Heritage Society of Washington County

Heritage Society of Washington County We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of historical buildings and artifacts, and to promoting education and interest.

The Heritage Society hosted First Baptist 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students for a local history day. The students toured ...
04/07/2026

The Heritage Society hosted First Baptist 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students for a local history day. The students toured Toubin Park, The Fire Museum, The Giddings Stone Mansion and The Giddings Wilkin House.

Several of our Belles had the opportunity to deliver desserts the last few months to Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Rac...
03/31/2026

Several of our Belles had the opportunity to deliver desserts the last few months to Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Rachel Eckert Nordt and Citizens State Bank who purchased the Year of Desserts at the 2025 Gala. Thank you McKenna Marsters, Kylee Liner and Logan Fatheree for getting those delicious desserts delivered!

While we were in our final hours of Gala preparations this past Saturday, some of our Junior Belles attended the Texas I...
03/02/2026

While we were in our final hours of Gala preparations this past Saturday, some of our Junior Belles attended the Texas Independence Day Celebration at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park to help greet guests and serve cake!

Avery Grace Swierkowski is the daughter of Matt and Mari’Brigette Swierkowski, and the granddaughter of Marty Smith, the...
02/28/2026

Avery Grace Swierkowski is the daughter of Matt and Mari’Brigette Swierkowski, and the granddaughter of Marty Smith, the late Ed Smith, the late Joe Swierkowski, and the late Jack and Gina Duffy.

She is a senior at Brenham High School, where she’s a member of the Brenham FFA Chapter, helping with their community service efforts such as Brenham FFA Adopt-A-Highway and Toys for Tots. As a nationally competing equestrian rider, Avery is a member of the United States Hunter Jumper Association and the United States Equestrian Federation, most recently finishing out her non-pro career at the National Finals, placing top 30 in the nation. At the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, she not only competes there annually but also works as a volunteer where they help the Texas Children’s Hospital. Her love of horses has allowed her to assist children through a therapeutic riding program.

Avery plans to attend Blinn College and then on to Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in nursing, alongside continuing her training to be a professional equestrian rider. Her favorite things about being a Heritage Belle was decorating the mansion for Christmas, as well as giving the home tours where she enjoyed teaching others about the history of Washington County.

Emma Grace Scheel is the daughter of Josh and Lindsay Scheel, and the granddaughter of Weegie and Deana Scheel and John ...
02/27/2026

Emma Grace Scheel is the daughter of Josh and Lindsay Scheel, and the granddaughter of Weegie and Deana Scheel and John and Sherry Page.

Emma is a senior at Brenham High School, where she is a member of National Honor Society, as well as the Brenham FFA Chapter. She’s been in the top 10 at various contests across the state in Dairy Judging and Wool Judging. She participates in 4-H, as well as Anchor Club. Emma aided in Brenham FFA’s community service in helping their Adopt-A-Highway efforts. Additionally, she’s helped with basketball and volleyball mini-camps. She also helps out at Equestrian camps for those with special needs. After high school, she plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in Agribusiness. Her favorite thing about being a Belle was learning the history of Brenham- and is now looking forward to her senior Gala.

Kolbie Fay Parker is the daughter of Grant and Shelby Parker, and is the granddaughter of Lee Fred and Barbara Schroeder...
02/26/2026

Kolbie Fay Parker is the daughter of Grant and Shelby Parker, and is the granddaughter of Lee Fred and Barbara Schroeder, and the late Lebon and Pasty Parker.

She is a senior at Burton High School, where she is an active member of the Burton FFA Chapter. She’s received her FFA Lone Star Degree, and qualified for State in Dairy Judging and Horse Judging. She is a member of Beta Club, as well as Burton 4-H. Kolbie is also the manager for the Burton Volleyball and Softball teams. She volunteers with the Washington County Fair Champion Drive as a Buddy, Blinn S***t Shoot, and serves at the Brazos Valley Food Bank while supporting Burton Bridge Ministry and Hill County Flood Relief.

After high school, Kolbie plans to attend Tarleton State University, where she’ll pursue a degree in nursing, with the end goal of entering an ultrasound technology program. Her favorite thing about being a Heritage Belle was learning about the history of Washington County, and forming many new friendships.

Avari Jayde Oliver, is the daughter of Jacob and April Oliver, and the granddaughter of Marcus & Debbie Oliver, John & E...
02/25/2026

Avari Jayde Oliver, is the daughter of Jacob and April Oliver, and the granddaughter of Marcus & Debbie Oliver, John & Elaine Telge, Darrell Zwahr, and Tricia Zwahr.

Avari is a senior at Brenham High School where she competes on the swim team and recently advanced to Regionals and has been named Academic All-State Honorable Mention, and is active in the theatre department, as well as the school’s art program. She competed in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event competition with her sculptures project. As a member of the Salem 4-H Club, she exhibited rabbits for many years, having rounded out her senior fair participation year winning Grand Champion Pen of Rabbits at the 2025 Washington County Fair.

