse and Mary Gibbs Jones in 1937 — continues to enhance the Bayou City and perpetuate the couple’s vision of a community where all citizens have the opportunity to thrive.
In his talk, Fenberg will discuss Jesse Jones’ life story, his remarkable achievements and how his commitment to good government and civic engagement are models that can guide us today.
About the speaker
Steven Fenberg is the award-winning author of Unprecedented Power: Jesse Jones, Capitalism and the Common Good, and executive producer and co-writer of the Emmy Award-winning film Brother, Can You Spare a Billion? The Story of Jesse H. Jones. In addition to producing books and films, Fenberg writes articles, editorials and lectures about how the power of good government can effectively address today’s daunting challenges.
Event format
This program will be presented via Zoom. Registrants will receive additional information, including a link to join the program, no later than the morning of March 6.
Registration and pricing
Access to this program is free for members of Preservation Houston and Pier & Beam. Registration is $10 for non-members. Register online now:
Can’t join us live? No problem
We will make a recording of the full program available to all registrants, so you can watch at a time that’s most convenient for you.
This event is presented as part of the Bart Truxillo Program Series, which honors the memory of pioneer preservationist and Preservation Houston co-founder Bart Truxillo. The Truxillo Program Series is made possible by the generous contributions of Preservation Houston's members and friends. If you would like to support future programming, please consider adding a donation to your registration or becoming a PH member.