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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.
We're all about connections. Connections with each other...with the past...with beloved traditions... with dreams of the future. Come join the conversation!
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SEE CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS AT LOWER END OF THIS PAGE
We're all about connections. Connections with each other...with the past...with beloved traditions... with dreams of the future. Come join the conversation!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SEE CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS AT LOWER END OF THIS PAGE
Museum hosts Jaycees' Watermelon Festival exhibit
The Louisiana Watermelon Festival’s 63-year history is being celebrated with a public exhibit in the Union Museum of History and Art--Discovery Place from July 14 to 31. The exhibit, “Preserving a Sweet Tradition: The Louisiana Watermelon Festival,” is presented by the Farmerville Jaycees organization, which founded the festival in 1963 and has continued the popular event each year.
“This exhibit features an incredible collection of festival memorabilia including historic photographs, rare documents, pageant gowns and clothing, official festival posters, trophies, awards, and keepsakes,” says Ashley Owen, Jaycees president. “These are memories that have shaped one of Louisiana’s most cherished summer traditions.”
The exhibit is sponsored by Benoit Motors, Judge Bruce Hampton, and Union General Hospital. For more information call 318-982-8020.
“Whether you’ve been attending the festival for decades or are discovering its rich history for the first time, this exhibit is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people, traditions, and community spirit that have made the Louisiana Watermelon Festival a beloved Union Parish tradition for 63 years,” says Owen.
The Louisiana Watermelon Festival’s 63-year history is being celebrated with a public exhibit in the Union Museum of History and Art--Discovery Place from July 14 to 31. The exhibit, “Preserving a Sweet Tradition: The Louisiana Watermelon Festival,” is presented by the Farmerville Jaycees organization, which founded the festival in 1963 and has continued the popular event each year.
“This exhibit features an incredible collection of festival memorabilia including historic photographs, rare documents, pageant gowns and clothing, official festival posters, trophies, awards, and keepsakes,” says Ashley Owen, Jaycees president. “These are memories that have shaped one of Louisiana’s most cherished summer traditions.”
The exhibit is sponsored by Benoit Motors, Judge Bruce Hampton, and Union General Hospital. For more information call 318-982-8020.
“Whether you’ve been attending the festival for decades or are discovering its rich history for the first time, this exhibit is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people, traditions, and community spirit that have made the Louisiana Watermelon Festival a beloved Union Parish tradition for 63 years,” says Owen.
In Benoit Ford showroom --
Art class for youth set July 30
Vroom Vroom! The Benoit Ford showroom will become an art studio on Thursday, July 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for the first-ever Mini-Masters free art class for kids ages 8 to 14. Benoit and Union Museum of History and Art are teaming up for this unique opportunity for young artists. Focal point of the showroom/studio will be an antique Ford vehicle! Guided by artist Pam Hallman, the youngsters will paint their own visions of the vehicle or any other image they would like to paint on their 11 x 14" canvas board.
Sign up your youngster now at 318.982.8020. Class size will be limited. Benoit will provide refreshments for the kids. All art materials will be provided. Just bring enthusiasm!
Art class for youth set July 30
Vroom Vroom! The Benoit Ford showroom will become an art studio on Thursday, July 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for the first-ever Mini-Masters free art class for kids ages 8 to 14. Benoit and Union Museum of History and Art are teaming up for this unique opportunity for young artists. Focal point of the showroom/studio will be an antique Ford vehicle! Guided by artist Pam Hallman, the youngsters will paint their own visions of the vehicle or any other image they would like to paint on their 11 x 14" canvas board.
Sign up your youngster now at 318.982.8020. Class size will be limited. Benoit will provide refreshments for the kids. All art materials will be provided. Just bring enthusiasm!
Mark your calendar: Aug. 13 --
BLAST-OFF!
We're counting down the days, preparing for launch of the "Back to the Moon...on to Mars" exhibit from NASA! Opening reception and ribbon-cutting will be at noon on August 13. Come join the fun as we experience this specially curated exhibit coming to us directly from the NASA-Huntsville Space Center.
Several exciting activities are planned, as well:
Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m. -- "Food in Space: What Will They Eat?" talk by Dr. Joshua Vandenbrink, NASA researcher and LA Tech professor of biology
Sept. 15 -- NASA representative will speak to student groups in the museum, at the Chamber luncheon, and to the public at 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 17, 5:30 p.m. -- "Welding in Space,," talk by Dr. Andrew Peters, NASA researcher and LA Tech professor of engineering
Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- Robotics Day, demos by area school robotics teams
BLAST-OFF!
