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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 |
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"Quilted History" talk set February 12
Carolyn Williams, curator of the Quilted History Museum near El Dorado, will share her family history from times of slavery, using quilts and other artifacts to illustrate her talk on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 11 a.m. Admission is free.
"So much of black people's history is told through quilts," she says. Her museum---which is also her home---is a place visitors can learn about African American history through artifacts she has assembled for more than 20 years.
Williams graduated from Arkansas AM&N College in Pine Bluff in 1966, with a degree in institutional dietetics and went to work for Warner Brown Hospital in El Dorado. Soon she joined the United States Navy medical staff. After her retirement from the US Navy in 1999, Williams began collecting historic slave and sharecropper artifacts, starting with those from her own family. She was honored for her contributions to the community at the 2017 Jimmy Reed Jr. Memorial Scholarship Banquet, which is presented by the Pride and Progress Club of El Dorado.
Carolyn Williams, curator of the Quilted History Museum near El Dorado, will share her family history from times of slavery, using quilts and other artifacts to illustrate her talk on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 11 a.m. Admission is free.
"So much of black people's history is told through quilts," she says. Her museum---which is also her home---is a place visitors can learn about African American history through artifacts she has assembled for more than 20 years.
Williams graduated from Arkansas AM&N College in Pine Bluff in 1966, with a degree in institutional dietetics and went to work for Warner Brown Hospital in El Dorado. Soon she joined the United States Navy medical staff. After her retirement from the US Navy in 1999, Williams began collecting historic slave and sharecropper artifacts, starting with those from her own family. She was honored for her contributions to the community at the 2017 Jimmy Reed Jr. Memorial Scholarship Banquet, which is presented by the Pride and Progress Club of El Dorado.
Museum board members Tom "Tuffy" Fields (left), Carolyn Hanry, and Ramsey Hallman display the replica of the honored contributors tile wall. Those contributing $750 or more over three years will have a tile inscribed as they wish.
"Building for the Future" --
Museum seeks pledges for capital campaign
Union Museum of History and Art needs to raise $200,000 over the next three years in order to purchase the building it now occupies at 211 N. Main Street. Building owners Paul and Kelly Coburn are generously allowing the museum to reside here rent-free for five years (started early in 2020). BUT, early in 2025, the museum must be prepared to buy this building...or vacate it.
SO, we are asking YOU and other enthusiasts to help keep the museum a permanent institution in Union Parish. This museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity, so all donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. You can make your end-of-the year donation by sending your check to 211 N. Main St., Farmerville, LA 71241.
In the "Building for the Future" capital campaign, we are asking people to make three-year pledges of support. Pledge payments can be made monthly, quarterly, or annually...any way you like. Payments can be set up through your bank or credit card or you can send checks.
SPECIAL FEATURE: Those contributing $750 or more to the capital campaign (over three-year period) will be honored with a beautiful inscribed tile on the "Wall of Gratitude" to be permanently mounted near the front door of the museum. These tiles will be either 8" x 8" ivory marble or black granite, or 4" x 8" ivory marble (depending on donation amount). YOU will choose the wording for your tile.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please call Brittany Unkel at 318-368-5400. We thank you in advance for your support. Generations into the future will call you blessed.
Museum seeks pledges for capital campaign
Union Museum of History and Art needs to raise $200,000 over the next three years in order to purchase the building it now occupies at 211 N. Main Street. Building owners Paul and Kelly Coburn are generously allowing the museum to reside here rent-free for five years (started early in 2020). BUT, early in 2025, the museum must be prepared to buy this building...or vacate it.
SO, we are asking YOU and other enthusiasts to help keep the museum a permanent institution in Union Parish. This museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity, so all donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. You can make your end-of-the year donation by sending your check to 211 N. Main St., Farmerville, LA 71241.
In the "Building for the Future" capital campaign, we are asking people to make three-year pledges of support. Pledge payments can be made monthly, quarterly, or annually...any way you like. Payments can be set up through your bank or credit card or you can send checks.
SPECIAL FEATURE: Those contributing $750 or more to the capital campaign (over three-year period) will be honored with a beautiful inscribed tile on the "Wall of Gratitude" to be permanently mounted near the front door of the museum. These tiles will be either 8" x 8" ivory marble or black granite, or 4" x 8" ivory marble (depending on donation amount). YOU will choose the wording for your tile.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please call Brittany Unkel at 318-368-5400. We thank you in advance for your support. Generations into the future will call you blessed.
Lottie Harty at the entrance of the archaeology research center named in honor of her late husband, James Harty
Museum launches First People of Union Parish gallery and the James Harty Memorial Archaeology Research Center
The “First People of Union Parish” permanent exhibit and the James Harty Memorial Archaeology Research Center were officially opened Saturday, June 26, with a festive open house in the Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville. Some 170 people gathered on Archaeology Day to witness the ribbon-cutting by Lottie Harty and enjoy the many activities. A highlight of the day was an illustrated talk by archaeologist-author Jeffrey Girard, who discussed the earliest inhabitants of this uplands region, especially the Caddo cultures from the west and Lower Mississippian cultures from the east.
