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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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Christmas party and awards reception, July 17
Summer heat got you down? Make plans to visit the "Christmas in July" exhibit in the Union Museum of History and Art, now through July 31. Visitors can step into the chilly days of December as they enjoy a spectacular array of children's art depicting "Christmas Through My Eyes" and seasonal decorations. AND on July 17, 6 to 8 p.m., there will be a PARTY for everyone, and announcements of winners of the children's Christmas card art competition! The Town of Farmerville is generously providing awards for winners. Santa and his elves will be at the party, too!
We send special thanks to the ldccgolf.com/Lake D'Arbonne Country Club Golf Association, Service One Contractors, Pam's Art Studio, Big Star Grocery, Lake D'Arbonne State Park, and Johnny's Pizza for their support of this special event.
Students at Union Parish High School, D'Arbonne Woods Charter School, Union Christian Academy, and local home schools entered the competition during the school year. Winners' artworks will be printed on Christmas cards to be sold by the museum this year.
Summer heat got you down? Make plans to visit the "Christmas in July" exhibit in the Union Museum of History and Art, now through July 31. Visitors can step into the chilly days of December as they enjoy a spectacular array of children's art depicting "Christmas Through My Eyes" and seasonal decorations. AND on July 17, 6 to 8 p.m., there will be a PARTY for everyone, and announcements of winners of the children's Christmas card art competition! The Town of Farmerville is generously providing awards for winners. Santa and his elves will be at the party, too!
We send special thanks to the ldccgolf.com/Lake D'Arbonne Country Club Golf Association, Service One Contractors, Pam's Art Studio, Big Star Grocery, Lake D'Arbonne State Park, and Johnny's Pizza for their support of this special event.
Students at Union Parish High School, D'Arbonne Woods Charter School, Union Christian Academy, and local home schools entered the competition during the school year. Winners' artworks will be printed on Christmas cards to be sold by the museum this year.
Christmas decoration class set for youth, July 23
Youngsters ages 8 to 13 will be able to create their own Christmas nutcracker decoration on July 23 at 10 a.m. at a special Christmas decoration workshop. Fee for the class is $5. To pre-register, call the museum at 318-982-8020. Class size will be limited.
Youngsters ages 8 to 13 will be able to create their own Christmas nutcracker decoration on July 23 at 10 a.m. at a special Christmas decoration workshop. Fee for the class is $5. To pre-register, call the museum at 318-982-8020. Class size will be limited.
Museum to sell Christmas cards---order now
Local children’s art will adorn Christmas cards that will be sold by the Union Museum of History and Art starting this month. Earlier this year, students at Union Parish High School, D’Arbonne Woods Charter School, Union Christian Academy, and home schools entered an art competition, “Christmas Through My Eyes.” Winning entries will be printed on the cards, which can be purchased in sets of 12 for $30, or individually for $5. Proceeds will benefit the museum. To order cards, call the museum at 318-982-8020.
Local children’s art will adorn Christmas cards that will be sold by the Union Museum of History and Art starting this month. Earlier this year, students at Union Parish High School, D’Arbonne Woods Charter School, Union Christian Academy, and home schools entered an art competition, “Christmas Through My Eyes.” Winning entries will be printed on the cards, which can be purchased in sets of 12 for $30, or individually for $5. Proceeds will benefit the museum. To order cards, call the museum at 318-982-8020.
Archaeological digs, talks happening
The museum’s D’Arbonne Diggers archaeology study program continues to bring fascinating speakers and significant excavations to this region. Under the leadership of Thomas “Tuffy” Fields, the excavation team is making great strides in discovering more about the indigenous people that inhabited Union Parish for thousands of years. Visitors to the museum now can see displays of artifacts that have been unearthed by the team to date.
The public is welcome to attend these upcoming archaeological talks in the museum:
July 24, 5:30 p.m. -- “The Plum Creek Site,” by Dr. Gary Stringer, ULM Professor Emeritus, geology. (see story below)
August 21, 5:30 p.m. --”Latest Archaeology in SE Arkansas,” Dr. Matthew Rooney, anthropological archaeologist
The museum’s D’Arbonne Diggers archaeology study program continues to bring fascinating speakers and significant excavations to this region. Under the leadership of Thomas “Tuffy” Fields, the excavation team is making great strides in discovering more about the indigenous people that inhabited Union Parish for thousands of years. Visitors to the museum now can see displays of artifacts that have been unearthed by the team to date.