We're counting down the days, preparing for launch of the "Back to the Moon...on to Mars" exhibit from NASA! Opening reception and ribbon-cutting will be at noon on August 13. Come join the fun as we experience this specially curated exhibit coming to us directly from the NASA-Huntsville Space Center.
Several exciting activities are planned, as well:
Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m. -- "Food in Space: What Will They Eat?" talk by Dr. Joshua Vandenbrink, NASA researcher and LA Tech professor of biology
Sept. 15 -- NASA representative will speak to student groups in the museum, at the Chamber luncheon, and to the public at 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 17, 5:30 p.m. -- "Welding in Space,," talk by Dr. Andrew Peters, NASA researcher and LA Tech professor of engineering
Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- Robotics Day, demos by area school robotics teams
"Greatest Sentence" book discussion slated July 28 in U.P. Library
What is the greatest sentence ever written? Why, it's right in our country's Declaration of Independence. Come join a discussion of the book by Walter Isaacson that delves deeply into the meaning of that sentence on Tuesday, July 28, 6 p.m., in the Union Parish Library, 202 W. Jackson Street. The Union Museum of History and Art and the Library are teaming up to reach our entire community and to GIVE AWAY FREE COPIES of the Isaacson book, The Greatest Sentence Ever Written. Come get your copy in the library or the museum and then COME TO THE DISCUSSION led by Fran Holman, retired Louisiana Tech University professor.
What is the greatest sentence ever written? Why, it's right in our country's Declaration of Independence. Come join a discussion of the book by Walter Isaacson that delves deeply into the meaning of that sentence on Tuesday, July 28, 6 p.m., in the Union Parish Library, 202 W. Jackson Street. The Union Museum of History and Art and the Library are teaming up to reach our entire community and to GIVE AWAY FREE COPIES of the Isaacson book, The Greatest Sentence Ever Written. Come get your copy in the library or the museum and then COME TO THE DISCUSSION led by Fran Holman, retired Louisiana Tech University professor.
Raffle to benefit Museum --
Get your tickets for chance to win the America 250 Community Quilt
Dozens of local quilters have combined their talent to create a beautiful one-of-a-kind patriotic quilt to be raffled off as a fundraiser for the Union Museum of History and Art. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each and can be purchased in the museum. Come see the quilt and buy your raffle ticket at the museum's booth at the Louisiana Watermelon Festival July 24-25 in downtown Farmerville. The quilt will also be displayed in the museum now through October 24 when the drawing will take place at the close of the Bayou D'Arbonne Folk Festival.
"We are so very grateful to Karen Bradford and Tara Best for piecing this gorgeous quilt together, to Tara for quilting it, to Louise Adams at the Fabric Shop in Ruston for donating the backing material, and to all the area quilters (both Union Parish and surrounding area) that donated squares," says Vickie Wheelis, museum director. "We could not have done this project without each one of you."
Get your tickets for chance to win the America 250 Community Quilt
Dozens of local quilters have combined their talent to create a beautiful one-of-a-kind patriotic quilt to be raffled off as a fundraiser for the Union Museum of History and Art. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each and can be purchased in the museum. Come see the quilt and buy your raffle ticket at the museum's booth at the Louisiana Watermelon Festival July 24-25 in downtown Farmerville. The quilt will also be displayed in the museum now through October 24 when the drawing will take place at the close of the Bayou D'Arbonne Folk Festival.
"We are so very grateful to Karen Bradford and Tara Best for piecing this gorgeous quilt together, to Tara for quilting it, to Louise Adams at the Fabric Shop in Ruston for donating the backing material, and to all the area quilters (both Union Parish and surrounding area) that donated squares," says Vickie Wheelis, museum director. "We could not have done this project without each one of you."
Walmart Foundation makes grant for NASA exhibit
Union Museum of History and Art is pleased to announce it has received a $1000 grant from the Walmart Foundation in support of the museum’s NASA exhibit later this year. Farmerville Walmart store manager Taffanie Brooks (left) and assistant manager Sue Phillips (right) are shown with museum director Vickie Wheelis at the Farmerville store entrance. The exhibit, “Back to the Moon; on to Mars,” will travel from the NASA-Huntsville facility and displayed in the museum August 13 through September 26. Several events, including a Robotics Day, will be held in conjunction with the exhibit.
