History of Bayou Bend Intimately Tied to Resident of The Buckingham

A few miles from The Buckingham senior living community sits one of Houston’s cultural treasures — Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. The former home of Ima Hogg, philanthropist and daughter of the first native-born governor of Texas, Jim Hogg, Bayou Bend houses one of the foremost collections of paintings and American decor in the country.

In 1966, Ima officially dedicated the residence and its accompanying 14 acres to The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFHA). That year, Betsy Ache, now a resident at The Buckingham, became one of only a handful of applicants to pass the museum’s rigorous training program.

“I was already a docent for a few years at The Museum of Fine Arts,” said Betsy. “I went to a Junior League luncheon where there was a presentation on the house. My mother encouraged me to enroll, so I did.”

In 2016, Betsy was the first docent to reach 50 years of service and was appropriately honored with a gold butterfly pin — a favorite of Ima’s. Today, she continues to act as a special docent for unique celebrations and occasions.

Whether through excursions to places like MFAH, or the on-site creative arts studio, The Buckingham is proud to whet residents’ cultural appetite.