The public is welcome to attend these upcoming archaeological talks in the museum:
July 24, 5:30 p.m. -- “The Plum Creek Site,” by Dr. Gary Stringer, ULM Professor Emeritus, geology. (see story below)
August 21, 5:30 p.m. --”Latest Archaeology in SE Arkansas,” Dr. Matthew Rooney, anthropological archaeologist
Archaic site subject of July 24 talk in museum
Plum Creek, a little-known Archaic period archaeological site in Ouachita Parish, will be the topic of Dr. Gary Stringer’s talk on July 24, at 5:30 p.m., in the Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville. According to Dr. Stringer, the Plum Creek site is associated with the well-known Watson Brake Mound Complex which lies six miles to the southeast, and is believed to be approximately the same age, 5500 years old. “Plum Creek has excellently preserved faunal remains as well as Archaic artifacts, which will be presented at the talk,” says Dr. Stringer, paleontologist and Professor Emeritus of Geology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. His scientific research concentrates on otoliths (fish ear stones) from fossil and archeological sites, primarily in North America. Watson Brake is one of the oldest, most extensive (12 mounds), and best-preserved mound sites in North America. “The association of Plum Creek with Watson Brake will be investigated as well as what Plum Creek can tell us about the Archaic,” says Dr. Stringer about his July 24 talk.
This event is open to the public and is part of the ongoing series of presentations for the D’Arbonne Diggers archaeology study group. The museum is located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville, Louisiana. For more information, call 318-982-8020 or visit unionmuseumofhistoryandart.org.
Plum Creek, a little-known Archaic period archaeological site in Ouachita Parish, will be the topic of Dr. Gary Stringer’s talk on July 24, at 5:30 p.m., in the Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville. According to Dr. Stringer, the Plum Creek site is associated with the well-known Watson Brake Mound Complex which lies six miles to the southeast, and is believed to be approximately the same age, 5500 years old. “Plum Creek has excellently preserved faunal remains as well as Archaic artifacts, which will be presented at the talk,” says Dr. Stringer, paleontologist and Professor Emeritus of Geology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. His scientific research concentrates on otoliths (fish ear stones) from fossil and archeological sites, primarily in North America. Watson Brake is one of the oldest, most extensive (12 mounds), and best-preserved mound sites in North America. “The association of Plum Creek with Watson Brake will be investigated as well as what Plum Creek can tell us about the Archaic,” says Dr. Stringer about his July 24 talk.
This event is open to the public and is part of the ongoing series of presentations for the D’Arbonne Diggers archaeology study group. The museum is located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville, Louisiana. For more information, call 318-982-8020 or visit unionmuseumofhistoryandart.org.
Wanted: crafters --
Bayou D’Arbonne Folk Fest is Oct. 4
Union Museum of History and Art will hold its fifth annual Bayou D’Arbonne Folk Festival on Saturday, October 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds and adjoining streets of its facility at 211 N. Main Street. The day will be filled with live music, two dance groups, folk arts demonstrations, food vendors, historic reenactments, a children’s art tent, youth theater group performance, children’s oldtime games, and handmade crafts for sale. Free admission!
We are pleased to announce the live band performances for the day: Union Parish High School Band, Holmesville Baptist Church gospel band, Sweet Home Harmony, Back Forty, and Backroads Bluegrass Band.
There also will be performances by students of The Dance Studio of Union Parish, the D’Arbonne Dancers, Gulf Coast Time Travelers, and the D’Arbonne Theatre Players youth troupe. As plans continue to develop, we will keep the public informed. Stay tuned!
The public is urged to also attend the Corney Creek Great Outdoor Festival in Bernice on the same day. That festival will continue until 10 p.m.
Got oldtime skills?
The museum is seeking individuals who practice oldtime skills and who would like to demonstrate their skill during the folk festival. Skills can include tanning, spinning, scrimshaw, whittling, weaving, rope-making, flint knapping, leather working, making musical instruments, calf roping, toy-making, sewing, embroidery, knitting, etc.
Call 318-982-8020 for more information on how to participate.
Bayou D’Arbonne Folk Fest is Oct. 4
Union Museum of History and Art will hold its fifth annual Bayou D’Arbonne Folk Festival on Saturday, October 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds and adjoining streets of its facility at 211 N. Main Street. The day will be filled with live music, two dance groups, folk arts demonstrations, food vendors, historic reenactments, a children’s art tent, youth theater group performance, children’s oldtime games, and handmade crafts for sale. Free admission!
We are pleased to announce the live band performances for the day: Union Parish High School Band, Holmesville Baptist Church gospel band, Sweet Home Harmony, Back Forty, and Backroads Bluegrass Band.
There also will be performances by students of The Dance Studio of Union Parish, the D’Arbonne Dancers, Gulf Coast Time Travelers, and the D’Arbonne Theatre Players youth troupe. As plans continue to develop, we will keep the public informed. Stay tuned!
The public is urged to also attend the Corney Creek Great Outdoor Festival in Bernice on the same day. That festival will continue until 10 p.m.
Got oldtime skills?
