211 N. Main Street, Farmerville, Louisiana
318-982-8020 unionmuseum@gmail.com HOURS: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday 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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Museum reveals state funding, building plans
Union Museum of History and Art announces that it will receive $500,000 in state Capital Outlay funding. The state funds, coupled with the Museum’s required match of $125,000, will be used to purchase the building at 211 N. Main Street in Farmerville in late 2024, and to then renovate the exterior and interior. Mary Barrios, chairman of the Museum’s board of directors, made the announcement to community leaders and news media Tuesday, and revealed an architect’s rendering of the renovated building as it will be viewed from the street.
The Capital Outlay funding request was submitted to the Louisiana Legislature in 2022, and was supported by Sen. Stewart Cathey and Rep. Chris Turner during the entire review process. “Representative Turner and I have worked hard to deliver funding for all of Union Parish, and I’m honored to be able to include the Union Museum of History and Art on that list,” said Sen. Cathey. “The staff and volunteers at the museum do a great job, and I’m proud to play a small role in its success.”
Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix and Hixson engineering firm in Ruston initiated the project planning in 2022. Building renovation plans were drawn up by TBA Studio Architecture in Monroe, and include creation of an outdoor stage for public performances, beautification of the exterior, improved parking and signage, interior museum-quality lighting, display areas, archives, and handicapped-accessible restrooms.
“We are excited to receive this funding and what this will mean to secure the future of our museum,” stated Mary Barrios, board president. “We thank Sen. Cathey and Rep Turner for their leadership and support in securing the Capital Outlay funding and look forward to sharing this expanded and renovated space with our community to continue the quality programming the museum is known for providing.”
“Senator Cathey and I are proud to have worked to secure funding for The Union Museum of History and Art,” said Representative Turner. “The museum staff works tirelessly to share great examples of the history and beginnings of Union Parish and North Louisiana. The quality of the activities and exhibits the museum shares with our area is second to none. “
The Museum launched a Building Fund campaign in 2021, with the goal of purchasing the building early in 2025. “We are so grateful to the donors who caught the vision of what this museum could do for our community. Because of their generosity, we can meet the required match of $125,000 for this state funding opportunity to not only acquire the building, but also transform it into a spectacular community center,” said Jean Jones, board member and programs coordinator. A key element of the fundraising campaign is the tile wall project, where individuals can purchase a marble or granite tile and have it engraved with their own wording, said Jones. Tiles are still available at levels of $750, $2000, and $5000. (SEE STORY, BELOW)A
For more information, call the Museum at 318-982-8020.
Union Museum of History and Art announces that it will receive $500,000 in state Capital Outlay funding. The state funds, coupled with the Museum’s required match of $125,000, will be used to purchase the building at 211 N. Main Street in Farmerville in late 2024, and to then renovate the exterior and interior. Mary Barrios, chairman of the Museum’s board of directors, made the announcement to community leaders and news media Tuesday, and revealed an architect’s rendering of the renovated building as it will be viewed from the street.
The Capital Outlay funding request was submitted to the Louisiana Legislature in 2022, and was supported by Sen. Stewart Cathey and Rep. Chris Turner during the entire review process. “Representative Turner and I have worked hard to deliver funding for all of Union Parish, and I’m honored to be able to include the Union Museum of History and Art on that list,” said Sen. Cathey. “The staff and volunteers at the museum do a great job, and I’m proud to play a small role in its success.”
Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix and Hixson engineering firm in Ruston initiated the project planning in 2022. Building renovation plans were drawn up by TBA Studio Architecture in Monroe, and include creation of an outdoor stage for public performances, beautification of the exterior, improved parking and signage, interior museum-quality lighting, display areas, archives, and handicapped-accessible restrooms.
“We are excited to receive this funding and what this will mean to secure the future of our museum,” stated Mary Barrios, board president. “We thank Sen. Cathey and Rep Turner for their leadership and support in securing the Capital Outlay funding and look forward to sharing this expanded and renovated space with our community to continue the quality programming the museum is known for providing.”
“Senator Cathey and I are proud to have worked to secure funding for The Union Museum of History and Art,” said Representative Turner. “The museum staff works tirelessly to share great examples of the history and beginnings of Union Parish and North Louisiana. The quality of the activities and exhibits the museum shares with our area is second to none. “
The Museum launched a Building Fund campaign in 2021, with the goal of purchasing the building early in 2025. “We are so grateful to the donors who caught the vision of what this museum could do for our community. Because of their generosity, we can meet the required match of $125,000 for this state funding opportunity to not only acquire the building, but also transform it into a spectacular community center,” said Jean Jones, board member and programs coordinator. A key element of the fundraising campaign is the tile wall project, where individuals can purchase a marble or granite tile and have it engraved with their own wording, said Jones. Tiles are still available at levels of $750, $2000, and $5000. (SEE STORY, BELOW)A
For more information, call the Museum at 318-982-8020.

