Hometown Heroes: Lesleigh and Josh Morton


By Joan Frances –

Josh and Lesleigh Morton. Photo by Carlino’s Photography.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) at Sugar Land is dedicated to educating the community with a treasure trove of amazing science exhibits. The building that hosts these breathtaking exhibits was once the Main Unit of the Central State Prison Farm and is featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Volunteers, committed to making the museum a continued success, assist with the museum’s operation. Two devoted individuals who work tirelessly to continue educating the residents of Sugar Land are Lesleigh and Josh Morton.

Lesleigh was born and raised in Sugar Land and has been an Assistant District Attorney with the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office for almost eight years. Josh is from Dallas, has been a commercial real estate attorney for almost 14 years, and manages his own private law practice, Morton Law Office, PLLC, based in Sugar Land. The couple have been married for four years. They moved from Houston to Fort Bend County to be closer to Lesleigh’s work and family, as well as to enjoy the local quality of life.

Lesleigh has been a member of the Junior Service League of Houston since 2010.  Growing up, she had fond memories of visiting the museum’s main campus in Houston, and in 2015, she was delighted to have the opportunity to select its Sugar Land location as her primary placement at which to volunteer. “HMNS is a tremendous asset to the community,” shared Lesleigh.  “It promotes science education for all ages, including permanent exhibits on life science, earth science, space science, paleontology, physics and more. It also features several exciting special attractions and hosts a variety of special and members-only events each year. The museum also operates as a gorgeous venue for weddings, corporate events and children’s birthday parties.” After a few months, Josh saw how much fun she was having and with Lesleigh’s encouragement, decided to join her at the museum as a docent. They are currently in their third year of service.

Lesleigh and Josh Morton.

Lesleigh and Josh are dedicated to the volunteer work they do for the museum. Their hours vary depending on their respective work schedules. On average they each volunteer approximately six to eight hours per month. “We have each been trained as touch-cart docents for various permanent exhibitions including life science, earth science and paleontology, as well as special attractions such as the microscope lab,” said Josh.  “We believe strongly in the museum’s mission to promote science education, enjoy its family-friendly approach and love having the opportunity to interact in a meaningful way with the Fort Bend County community!”

In addition to their work as docents, they also regularly volunteer at the museum’s special events. Lesleigh said, “Some of our favorite events include the museum’s annual Haunted House event for Halloween and annual Cookies with Santa and Jingle Tree auction events for Christmas. We even had the opportunity to decorate a tree to be auctioned at last year’s Jingle Tree event.”

The people Lesleigh and Josh work with are equally devoted.  “Everyone is truly wonderful – the staff, the other volunteers and the patrons,” shared the couple.  “HMNS is a singular organization, and we are proud to consider ourselves part of the museum family as volunteers. We have built many lasting friendships and learned a great deal through our work at the museum.”

Kavita Self, HMNS’s program manager, said, “Lesleigh and Josh are wonderful volunteers.  Their energy is contagious. They are an asset to the museum, and we are so fortunate to have them working with us.”

Thank you Lesleigh and Josh for your continued commitment to education and the success of the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Sugar Land.