The museum is seeking individuals who practice oldtime skills and who would like to demonstrate their skill during the folk festival. Skills can include tanning, spinning, scrimshaw, whittling, weaving, rope-making, flint knapping, leather working, making musical instruments, calf roping, toy-making, sewing, embroidery, knitting, etc.
Call 318-982-8020 for more information on how to participate.
Meet the artist Aug. 12 ---
"Wild Imaginings" art show coming soon
Coming August 7-29: art that gives you a tingly feeling along your spine...that whispers in your ear, "Beware out here." These works, "Wild Imaginings," are by local artist G. Scott Smith, who works in acrylics, ink, and wood burning. He does, indeed, have a wild imagination reflecting his wanderings in the dry deserts of the West, the dark swamps of the South, and some unknown realms of fantasy.
Come meet the artist at a special reception on Tuesday, August 12, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
"Wild Imaginings" art show coming soon
Coming August 7-29: art that gives you a tingly feeling along your spine...that whispers in your ear, "Beware out here." These works, "Wild Imaginings," are by local artist G. Scott Smith, who works in acrylics, ink, and wood burning. He does, indeed, have a wild imagination reflecting his wanderings in the dry deserts of the West, the dark swamps of the South, and some unknown realms of fantasy.
Come meet the artist at a special reception on Tuesday, August 12, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
October: All things dinosaur!
The month of October is shaping up to be a fabulous one! Immediately following the Bayou D'Arbonne Folk Festival on October 4, the museum will be transformed into ALL THINGS DINOSAUR!! The biggest event of the month will be the arrival of Dinosaur George, a traveling museum coming from San Antonio, TX. This exhibit will be at the Willie Davis Recreation Center October 16-18, and will be an awesome exhibit that will speak to “kids” of all ages. That means even us adults will be enticed by this exhibit!!
We are grateful to the David B. Jones Foundation and the Walmart Foundation which have provided grants to the museum in support of this endeavor.
George Blasing, creator of Dinosaur George, will bring pieces from around the world and every time period to captivate young minds and spark an interest in paleontology and natural sciences.
The month of October is shaping up to be a fabulous one! Immediately following the Bayou D'Arbonne Folk Festival on October 4, the museum will be transformed into ALL THINGS DINOSAUR!! The biggest event of the month will be the arrival of Dinosaur George, a traveling museum coming from San Antonio, TX. This exhibit will be at the Willie Davis Recreation Center October 16-18, and will be an awesome exhibit that will speak to “kids” of all ages. That means even us adults will be enticed by this exhibit!!
We are grateful to the David B. Jones Foundation and the Walmart Foundation which have provided grants to the museum in support of this endeavor.
George Blasing, creator of Dinosaur George, will bring pieces from around the world and every time period to captivate young minds and spark an interest in paleontology and natural sciences.
Second YouTube video launched in "Eyewitness to History" series
Union Museum of History and Art is creating filmed interviews with local people sharing their unique experiences in the "Eyewitness to History" series. Each video is uploaded to the museum's YouTube channel and kept in the museum's digital archives. The second video just released 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. To view the video, CLICK HERE
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.
Videographer for the series is Carter Carroll of ReCollect Media, which specializes in documentary filmmaking.
Union Museum of History and Art is creating filmed interviews with local people sharing their unique experiences in the "Eyewitness to History" series. Each video is uploaded to the museum's YouTube channel and kept in the museum's digital archives. The second video just released 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. To view the video, CLICK HERE
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.
Videographer for the series is Carter Carroll of ReCollect Media, which specializes in documentary filmmaking.
Doris Russell (left) and Brenda Abercrombie at the conclusion of their video interview in June 2024
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Ida Belle Albritton, being filmed for the "Eyewitness to History" series
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Museum celebrates 10-year anniversary
Union Museum of History and Art first opened to the public on December 11, 2014, with its inaugural exhibit, “Celebrating the Waters of Union Parish.” We are delighted to be celebrating TEN years of service to this community! In that time, the museum has brought quality educational programs and services to thousands of individuals within and beyond Union Parish.
We look forward to the next exciting decade...and beyond!
Union Museum of History and Art first opened to the public on December 11, 2014, with its inaugural exhibit, “Celebrating the Waters of Union Parish.” We are delighted to be celebrating TEN years of service to this community! In that time, the museum has brought quality educational programs and services to thousands of individuals within and beyond Union Parish.
We look forward to the next exciting decade...and beyond!
Give a gift to your community
Union Museum of History and Art - Discovery Place depends on the public for support in order to continue serving the people of this community. We ask that you give a gift to your community by making a tax-deductible “Friends of the Museum” donation at any of these suggested levels, or in the amount of your choice.
$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. THANK YOU!