Oratory competition planned for youth ages 13 to 21
Union Parish youth ages 13 to 21 are invited to enter the oratory competition to be held in the Union Museum of History and Art on November 11, at 1 p.m. The event, open to the public, will feature speeches of John F. Kennedy. First place winners in two age divisions will receive $500 scholarships; second place winners will receive $250. Judges for the competition will be Megan Smith, Louisiana Tech University, Debate Coach, School of Communication; Dr. Judith Roberts, Louisiana Tech University Associate Professor of Communication & Media Studies; Michael LeBlanc, Louisiana Tech University Instructor, Communication & Media Studies.
Entrants must pre-register by Nov. 10.
Click button below for complete rules and registration form.
Union Parish youth ages 13 to 21 are invited to enter the oratory competition to be held in the Union Museum of History and Art on November 11, at 1 p.m. The event, open to the public, will feature speeches of John F. Kennedy. First place winners in two age divisions will receive $500 scholarships; second place winners will receive $250. Judges for the competition will be Megan Smith, Louisiana Tech University, Debate Coach, School of Communication; Dr. Judith Roberts, Louisiana Tech University Associate Professor of Communication & Media Studies; Michael LeBlanc, Louisiana Tech University Instructor, Communication & Media Studies.
Entrants must pre-register by Nov. 10.
Click button below for complete rules and registration form.
"International Tasting Tour" a hit with crowd
Some 330 people enjoyed the museum's gala fundraiser event, the 2023 International Tasting Tour, on Thursday, September 21, in the Willie Davis Recreation Center in Farmerville. All proceeds will help the Union Museum of History and Art to further its mission in the community. We send a huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported, attended, cooked, dances, made music, set up, cleaned up, hauled loads of decor materials, donated silent auction items, .... AND we thank these generous sponsors:
Universal Title sponsor - Union General Hospital.
Global Sponsors - Benoit Motors and the Farmerville Gazette.
International Sponsors - Judge Bruce Hampton, Origin Bank, Read Lumber & Supply, Foster Farms, and the Town of Farmerville.
Country Sponsors - Communihealth, Arbor Lake Skilled Nursing, Taylor & Wilkes CPA, Kilpatrick's Funeral Homes, Sheriff Dusty Gates, Reeves Memorial Medical Center, Marion State Bank, and Downsville Community Charter School.
City Sponsors - Giai and Don Byrnes, Evalyn and Tommy Ormond, Eddie Albritton, Double S Land Management, Union Reserve Deputy Assn., D'Arbonne DAR, Joseph A. Cusimano Jr. Law Corp. Handy Andy's LLC, Union Voters League, Sensley Farms, Enviro Services, State Farm Insurance-Janet Fortenberry, Union Parish School District, the Town of Bernice, Memorial Funeral Home, Glen and Alice Whitman, Judge Monique Clement, Penny and Jay Hart, and Judith Hampton Law Firm.
Some 330 people enjoyed the museum's gala fundraiser event, the 2023 International Tasting Tour, on Thursday, September 21, in the Willie Davis Recreation Center in Farmerville. All proceeds will help the Union Museum of History and Art to further its mission in the community. We send a huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported, attended, cooked, dances, made music, set up, cleaned up, hauled loads of decor materials, donated silent auction items, .... AND we thank these generous sponsors:
Universal Title sponsor - Union General Hospital.
Global Sponsors - Benoit Motors and the Farmerville Gazette.
International Sponsors - Judge Bruce Hampton, Origin Bank, Read Lumber & Supply, Foster Farms, and the Town of Farmerville.
Country Sponsors - Communihealth, Arbor Lake Skilled Nursing, Taylor & Wilkes CPA, Kilpatrick's Funeral Homes, Sheriff Dusty Gates, Reeves Memorial Medical Center, Marion State Bank, and Downsville Community Charter School.
City Sponsors - Giai and Don Byrnes, Evalyn and Tommy Ormond, Eddie Albritton, Double S Land Management, Union Reserve Deputy Assn., D'Arbonne DAR, Joseph A. Cusimano Jr. Law Corp. Handy Andy's LLC, Union Voters League, Sensley Farms, Enviro Services, State Farm Insurance-Janet Fortenberry, Union Parish School District, the Town of Bernice, Memorial Funeral Home, Glen and Alice Whitman, Judge Monique Clement, Penny and Jay Hart, and Judith Hampton Law Firm.
