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211 N. Main Street, Farmerville, Louisiana
318-982-8020 [email protected] HOURS: Tue-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays for special events FREE ADMISSION Click button below for YouTube video - "First People of Union Parish" talk by archaeologist Jeff Girard Visit the museum's archaeology website by clicking the second button below |
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The mission of the Union Museum of History and Art is to promote an understanding of history, culture, and art, and to instill a spirit of community pride.
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SEE CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS AT LOWER END OF THIS PAGE
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SEE CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS AT LOWER END OF THIS PAGE
IN REMEMBRANCE
We are sad to announce that museum board member Glenda Henderson passed away on December 23, 2025, at her home in Farmerville. As a vital member of the museum volunteer team, Glenda shared her enthusiasm and talent to countless projects and initiatives. Her friends in the education community and elsewhere will sorely miss Glenda's cheerful demeanor and thoughtful perspective. The entire community grieves this loss.
We are sad to announce that museum board member Glenda Henderson passed away on December 23, 2025, at her home in Farmerville. As a vital member of the museum volunteer team, Glenda shared her enthusiasm and talent to countless projects and initiatives. Her friends in the education community and elsewhere will sorely miss Glenda's cheerful demeanor and thoughtful perspective. The entire community grieves this loss.
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Together, we achieve more! --
Museum launches Friend of the Museum drive Union Museum of History and Art - Discovery Place depends on the public for support in order to continue serving the people of this community. Put simply, we need a little help from our friends. We ask that you give a gift to your community this season by making a tax-deductible donation to the Museum. Gifts of any amounts are welcome! Are welcome to designate your gift in memory of a loved one. Below are the levels of giving to be an official Friend of the Museum: $100 Bronze $250 Silver $500 Gold $1000 Platinum $1500 Champion $3000 Patron $5000 Benefactor You may send a check to the museum at 211 N. Main St., Farmerville, LA 71241. OR, to make your donation via credit card, click on the red “DONATE” button at upper right of this page. CLICK HERE FOR A DONATION FORM with more information. THANK YOU! |
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"Vintage Threads" ends Wednesday
The unique "Vintage Threads" exhibit, featuring historic garments spanning nearly 200 years, will end its run Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 5 p.m. in the Union Museum of History and Art.
Collector Hayley Jinks, who has loaned her array of women's clothing and accessories, says she hopes to "help people see the past in the same vibrant colors the people then saw, the same colors we see today, rather than the austere black and white of old photos. Each of these garments has a story to tell. They are snapshots of specific moments in history, but, more importantly, they are snapshots into the lives and individual styles of the people that wore them.”
Admission is free. For more information, call 318-982-8020 or visit www.UnionMuseumofHistoryandArt.org.
The unique "Vintage Threads" exhibit, featuring historic garments spanning nearly 200 years, will end its run Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 5 p.m. in the Union Museum of History and Art.
Collector Hayley Jinks, who has loaned her array of women's clothing and accessories, says she hopes to "help people see the past in the same vibrant colors the people then saw, the same colors we see today, rather than the austere black and white of old photos. Each of these garments has a story to tell. They are snapshots of specific moments in history, but, more importantly, they are snapshots into the lives and individual styles of the people that wore them.”
Admission is free. For more information, call 318-982-8020 or visit www.UnionMuseumofHistoryandArt.org.
GSU professor to discuss Underground Railroad quilts Feb. 7
Dr. Ellen D. Smiley, professor of education at Grambling State University, will present a program entitled “The Underground Railroad: Messages in Quilts,” on Saturday, February 7, at 10 a.m. in the Union Museum of History and Art, 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. Dr. Smiley will show and explain images of the many patterns sewn into quilts to assist enslaved people to escape through the clandestine network called the Underground Railroad during pre-Civil War days. Such quilts would be hung outside on clothes lines or window sills, giving coded messages to the runaways. One such pattern was the log cabin, which told travelers, “This is a safe place to stay.”
A replica Underground Railroad quilt made by Dency Blackmon will be on hand for viewing at the program.
In addition to her professorship, Dr. Smiley is Dean of the Earl Lester Cole Honors College at Grambling State University.
Dr. Ellen D. Smiley, professor of education at Grambling State University, will present a program entitled “The Underground Railroad: Messages in Quilts,” on Saturday, February 7, at 10 a.m. in the Union Museum of History and Art, 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. Dr. Smiley will show and explain images of the many patterns sewn into quilts to assist enslaved people to escape through the clandestine network called the Underground Railroad during pre-Civil War days. Such quilts would be hung outside on clothes lines or window sills, giving coded messages to the runaways. One such pattern was the log cabin, which told travelers, “This is a safe place to stay.”
A replica Underground Railroad quilt made by Dency Blackmon will be on hand for viewing at the program.
In addition to her professorship, Dr. Smiley is Dean of the Earl Lester Cole Honors College at Grambling State University.