Union Museum of History and Art - Discovery Place depends on the public for support in order to continue serving the people of this community. We ask that you give a gift to your community by making a tax-deductible “Friends of the Museum” donation at any of these suggested levels, or in the amount of your choice.
$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. THANK YOU!
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 11 - 31 -- "Christmas in July" exhibit
July 17, 6 to 8 p.m. -- Awards ceremony and party for participants in the children's Christmas card art competition.
July 23, 10 a.m. -- Art workshop for ages 8-13: "Paint a Christmas Nutcracker." $5 per child. Preregister at 318-982-8020. Class size will be limited. Each child will take home his/her decoration.
July 24, 5:30 p.m. -- "Plum Creek Site," talk by Dr. Gary Stringer, professor emeritus of geology, ULM. D'Arbonne Diggers archaeology study group. Open to the public.
August 7-29 -- "Wild Imaginings," an exhibit of works by local artist G. Scott Smith.
August 12, 5:30 to 7 p.m. -- "Meet the Artist" reception to officially open exhibit of G. Scott Smith's artworks
August 21, 5:30 p.m. --”Latest Archaeology in SE Arkansas,” Dr. Matthew Rooney, anthropological archaeologist. D'Arbonne Diggers archaeology study group. Open to the public.
September 5 to 20--Display of entries in the annual Velvet Bennett Roberts Agriculture Photo Competition, sponsored by the Union Youth Livestock Council and Southern Ag Credit. The awards ceremony will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m.
Sept. 23 -- Opening of display of vintage sewing machines from Tara Best, quilts from Karen Bradford and Best, and vintage apparel from Hayley Jinks.
October 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Bayou D'Arbonne Folk Festival, on the grounds and adjoining streets of the museum, 211 N. Main St., Farmerville. The event will feature five bands, crafts demonstrations, food, dance, children's art tent, youth theatrical troupe, historical reenactors, and craft vendors.
October 16-18 --- The museum will bring the "Dinosaur George" spectacular exhibit to Farmerville in the Willie Davis Recreation Center. Made possible by gifts from the David B. Jones Foundation and Walmart Foundation.
November --- "Native American Heritage Month" museum events in memory of Wayne Abercrombie.
July 11 - 31 -- "Christmas in July" exhibit
July 17, 6 to 8 p.m. -- Awards ceremony and party for participants in the children's Christmas card art competition.
July 23, 10 a.m. -- Art workshop for ages 8-13: "Paint a Christmas Nutcracker." $5 per child. Preregister at 318-982-8020. Class size will be limited. Each child will take home his/her decoration.
July 24, 5:30 p.m. -- "Plum Creek Site," talk by Dr. Gary Stringer, professor emeritus of geology, ULM. D'Arbonne Diggers archaeology study group. Open to the public.
August 7-29 -- "Wild Imaginings," an exhibit of works by local artist G. Scott Smith.
August 12, 5:30 to 7 p.m. -- "Meet the Artist" reception to officially open exhibit of G. Scott Smith's artworks
August 21, 5:30 p.m. --”Latest Archaeology in SE Arkansas,” Dr. Matthew Rooney, anthropological archaeologist. D'Arbonne Diggers archaeology study group. Open to the public.
September 5 to 20--Display of entries in the annual Velvet Bennett Roberts Agriculture Photo Competition, sponsored by the Union Youth Livestock Council and Southern Ag Credit. The awards ceremony will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m.
Sept. 23 -- Opening of display of vintage sewing machines from Tara Best, quilts from Karen Bradford and Best, and vintage apparel from Hayley Jinks.
October 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Bayou D'Arbonne Folk Festival, on the grounds and adjoining streets of the museum, 211 N. Main St., Farmerville. The event will feature five bands, crafts demonstrations, food, dance, children's art tent, youth theatrical troupe, historical reenactors, and craft vendors.
October 16-18 --- The museum will bring the "Dinosaur George" spectacular exhibit to Farmerville in the Willie Davis Recreation Center. Made possible by gifts from the David B. Jones Foundation and Walmart Foundation.
November --- "Native American Heritage Month" museum events in memory of Wayne Abercrombie.
Board of Directors, 2025
Union Museum of History and Art
Mary Barrios
Dawn Frasier
Pam Gale Hallman
Ramsey Hallman
Glenda Henderson
Lesa W. Lawrence, Ph.D.
Richard Royal
Jamie Taylor
Brittany Unkel
Museum Director
Vickie Wheelis, Ed.D.
Union Museum of History and Art
Mary Barrios
Dawn Frasier
Pam Gale Hallman
Ramsey Hallman
Glenda Henderson
Lesa W. Lawrence, Ph.D.
Richard Royal
Jamie Taylor
Brittany Unkel
Museum Director
Vickie Wheelis, Ed.D.
"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 launched the Union Museum of History and Art as 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 launched the Union Museum of History and Art as 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.