VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents a MFAH Friday-Saturday Lecture: Unprecedented Power: Jesse Jones, Capitalism, and the Common Good + The Audrey Jones Beck Connection, Friday, January 13, 1:30 pm (repeated on Saturday, January 14, 4 pm). Presented by author Steven Fenberg.

Jesse Jones—Houston’s preeminent developer during the first half of the 20th century—became the most powerful person in the nation next to President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression and World War II. As chairman of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, Jones saved farms, homes, banks, and businesses; built infrastructure; set the price of gold with FDR each morning in the president’s bedroom; and in the process made a substantial profit for the government.

Then Jones and Roosevelt turned the RFC’s focus from domestic economics to global defense in time to fight and win World War II. According to Unprecedented Power, Jones recognized that he would prosper only if his local and national community thrived, a belief that directed him to combine capitalism and public service to strengthen his community, restore his country, and save nations.

In writing the comprehensive biography of this imposing figure, Steven Fenberg had unrestricted access to the collections of Houston Endowment—the philanthropic foundation established by Jesse and Mary Gibbs Jones in 1937—and utilized the archives of the Library of Congress, the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, the Houston Public Library, and an impressive array of other sources. Fenberg’s close friendship with Audrey Jones Beck, the Joneses's granddaughter, gave him unusual insight into their lives.

As U.S. society grapples today with economic recovery, the role of government, and reliance on other nations for vital resources, Unprecedented Power offers a fascinating and timely historical perspective. At these lectures, Fenberg speaks about his new book and his association with devoted MFAH patron and benefactor Audrey Jones Beck. A book signing follows each lecture.

Lectures are open to the public and free with general museum admission. MFAH Members always receive free admission. Seating is limited. A reception to meet the speaker and a docent-led tour follow each lecture.