After high school, she plans to attend Blinn College and earn a business degree. Her favorite thing about being a Heritage Belle was getting to learn and share the rich history of her hometown, Brenham.

Stella Lizbeth Oldham is the daughter of Eric Oldham and Virginia “Jenny” Oldham, and the granddaughter of Robert Bruce ...
02/24/2026

Stella Lizbeth Oldham is the daughter of Eric Oldham and Virginia “Jenny” Oldham, and the granddaughter of Robert Bruce and Doris Harrison.

She is a senior at Bellville High School, where she is a member of National Honor Society, serving as President, while also being active on the Bellville Tennis Team, as well as Theater, Debate, Yearbook Committee, and Student Council. She is a member of the Varsity Tennis Team, where she was named MVP, and currently serves the Senior Class President on Student Council. She is also a Cross Examination Debate State Octofinalist. Stella is a Girl Scout Gold Recipient, as well as being on her Church's Leadership Team. She is a VFW Auxiliary Member, in addition to being a Junior American Legion Member.

After high school, one of Stella’s college choices is Seton Hall University, where she wants to major in Political Science, aiming to attend law school afterward with the goal of becoming a civil rights attorney. Her favorite thing about being a Heritage Belle was getting the opportunity to educate the larger public about our county’s history through the home tours, as well as getting to wear her Belle dress.

Madisyn Lynn Maynard is the daughter of Brian Maynard and Misty Hodde-Maynard, and the granddaughter of Jon and Kim Hodd...
02/24/2026

Madisyn Lynn Maynard is the daughter of Brian Maynard and Misty Hodde-Maynard, and the granddaughter of Jon and Kim Hodde, and the late Becky Maynard.

Madisyn is a Senior at Brenham High School, where she is a National Honor Society member, also taking Blinn Dual-Credit classes, which enabled her to become a Blinn College Phi Theta Kappa member. Through high school Madisyn was a member of the Brenham Anchor Club, as well as Brenham HOSA. She was involved with Brenham volleyball and softball teams, as well as Brazos Valley Teach. Madisyn started and chaired the Sunshine Drive to raise money and collect supplies for the Washington County CPS Rainbow Room. She is also an annual Faith Mission bell volunteer.

After high school, Madisyn will attend Texas A&M University, majoring in Psychology. Her favorite thing about being in Heritage Belles was learning about the rich history of Brenham, and building friendships with other Belles.

Paige Rio Marth is the daughter of Brandon and Kristie Marth, and the granddaughter of Kenneth and Linda Dreyer, and the...
02/23/2026

Paige Rio Marth is the daughter of Brandon and Kristie Marth, and the granddaughter of Kenneth and Linda Dreyer, and the late Ralph and late Elsa Marth.

Paige is a senior at Brenham High School, where she is a member of National Honor Society, as well as a Varsity Cheerleader, where she earned All-American Honors. Throughout her time at BHS, Paige was involved with Brenham Tennis, a member of the Asian Heritage Club, participated with the Ice Cold Steppers, and was honored as a Homecoming Court Candidate this past Fall. She was a Girls State Delegate, a dedicated Brenham Maifest participant, and is a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Paige was named the 156th Washington County Fair Queen in 2024. Also at the Washington County Fair, she served as a Bucket Calf Mentor and a Champion Drive Buddy. Paige was active in the Zionsville 4-H Club, where she served as Reporter, and was also a County Council Delegate and Parliamentarian.

After high school, Paige will continue to cheer at Lubbock Christian University. Her favorite thing about being a Belle was creating lasting memories with her friends.

Another Senior Sunday as we head into Gala week…..Lillie Jean Lehrmann is the daughter of Robert Lehrmann and Jana Hinze...
02/22/2026

Another Senior Sunday as we head into Gala week…..

Lillie Jean Lehrmann is the daughter of Robert Lehrmann and Jana Hinze, and the granddaughter of Bill and the late Dana Cramer, and the late Robert Lehrmann Sr. and the late Anne Lehrmann.

She is a senior at Brenham High School, where she is a member of National Honor Society, and active in the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) Chapter, as well as BHS Student Council. Lillie is a 2 time TAFE State Qualifier, and currently serves as the TAFE Public Relations Officer. She also currently serves as the Senior Class Vice President on the Student Council. Her commitment to service shows in her volunteer work, from caring for kids at ECLC, participating in the inaugural Brenham BIG Event, passing out Brenham Blessings Thanksgiving meals, serving meals at the CASA for Kids Gala, and setting up the BISD Education Foundation Dinner.

After graduation, Lillie plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in Business. Her favorite thing about being a Heritage Belle is getting to watch the Gala happen year after year, loving how it brings the community together for a cause, allowing the seniors’ hard work to be celebrated.

Address

2203 Century Cir
Brenham, TX
77833

Telephone

+19798361690

Website

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