Photos from the 2023 International Tasting Tour

Museum launches "Leave a Legacy" campaign
The public is invited to support the Union Museum of History and Art by purchasing an engraved tile for the Wall of Gratitude. The black granite and ivory marble tiles will be a beautiful remembrance of special people and organizations that will endure long into the future. The "Leave a Legacy" campaign will help the museum reach its current Capital Campaign goal of $125,000. Tiles are
$750 (4” x 8” ivory marble tile),
$2000 (8” x 8” ivory marble tile)
$5000 (8” x 8” black granite tile).
Donors are welcome to pay in installments, with the total due by August 2024.
CALL 318.982.8020 to sign up
The public is invited to support the Union Museum of History and Art by purchasing an engraved tile for the Wall of Gratitude. The black granite and ivory marble tiles will be a beautiful remembrance of special people and organizations that will endure long into the future. The "Leave a Legacy" campaign will help the museum reach its current Capital Campaign goal of $125,000. Tiles are
$750 (4” x 8” ivory marble tile),
$2000 (8” x 8” ivory marble tile)
$5000 (8” x 8” black granite tile).
Donors are welcome to pay in installments, with the total due by August 2024.
CALL 318.982.8020 to sign up
Two state grant awards announced
Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville is pleased to announce it has received a 2023 Louisiana Culture Care Fund grant of $5000 in support of its general operations this fiscal year. It also has received a 2023 Louisiana Emergency Planning and Disaster Recovery Grant of $5000 to create a detailed disaster preparedness plan. Both of these grants have been provided by the State of Louisiana and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. “We are so appreciative of these two grants that will help propel the Union Museum into a position of stability and preparedness,” says Mary Barrios, Chairman of the Museum’s Board of Directors. Funds of the Culture Care Grant will be used for overhead expenses such as utilities, insurance and security. Paula Davis, Greg Gossler, and the Board of Directors will prepare the disaster mitigation and recovery plan. |
Union Museum of History and Art gratefully acknowledges arts grants
Several projects of the Union Museum of History and Art have been supported by grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Inc. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.”
Several projects of the Union Museum of History and Art have been supported by grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Inc. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works.”
"First Friends" of the Museum
Sincere thanks go to these individuals and organizations that launched the museum in 2014
by underwriting the gallery construction expenses.
The Lions Club of Farmerville - Lighting System Sponsor
Union General Hospital - Community Showcase Sponsor
Bruce and Cindy Hampton - Large Display Panel Sponsor (2)
Plum Creek -- Lead Flooring Sponsor
Architecture +, Monroe, LA - architectural rendering
The Carr Family - Fred, Tommy, Jeffery, Tinnie, and Deanna -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Community Trust Bank (now Origin Bank) -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
The Futch Family - Alan, Lance,Todd, and Jimmye Carol -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
The Gazette -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Steve and Jean Jones -- Flooring Sponsor
Kilpatrick Funeral Homes -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Nancy Love -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Read Lumber and Supply -- Flooring Sponsor
Jerry and Joan Taylor -- Flooring Sponsor
Brittany and Steve Unkel -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Ricky and Debbie Albritton -- Display Panel Sponsor
The Banner -- Display Panel Sponsor
John and Alana Belton -- Display Panel Sponsor
Dr. Clyde Brashier -- Display Panel Sponsor
Town of Farmerville -- Display Panel Sponsor
Lum and Dottie Farr -- Display Panel Sponsor
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 today the Union Museum of History and Art is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. 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.
Sincere thanks go to these individuals and organizations that launched the museum in 2014
by underwriting the gallery construction expenses.
The Lions Club of Farmerville - Lighting System Sponsor
Union General Hospital - Community Showcase Sponsor
Bruce and Cindy Hampton - Large Display Panel Sponsor (2)
Plum Creek -- Lead Flooring Sponsor
Architecture +, Monroe, LA - architectural rendering
The Carr Family - Fred, Tommy, Jeffery, Tinnie, and Deanna -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Community Trust Bank (now Origin Bank) -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
The Futch Family - Alan, Lance,Todd, and Jimmye Carol -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
The Gazette -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Steve and Jean Jones -- Flooring Sponsor
Kilpatrick Funeral Homes -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Nancy Love -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Read Lumber and Supply -- Flooring Sponsor
Jerry and Joan Taylor -- Flooring Sponsor
Brittany and Steve Unkel -- Large Display Panel Sponsor
Ricky and Debbie Albritton -- Display Panel Sponsor
The Banner -- Display Panel Sponsor
John and Alana Belton -- Display Panel Sponsor
Dr. Clyde Brashier -- Display Panel Sponsor
Town of Farmerville -- Display Panel Sponsor
Lum and Dottie Farr -- Display Panel Sponsor
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 today the Union Museum of History and Art is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. 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.