Union Museum of History and Art is pleased to announce it has received a $1000 grant from the Walmart Foundation in support of the museum’s NASA exhibit later this year. Farmerville Walmart store manager Taffanie Brooks (left) and assistant manager Sue Phillips (right) are shown with museum director Vickie Wheelis at the Farmerville store entrance. The exhibit, “Back to the Moon; on to Mars,” will travel from the NASA-Huntsville facility and displayed in the museum August 13 through September 26. Several events, including a Robotics Day, will be held in conjunction with the exhibit.
Mayor Ferguson joins Union Museum board of directors
Union Museum of History and Art is proud to announce that community leader and educator Mildred Smith Ferguson has been elected to its Board of Directors. She joins eight other museum board members: Mary Barrios, Dawn Frasier, Pam Hallman, Ramsey Hallman, Lesa Lawrence, Richard Royal, Jamie Taylor, and Brittany Unkel. “We are so pleased that Mildred is officially part of our board of directors,” says Mary Barrios, board chairman. “She serves so ably as mayor of Bernice, and will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team.”
Mayor Ferguson dedicated more than 39 years to the Union Parish School system, serving as a teacher, administrator, Director of Student Affairs, and Director of Union Parish Summer School. She mentored countless new teachers and served as an assessor for the teacher evaluation program. In 1998, she made history as the first female member of the Bernice City Council, a position she held for more than two decades. “In 2018, she broke new ground again by becoming the first female mayor of the Town of Bernice,” says Barrios. “She was re-elected in 2022 and continues to serve with dedication, integrity, and a deep love for her community.” She serves as an active member of the Bernice Business Club, Bernice Service Club, Union Parish 911 Board, Reeves Memorial Medical Center Advisory Board, and the Bernice Community Coalition. Mayor Ferguson also is an active member of her church, New Hopewell Baptist Church, serving in many supportive capacities.
Union Museum of History and Art is proud to announce that community leader and educator Mildred Smith Ferguson has been elected to its Board of Directors. She joins eight other museum board members: Mary Barrios, Dawn Frasier, Pam Hallman, Ramsey Hallman, Lesa Lawrence, Richard Royal, Jamie Taylor, and Brittany Unkel. “We are so pleased that Mildred is officially part of our board of directors,” says Mary Barrios, board chairman. “She serves so ably as mayor of Bernice, and will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team.”
Mayor Ferguson dedicated more than 39 years to the Union Parish School system, serving as a teacher, administrator, Director of Student Affairs, and Director of Union Parish Summer School. She mentored countless new teachers and served as an assessor for the teacher evaluation program. In 1998, she made history as the first female member of the Bernice City Council, a position she held for more than two decades. “In 2018, she broke new ground again by becoming the first female mayor of the Town of Bernice,” says Barrios. “She was re-elected in 2022 and continues to serve with dedication, integrity, and a deep love for her community.” She serves as an active member of the Bernice Business Club, Bernice Service Club, Union Parish 911 Board, Reeves Memorial Medical Center Advisory Board, and the Bernice Community Coalition. Mayor Ferguson also is an active member of her church, New Hopewell Baptist Church, serving in many supportive capacities.
ATTENTION: Artists and crafters
The Bayou D'Arbonne Folk Festival will rock the town on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the plaza of the Union Museum of History and Art, 211 N Main Street, Farmerville. If you create and sell your handmade crafts or artworks, we'd love to talk to you about being a vendor at the festival. Or if you make traditional crafts and are not interested in selling your items, consider demonstrating your skills at the festival. For information, call the museum at 318-982-8020, or click here.
This will be the sixth year of the family-friendly folk festival, which has grown in size and popularity each year. It features live bluegrass music, dance, arts, traditional crafts, food, re-enactors, Dutch Oven cookers, and even a pie-eating contest. What a fun way to bring history to life!
Thanks to our sponsors: Case Farms Chicken, Union General Hospital, Judge Bruce Hampton, Benoit Motors, and Reeves Memorial Medical Center.