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New "Eyewitness to History" video premieres
Cleo Gatson and Tom "Tuffy" Fields, both lifetime residents of Union Parish, are featured in the latest "Eyewitness to History" video created by the Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville. The video, which premiered December 4, features Fields and Gatson discussing the earliest days of integration at Farmerville High School, 1968-69. To view the video, entitled "The Times, They Were A-Changin'," go to the museum's You Tube channel or use this link: https://youtu.be/CAhMOEFcH60 The documentary was filmed at the old Farmerville High School on September 19, 2025, as the two men shared their thoughts about those long-ago days when they were teenagers. Carter Carroll of ReCollect Media shot and edited the video, preparing it for public viewing. This is the third in a series of "Eyewitness to History" videos created by the Union Museum of History and Art to document memoirs of local individuals who have been part of historic events. All of the videos can be accessed on the museum's You Tube channel. The first interview, with 102 year-old Mrs. Ida Belle Albritton, is also viewable on the museum's You Tube channel. Mrs. Albritton recalls her experiences as a young bride and mother during World War II, and other experiences in her lifetime. The second video features Brenda Hobson Abercrombie, current member of the Union Parish Police Jury, and Doris Redden Kyle Russell, who served on the Police Jury in the 1960s and '70s. They are the only women ever elected to the Union Parish Police Jury. In the video, the two discuss why they entered public service, their challenges, and accomplishments. ******* PHOTO: Cleo Fields (left) and Tom "Tuffy" Fields during the video shooting session on September 19 on the grounds of the old Farmerville High School, where the two attended in the 1960s. |
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Hide tanning class slated January 31
Ron Butler (aka Buckskin Billy) will teach a class on hide tanning on Saturday, January 31, at the Union Museum of History and Art-Discovery Place, 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. The class will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 12 p.m. Fee is $20. To register, contact the museum at 318-982-8020 or [email protected]
Butler is an experienced tanner who uses hides to make useful items like knife sheaths and moccasins. Class participants will get hands-on experience in scraping raw hides, soaking in solution, and other preparatory steps. The class will be conducted outside, so participants should dress accordingly.
This event is part of the ongoing series of Folkcraft classes presented by the museum to keep alive traditional pioneer skills.
Ron Butler (aka Buckskin Billy) will teach a class on hide tanning on Saturday, January 31, at the Union Museum of History and Art-Discovery Place, 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. The class will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 12 p.m. Fee is $20. To register, contact the museum at 318-982-8020 or [email protected]
Butler is an experienced tanner who uses hides to make useful items like knife sheaths and moccasins. Class participants will get hands-on experience in scraping raw hides, soaking in solution, and other preparatory steps. The class will be conducted outside, so participants should dress accordingly.
This event is part of the ongoing series of Folkcraft classes presented by the museum to keep alive traditional pioneer skills.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
January 6 - 28 --- "Vintage Threads," exhibit of period clothing from the collection of Hayley Jinks. Free admission.
January 31, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. --- Folkcraft class: Hide-tanning. Taught by Ron Butler (aka Buckskin Billy). Pre-register at 318-982-8020 or [email protected]. $20 fee
February 3-27 -- "Stitches in Time" exhibit of antique sewing machines from the collection of Tara Best. (Opening reception on Feb. 3, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
February 7, 10 a.m. – “The Underground Railroad: Messages Hidden in Quilts,” talk by Dr. Ellen Smiley, Professor of Education, Grambling State University
February 17, 5:30 p.m. --- Tara Best will discuss her collection of antique sewing machines
February 26, 5:30 p.m. --- "Projectile Points" talk by James Starnes, geologist, Mississippi Dept. of Environmental Quality. (D’Arbonne Digger meeting at 4 p.m.)
March 18-April 2 -- Exhibit by the local Future Farmers of America chapter. (Opening reception on March 19, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
April 9-May 13 -- “Celebrate America” exhibit of paintings by artist Tina Bailey Roush. (Opening reception on April 9, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
April --- (date not set) Union Parish Joy Ride historical tour
May 26-June 26 – “Fantastic Visions”, exhibit of fantasy works by area artists. (Opening reception on May 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
January 6 - 28 --- "Vintage Threads," exhibit of period clothing from the collection of Hayley Jinks. Free admission.
January 31, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. --- Folkcraft class: Hide-tanning. Taught by Ron Butler (aka Buckskin Billy). Pre-register at 318-982-8020 or [email protected]. $20 fee
February 3-27 -- "Stitches in Time" exhibit of antique sewing machines from the collection of Tara Best. (Opening reception on Feb. 3, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
February 7, 10 a.m. – “The Underground Railroad: Messages Hidden in Quilts,” talk by Dr. Ellen Smiley, Professor of Education, Grambling State University
February 17, 5:30 p.m. --- Tara Best will discuss her collection of antique sewing machines
February 26, 5:30 p.m. --- "Projectile Points" talk by James Starnes, geologist, Mississippi Dept. of Environmental Quality. (D’Arbonne Digger meeting at 4 p.m.)
March 18-April 2 -- Exhibit by the local Future Farmers of America chapter. (Opening reception on March 19, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
April 9-May 13 -- “Celebrate America” exhibit of paintings by artist Tina Bailey Roush. (Opening reception on April 9, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
April --- (date not set) Union Parish Joy Ride historical tour
May 26-June 26 – “Fantastic Visions”, exhibit of fantasy works by area artists. (Opening reception on May 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
Board of Directors
Union Museum of History and Art
Mary Barrios
Dawn Frasier
Pam Gale Hallman
Ramsey Hallman
Lesa W. Lawrence, Ph.D.
Richard Royal
Jamie Taylor
Brittany Unkel
Museum Director
Vickie L. Wheelis, Ed.D.
Union Museum of History and Art
Mary Barrios
Dawn Frasier
Pam Gale Hallman
Ramsey Hallman
Lesa W. Lawrence, Ph.D.
Richard Royal
Jamie Taylor
Brittany Unkel
Museum Director
Vickie L. Wheelis, Ed.D.
The Museum is forever indebted to the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce, which began the museum idea as a special study project in 2011. The Chamber's Board of Directors enabled the concept to become a reality, and launched the Union Museum of History and Art as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2014. For its first five years, the Museum was housed in the Chamber of Commerce building. In March 2020, it moved into the building at 211 N. Main St. , Farmerville, thanks to the generosity of the building owners Paul and Kelly Coburn. With the help of community financial supporters and Capital Outlay funds from the State of Louisiana, the museum board of directors purchased the building in August 2025.