Timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, the San Jacinto Day Dinner gathered history buffs, philanthropists, and community leaders for an evening of reflection and celebration at the Houston Country Club.

As the San Jacinto Museum’s largest annual fundraiser, the April dinner set a new record, raising more than $300,000 in support of the museum’s operations and educational programming.

The evening honored two standout contributors to Texas historical preservation. Brandon Seale received the inaugural Brandon Seale Award, which recognized his impactful work in sharing Texas stories through writing, scholarship, and public history. Seale also delivered the evening’s keynote, offering thoughtful insight into the forces that shaped the state, blending humor, historical depth, and storytelling to forge a compelling connection between past and present.

The Pitt Family was also celebrated for their enduring support of the museum and their commitment to preserving the state’s historical legacy. Their recognition underscored the importance of ongoing efforts to protect and promote Texas’ complex narrative.

Among those in attendance were Coble Jorgensen, Mike Lamb, Nancy Burch, Sarah J. Pitt, Sarita and Jake Francis, Allegra and Hunter Hawkins, Stephen Pitt Jr., Stephen Pitt Sr., Katie and Paul Barnhart, Anne and Stephen Brollier, Mia Brous, Kimberly and Austin Davis, Rachel and Austin Gilbert, Windi and David Grimes, Coble and Jeff Jorgensen, Lisa and Will Mathis, Kathleen and Townes Pressler, and Carson and Arthur Seelingson.

  

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

The Pitt Family (Sarita Francis , Stephen Pitt, Sr , Stephen Pitt, Jr, and Allegra Hawkins) with Mike Lamb and Sarita Hixon.