[For more information on the advantages of sponsoring this event, call 318-982-8020]
The Bayou D'Arbonne Folk Festival will rock the town on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the plaza of the Union Museum of History and Art, 211 N Main Street, Farmerville. If you create and sell your handmade crafts or artworks, we'd love to talk to you about being a vendor at the festival. Or if you make traditional crafts and are not interested in selling your items, consider demonstrating your skills at the festival. For information, call the museum at 318-982-8020, or click here.
This will be the sixth year of the family-friendly folk festival, which has grown in size and popularity each year. It features live bluegrass music, dance, arts, traditional crafts, food, re-enactors, Dutch Oven cookers, and even a pie-eating contest. What a fun way to bring history to life!
Thanks to our sponsors: Case Farms Chicken, Union General Hospital, Judge Bruce Hampton, Benoit Motors, and Reeves Memorial Medical Center.
[For more information on the advantages of sponsoring this event, call 318-982-8020]
Together, we achieve more! --
Museum seeks support from friends
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 by making a tax-deductible donation to the Museum. Gifts of any amounts are welcome! Donors may designate gifts 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!
Museum seeks support from friends
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 by making a tax-deductible donation to the Museum. Gifts of any amounts are welcome! Donors may designate gifts 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!
We appreciate the generosity of Union General Hospital, Judge Bruce Hampton, Benoit Motors, and Justice Jay and Deanna McCallum --- our Museum Sustainer Sponsors --- who are supporting the entire work of the museum in 2026:
CULTURAL CENTER UPCOMING EVENTS
For art classes and folkcraft classes, pre-register at 318-982-8020
July 14-31 -- "Preserving a Sweet Tradition: The Louisiana Watermelon Festival" exhibit by the Farmerville Jaycees.
July 28, 6 p.m. -- Joint book discussion event in conjunction with Union Parish Library. Fran Holman will review The Greatest Sentence Ever Written by Walter Isaacson. To be held in the Union Parish Library, 202 W. Jackson Street, Farmerville. Pick up a free copy of the book at the library or at the Union Museum of History and Art.
July 30, 5:30 to 7 p.m. -- "Vroom Vroom Art" class for youth in the Benoit Ford showroom, 206 S. Main Street, Farmerville. Free. For ages 8 to 14. Pre-registration required; call 318-982-8020.
August 13, 12 p.m. -- "Blast Off!" Opening reception for the NASA exhibit. Ribbon-cutting and light lunch.
August 13-September 26 -- "Back to the Moon...on to Mars" exhibit from NASA-Huntsville. CLICK HERE for detailed info
August 27, 5:30 p.m. -- Archaeology talk: Dr. Diana Greenlee, archaeologist, Poverty Point world heritage site.
September 10, 5:30 p.m. -- "Food in Space: What Will They Eat?" presentation by Dr. Joshua Vandenbrink, Louisiana Tech University professor of biology and NASA grant researcher.
September 19 -- Robotics Day. Area schools' robotics teams will demonstrate their skills.
For art classes and folkcraft classes, pre-register at 318-982-8020
July 14-31 -- "Preserving a Sweet Tradition: The Louisiana Watermelon Festival" exhibit by the Farmerville Jaycees.
July 28, 6 p.m. -- Joint book discussion event in conjunction with Union Parish Library. Fran Holman will review The Greatest Sentence Ever Written by Walter Isaacson. To be held in the Union Parish Library, 202 W. Jackson Street, Farmerville. Pick up a free copy of the book at the library or at the Union Museum of History and Art.
July 30, 5:30 to 7 p.m. -- "Vroom Vroom Art" class for youth in the Benoit Ford showroom, 206 S. Main Street, Farmerville. Free. For ages 8 to 14. Pre-registration required; call 318-982-8020.
August 13, 12 p.m. -- "Blast Off!" Opening reception for the NASA exhibit. Ribbon-cutting and light lunch.
August 13-September 26 -- "Back to the Moon...on to Mars" exhibit from NASA-Huntsville. CLICK HERE for detailed info
August 27, 5:30 p.m. -- Archaeology talk: Dr. Diana Greenlee, archaeologist, Poverty Point world heritage site.
September 10, 5:30 p.m. -- "Food in Space: What Will They Eat?" presentation by Dr. Joshua Vandenbrink, Louisiana Tech University professor of biology and NASA grant researcher.
September 19 -- Robotics Day. Area schools' robotics teams will demonstrate their skills.
Board of Directors
Union Museum of History and Art
Mary Barrios
Mildred Ferguson
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
Mildred Ferguson
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.