Heritage Society of Washington County

03/02/2025

02/25/2025

Ayden Rose Wiesepape of Brenham is the daughter of Mark and Kristin Wiesepape.  Her grandparents are Betty and Martin Wiesepape, Janice Hall, and the late William C. Hall.  Ayden is a senior student at Brenham High School where she enjoys participating in the Brenham Belles Dance Team.  The springtime celebration of Maifest is also a yearly community activity that is dear to her heart.  After graduation, Ayden plans to attend Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in Animal Science.  Ayden will cherish her time as a Heritage Belle, especially giving tours, learning the history of the mansion, and wearing her Heritage Belle dress.

02/23/2025

Morgan Nicole Westerfield is the daughter of Chad and Shae Westerfeld.  Her grandparents are Fred and Debra Westerfeld, Gary and Betty Haevischer, and the late Judy Haevischer.  As a Brenham High School senior, Morgan participates in FFA serving as Treasurer and Brenham High School Cheer with a leadership position as Cheer Spirit Coordinator   Morgan has been honored as UCA Cheer All American and is a member of the National Honor Society. Her community service activities include Brenham FFA Adopt-A-Highway, Toys for Tots Toy Drive, BMs Garden Club, Adam’s Angels Ministry, Blue Bell Fun Run, and Co-Founder/Mentor of Brenham Middle School’s Garden Club.  Morgan is also active in the Prairie Hill 4-H Club, serving as Vice-President.  Her college and career plans are to attend Texas A&M University and earn a degree in Landscape Architecture. Morgan enjoys celebrating the seniors at the gala each year and raising money to help share the history of Washington County.

02/22/2025

One of our Freshman Heritage Belles, Harper Huckert, making the dessert of the month delivery to Must Be Heaven.

Dessert of the month for a year will be one of our live auction items again, at this year’s Gala on March 1st.

02/21/2025

Makenzie Lee Wehmeyer is the daughter of Brandon and Brandie Wehmeyer.  Her grandparents are David and Pam Wehmeyer and Sammy and Brenda Sorsby.  Throughout high school, Makenzie has focused on playing volleyball for Skyline, Brazos Valley Juniors, and Aggieland Panthers.  She has been honored to be selected as team captain for both Skyline and Brazos Valley Clubs.  Showing goats and commercial pens of heifers in the Washington County 4-H program is a testament to Makenzie’s work ethic and leadership. She was awarded Grand Champion Goat and Reserve Grand Champion Pen of Commercial Heifers at the Washington County Fair.  Makenzie’s community service activities include being a Champion Drive Volunteer which provides special needs children the opportunity to show animals at the fair, Beloved and Beyond, a mission trip to a New Mexico Indian Reservation, and providing tours of historic homes in Washington County.  After graduation, Makenzie will attend Charles and Sue’s School of Hair Design to pursue her interest as a hair stylist and lash artist.  She enjoyed being a Heritage Belle and felt being able to educate people on the history of our community was an honor.  Tours at the mansion were always the most fun.

02/20/2025

GET EXCITED! Tomorrow is the last day to purchase your tickets or table to our 2025 gala!

02/19/2025

Ellie Brooke Van D**e is the daughter of Jarvis and Christy Van D**e.  Her grandparents are Sally Van D**e and the late Eddie Van D**e, and Jack and Cindy Cherry. During Ellie’s high school career in Brenham, she has been honored as Prom Sophomore Server, All District Academic Volleyball, Distinguished Honor Roll, Girls’ State Nominee, and Homecoming Court Candidate. Ellie’s extra-curricular activities include National Honor Society, volleyball, Anchor Club, HOSA, and Heritage Belles. Ellie has a heart for community service as she participates in the Boys and Girls Club, Feed His People, Maifest, Blue Bell Fun Run, and BHS Blood Drive. Ellie’s post high school goals are to attend Texas A&M University and major in Kinesiology. What Ellie liked most about being a Heritage Belle was learning about our local history while spending time with friends.

