New Exhibit at Garland City Hall Showcases Texas Tradition, History and Allure of Homecoming Mums

Garland's Heritage Crossing is excited to present the traveling exhibit MUMENTOUS: Football, Glue Guns, Moms and a Super-Sized High School Tradition Born Deep in the Heart of Texas.

The free exhibit in the lobby at Garland City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St., opens Saturday, Aug. 10, and runs through Oct. 12. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Hosted in partnership with the Texas Lakes Trail Region, the exhibit explores a unique and ubiquitous aspect of Texas history and culture found in the traditions that surround high school homecoming mums.

Other events that will coincide with the exhibit include mum and garter-making clinics, homecoming film series and a book signing by author Amy Schultz. Go to VisitGarlandTX.com for a detailed look at all of the events.

MUMENTOUS explores the evolution of Texas high school homecoming mums from their humble beginnings in the 1920s through today's highly varied practices. The exhibit's photography and narratives touch on a number of topics including the emergence of high school football, fan and pop culture, the DIY movement, entrepreneurship and women as tradition-keepers.

On exhibit will be mums from all seven Garland Independent School District high schools, local high school memorabilia and photos from the Garland Landmark Museum Archive.

"This is an exhibit for all Texans," said Kim Nurmi, Heritage Crossing Manager. "Those born and raised will enjoy a deep dive into their own high school traditions and those who came to Texas later in life will finally be able to understand the why of homecoming mums!"

The exhibit is based on research for Schultz's 2023 book "MUMENTOUS: Original Photos and Mostly True Stories About Football, Glue Guns, Moms, and a Super-Sized High School Tradition That Was Born Deep in the Heart of Texas."

"While the mum is a stunning visual in and of itself, it's the evolution of the mum tradition that really makes it come to life," said Schultz. "Throughout my research, I discovered just how powerful, funny, personal and utterly relatable mums can be. This is particularly true when you look at mums through the lenses of the kids who wear them, the schools and towns that provide the platform for the tradition, and the women who protect and defend it."

Upcoming MUMENTOUS events:

• 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 - Your Grandmother's Mum, Rowlett Florist, 513 State St., $5
• 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 - Build Your Mum, Epiphany Gallery, 622 W. State St., $50
• 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 - "American Graffiti" on the big screen of the Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St., free
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 - Homecoming Mum Master Class, City Hall, 200 N. State St.

For the full list, details and to register, go to VisitGarlandTX.com/MUMENTOUS.

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