Larry Pixley of Bernice demonstrated the many complex tool-making techniques used by prehistoric cultures. Amy Estep prepared Indian fry bread for the crowd and Larry Estep performed music with his Indian flute. Several local enthusiasts brought in their archaeological “finds” for Girard and other experts to identify.
The research center was named in honor of James Harty of Bernice, as he was a devoted avocational archaeologist, teacher, and coach. He heavily researched several prehistoric Indian sites in Union Parish and beyond, with four of his articles published in Louisiana Archaeology magazine. “Coach Harty was an enthusiastic and highly respected researcher in the field of archaeology,” says Tom “Tuffy” Fields, coordinator of the museum’s “First People” collection. “We miss Coach. So we hope this research center will honor his memory.”
The exhibit currently includes artifacts and other items from the James Harty Family, Cal Colvin, David Chrisman, Wayne Abercrombie, Carol Jo Johnston, Larry Pixley, Michael Christian, Gene BeDoit, Tom Fields, Richard Wolf, and Jean and Steve Jones. Artist Hooshang Khorasani has six large paintings of plains Indians on display. David Taylor’s mural, “Day’s Work,” which will be on permanent display, depicts Caddo Indian house-building and pottery-making. The museum is grateful to these entities for making the day possible: Tom and Bonnie Fields, Claiborne Electric Operation Round Up, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations
expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of either the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The public is invited to visit the “First People of Union Parish” permanent exhibit, in addition to other rotating and permanent displays. Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 318-982-8020 or visit www.unionmuseumofhistoryandart.org.
The “First People of Union Parish” permanent exhibit and the James Harty Memorial Archaeology Research Center were officially opened Saturday, June 26, with a festive open house in the Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville. Some 170 people gathered on Archaeology Day to witness the ribbon-cutting by Lottie Harty and enjoy the many activities. A highlight of the day was an illustrated talk by archaeologist-author Jeffrey Girard, who discussed the earliest inhabitants of this uplands region, especially the Caddo cultures from the west and Lower Mississippian cultures from the east.
Larry Pixley of Bernice demonstrated the many complex tool-making techniques used by prehistoric cultures. Amy Estep prepared Indian fry bread for the crowd and Larry Estep performed music with his Indian flute. Several local enthusiasts brought in their archaeological “finds” for Girard and other experts to identify.
The research center was named in honor of James Harty of Bernice, as he was a devoted avocational archaeologist, teacher, and coach. He heavily researched several prehistoric Indian sites in Union Parish and beyond, with four of his articles published in Louisiana Archaeology magazine. “Coach Harty was an enthusiastic and highly respected researcher in the field of archaeology,” says Tom “Tuffy” Fields, coordinator of the museum’s “First People” collection. “We miss Coach. So we hope this research center will honor his memory.”
The exhibit currently includes artifacts and other items from the James Harty Family, Cal Colvin, David Chrisman, Wayne Abercrombie, Carol Jo Johnston, Larry Pixley, Michael Christian, Gene BeDoit, Tom Fields, Richard Wolf, and Jean and Steve Jones. Artist Hooshang Khorasani has six large paintings of plains Indians on display. David Taylor’s mural, “Day’s Work,” which will be on permanent display, depicts Caddo Indian house-building and pottery-making. The museum is grateful to these entities for making the day possible: Tom and Bonnie Fields, Claiborne Electric Operation Round Up, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations
expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of either the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The public is invited to visit the “First People of Union Parish” permanent exhibit, in addition to other rotating and permanent displays. Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 318-982-8020 or visit www.unionmuseumofhistoryandart.org.
Union Museum of History and Art is the proud recipient of CARES Act funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (via the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities) and from the National Endowment for the Arts (via the Louisiana Division of the Arts).
THANK YOU!
A hearty thanks to all those who supported and attended the first-ever Union Parish Folk Life Day on Saturday, May 1, on the grounds of Discovery Place-Union Museum of History and Art. The museum collaborated with the Union Parish Library and The Dance Studio of Union Parish to plan a fun-filled day of folk music, dance, crafts, and food. While we don't know exactly how many people attended this event, it is believed that around 300 or more jammed the site, enjoying the sunny day and exhilarating events.
We are SO VERY grateful to these organizations that sponsored Folk Life Day, and made it possible to present a family-friendly event that brought history alive. They are The Town of Farmerville, Union Parish Tourist Commission, the Union Parish Library, Bare Necessities Luxury Mobile Restrooms, and Thomas Nursery and Feed.
Here are a few photos:
A hearty thanks to all those who supported and attended the first-ever Union Parish Folk Life Day on Saturday, May 1, on the grounds of Discovery Place-Union Museum of History and Art. The museum collaborated with the Union Parish Library and The Dance Studio of Union Parish to plan a fun-filled day of folk music, dance, crafts, and food. While we don't know exactly how many people attended this event, it is believed that around 300 or more jammed the site, enjoying the sunny day and exhilarating events.
We are SO VERY grateful to these organizations that sponsored Folk Life Day, and made it possible to present a family-friendly event that brought history alive. They are The Town of Farmerville, Union Parish Tourist Commission, the Union Parish Library, Bare Necessities Luxury Mobile Restrooms, and Thomas Nursery and Feed.
Here are a few photos:
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.”
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"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.