02/19/2025

This beauty is an original, hand-forged 5160 knife with a stunning Russian Olive wood handle created by Shon and Carter Callahan with 4C Forge. The Christian cross and shield pin add to the sentimental value. This mid-size knife is ideal for hunting or every day carry. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind knife crafted by our own local artisans to treasure for years to come. This and other great items will be up for auction at our annual Gala on March 1!

02/18/2025

Graceyn Elyse Stroech is the daughter of Lucas and Chris Ann Stroech. Her grandparents are Tom and Lynda Henry, Bruce and Carobeth Bockhorn, and Gary and Karen Stroech. As a Brenham High School senior, Graceyn has received many awards and honors including National Honor Society, AP Scholar Award, Distinguished Honor Roll, Texas Senate Page, and Girls’ State Nominee. Extracurricular activities and community service are important to Graceyn. She is a member of the Brenham Belles Dance Team, a competition dancer with Center Stage Dance Studio Elite, a Center Stage teacher and choreographer, a member of BHS National Honor Society, and a member of First United Methodist Church, where she is a Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School and church volunteer. Graceyn’s college and career plans include attending either Auburn or Texas A&M Universities to receive a degree in Architecture. Graceyn feels Heritage Belles was an amazing experience. Her favorite part of being a Belle was the opportunity to be a tour guide for the historical homes. As a tour guide, she met people eager to learn more about Washington County’s history. Seeing the way their faces light up over the facts I shared, or the little things I pointed out that were special to each house, was always so rewarding.

02/17/2025

Bailey Ann Stegint is the daughter of Michael and Laurie Stegint. Her grandparents are Beverly Mckee, Cathy Stegint, and Jim Minear. Bailey is a successful Brenham High School Senior. She participates in Student Council, FFA, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has received recognition as HEB Scholar of the Week and Academic All District. Bailey is a member of the Bluebonnet 4-H Club. Her community service volunteer activities include the Washington County Fair Champion Drive, Adam’s Angels Ministry, and Toys for Tots Toy Drive. After graduation, Bailey will attend Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School to pursue an Accounting Degree. Sharing the history of our community with people who come from countless different places was always something Bailey enjoyed.

02/14/2025

Addison Mclayne Smith is the daughter of Steven and Rebecca Smith. She is the granddaughter of Jerry and Connie Kmiec and Carolyn and the late Gary Hilgen. While in high school, Addison was honored to participate in National Honors Society, perform two years in State Solo and Ensemble, be a Women’s Chorus Class Representative, nominee for Girls’ State, and the Treasurer Council Delegate for Bluebonnet 4H. Addison participated in Varsity Chorale, Brenham Cubette Softball, Bluebonnet 4H, the Texas Association of Future Educators and Girl Scouts. Addison has volunteered within the community through St. Stanislaus CCE Teaching Assistant, a Washington County Fair Champion Drive Mentor, Chappell Hill Fire Department Festival Volunteer, and the City of Brenham Breakfast with Santa Volunteer. Addison is also a choir member of St. Stanislaus. Addison plans to attend Blinn College and then transfer to either Texas State or Sam Houston University. She wants to major in education to become a teacher. Addison’s favorite part of being a Heritage Belle was getting to learn more about the heritage and history of Washington County by giving tours of the Giddings Stone Mansion, Giddings-Wilken House and Independence.

02/11/2025

Kailyn Marie Shugart is the daughter of Kristy Shugart and Christopher Shugart. She is the granddaughter of Danny and Kay Brown and Phillip and Lori Yates. Kailyn is a four-time UCA All American/UCA Staff Nominee. She is the recipient of the Rural and State Academic Award. She was a member of the Brenham High School Homecoming Court, Girls’ State Nominee and Sophomore Server. Kailyn participates in Student Council, HOSA, and National Honor Society Member of which she is the Relations Officer. Kailyn is the Executive Captain for Brenham Cheer, and she has been a four-year Brenham Cheerleader. In Heritage Belles, Kailyn led the Belles as Historian her Junior year and President her Senior year. She volunteers in the community with the Boys and Girls Club Halloween Trunk or Treat and the KBTX Food Drive. Kailyn plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in Biomedical Science. Kailyn’s favorite part about the Heritage Belles is the opportunity to connect with her community and bond with the other Belles.

