Garland, TX: Mama exhibit explains history of Texas tradition

GARLAND, Texas – “Mum” is the word in Garland’s latest exhibit, which celebrates a homecoming tradition that originated deep in the heart of Texas.

The exhibition MUMENTOUS explores the 100-year tradition of mothers and shows how they became a popular festive part of the Texas homecoming party.

The exhibition's photographs and narratives touch on many topics, including the emergence of high school football, fan and pop culture, the DIY movement, entrepreneurship, and women as guardians of traditions.

The free exhibit will be on display at Garland City Hall through October 12.

There will also be events such as mother and garter making classes, a homecoming film series and a book signing by author Amy Schultz. A full list of events can be found online here.

The Mama exhibition is based on research from Schultz's 2023 book MUMENTOUS: Original photos and mostly true stories about football, glue guns, moms, and a huge high school tradition born deep in the heart of Texas.

“In my research, I discovered how powerful, funny, personal and totally relatable mothers can be,” Schultz said.

Back in the day, a homecoming mom was a simple corsage for homecoming or even prom. But today, homecoming moms have taken on a life of their own.

In October 2023, Lewisville High School broke the Guinness World Record for the largest chrysanthemum. It took nine weeks to complete, the chrysanthemum was 300 square feet in size, and the base alone was 8 feet wide. The record-breaking chrysanthemum was created to mark the school's 125th anniversary.