02/08/2025

Join us for our spring fundraising gala. The last day to purchase a table or tickets is Friday, February 21st. Purchases can be made at www.giddingsstonemansion.com

02/08/2025

Bonnie Leigh Meredith is the daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Bill Meredith, Jr and Stephanie Meredith. She is the granddaughter of Doug and Margaret Danforth, and Suzanne Meredith and Bill and Erica Meredith. Bonnie is a proud recipient of the American Classical League- National Latin Exam Magna Cume Laude. She plays piano and tennis. She is a member of 4H and the Children of the American Revolution (CAR). Bonnie participates in CAR, Wreaths Across America, Meals on Wheels, Toys for Tots, and Texas Brigades Promotions and Educational Presentations. Bonnie wants to major in classics and will be attending Samford University. Her favorite things about being a Heritage Belle was learning the mansion’s history and passing on the information through being a docent at the Giddings Stone Mansion. She adores the old architecture, interesting designs and fun little facts she shares with visitors that help to foster a deeper appreciation for America’s rich history.

02/06/2025

Join us for our spring gala on March 1st. Royers will be serving beef tenderloin medallions with grilled onions, Swiss jalapeño cheese grits, salad and cobbler for dessert.

02/05/2025

Avery Grace Maurer is the daughter of Wesley and Jamie Maurer. She is the granddaughter of Jimmie and Barbara Maurer and Otto and Thana Kemper. Avery earned First Team All-District and First Team Academic All-District for softball the last three years; she is a Brenham High School Homecoming Court Nominee, and Sophomore Server. Avery is a four-year Varsity Softball player, and she also played Freshman and JV Volleyball. Avery is a member of Washington County 4H, Brenham High School Student Council, and National Honors Society. She is an active member of Salem Lutheran Church, and she volunteers with Woodmen Life, Boys and Girls Club, Blue Bell Fun Run and Champion Drive. Avery plans to attend Sam Houston University where she will play softball and major in Health Science. Avery’s favorite part of being a Heritage Belle is the ability to experience and learn about the history of Washington County. She also loves celebrating with the Gala at the end of each year!

02/03/2025

Samantha Jo Mahlmann is the daughter of Gregory and Catherine Mahlmann.  She is the granddaughter of Edward and Joan Leiker and Dennis and Verdell Mahlmann.  Samantha is a member of National Honor Society, Brenham FFA, Salem 4H, Washington County Fair Bucket Calf Program and the Washington County Fair Champion Drive.  While in high school, Samantha was awarded the Washington County Fair Calf Scramble Certificate winner for two years and the Houston Calf Scramble Certificate winner for two years.  Samantha enjoys helping the community through Brenham FFA Adopt-A-Highway.  She plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in Architecture.

01/31/2025

Rachel Ann Lawrence is the daughter of Stephen and Cristy Lawrence. She is the granddaughter of Sherry and Jim Cattan and Phillis and Edmund Lawrence. Rachel is a member of National Honor Society, a Girls’ State Nominee, and recipient of the Golden Star Award. During her time at Brenham High School, Rachel has participated in cheer, National Honor Society, and Young Life. She attends Brenham First Baptist Church. Within the community, Rachel has helped with Brazos Valley Food Drive, Feed the People, Operation Christmas Child, Camp for All and Maifest. Rachel plants to attend Baylor University and major in Finance. Rachel’s favorite part of being a Heritage Belle was being able to pick out the color and design of her heritage dress. She also enjoys being able to learn about life at the Gidding’s Stone Mansion.