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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JFK exhibit ends soon
Through an exhibit of 77 historic photographs, the Union Museum of History and Art is remembering the presidency of John F. Kennedy, who died tragically 60 years ago on November 22, 1963. The exhibit ends November 30.
The exhibit, "American Visionary: John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times," is being loaned to the local museum by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. It brings together images culled from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Getty Images, private collections, and the Kennedy family archives. The dramatic scope of Kennedy’s life is evident in these photographs—from his first congressional bid as a decorated war hero in 1946, his fairytale marriage to Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953, his run for the White House in 1960 and role as commander in chief, to the tragedy of his death in Dallas in 1963. These images remain as indelible evidence of John Kennedy’s personal charisma, presidential challenges, and political accomplishments. For more information, call 318-982-8020 .
Through an exhibit of 77 historic photographs, the Union Museum of History and Art is remembering the presidency of John F. Kennedy, who died tragically 60 years ago on November 22, 1963. The exhibit ends November 30.
The exhibit, "American Visionary: John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times," is being loaned to the local museum by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. It brings together images culled from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Getty Images, private collections, and the Kennedy family archives. The dramatic scope of Kennedy’s life is evident in these photographs—from his first congressional bid as a decorated war hero in 1946, his fairytale marriage to Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953, his run for the White House in 1960 and role as commander in chief, to the tragedy of his death in Dallas in 1963. These images remain as indelible evidence of John Kennedy’s personal charisma, presidential challenges, and political accomplishments. For more information, call 318-982-8020 .

Special program Dec. 9 --
Christmas exhibit opens with gala reception on Tuesday, Dec. 5
Union Museum of History and Art will open its Christmas exhibit with a gala reception on Tuesday, December 5, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Featured will be paintings by artist Pam Hallman and a display of Christ Child figures from local Latino families. Refreshments will be provided by members of Latinas Unidas. The museum is located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. Admission is free. Visitors may register to win a canvas wrap painting by Pam Hallman.
Hallman’s series of 30 paintings, entitled “It’s All About Jesus,” depicts the life of Jesus from birth to death to resurrection. The largest work portrays The Last Supper, and will later hang in the Biedenharn Museum. Reproductions will be available for sale in the museum gift shop.
On Saturday, December 9, at 11 a.m., members of Latinas Unidas will give a public program about their El Niño Dios (literally child God) custom wherein the figures are venerated at Christmas and other religious holidays. Many families create special wardrobes for the El Niño Dios figures and pass them down from generation to generation.
For more information, call 318-982-8020 or visit www.unionmuseumofhistoryandart.org.
Christmas exhibit opens with gala reception on Tuesday, Dec. 5
Union Museum of History and Art will open its Christmas exhibit with a gala reception on Tuesday, December 5, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Featured will be paintings by artist Pam Hallman and a display of Christ Child figures from local Latino families. Refreshments will be provided by members of Latinas Unidas. The museum is located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. Admission is free. Visitors may register to win a canvas wrap painting by Pam Hallman.
Hallman’s series of 30 paintings, entitled “It’s All About Jesus,” depicts the life of Jesus from birth to death to resurrection. The largest work portrays The Last Supper, and will later hang in the Biedenharn Museum. Reproductions will be available for sale in the museum gift shop.
On Saturday, December 9, at 11 a.m., members of Latinas Unidas will give a public program about their El Niño Dios (literally child God) custom wherein the figures are venerated at Christmas and other religious holidays. Many families create special wardrobes for the El Niño Dios figures and pass them down from generation to generation.
For more information, call 318-982-8020 or visit www.unionmuseumofhistoryandart.org.

Youth competition winners announced
Speeches by President John F. Kennedy were in the air at the Youth Oratory Competition on Veterans Day in the Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville. Five local youth ages 12 to 19 delivered ten-minute versions of inspiring JFK speeches that dwelled on the themes of patriotism, courage, and honor.
Earning top honors in the age 12-16 division were Luke Easley, first place, and Jayce Lee, second. Garrett Lee won first place in the older age division. Other competitors were Chloe Jackson and Kaylee Ann Weldon. “We admire all these young people for stepping forward to voice the lofty rhetoric of President Kennedy, who was a decorated World War II veteran,” says Jean Jones, museum programs director. “We applaud their pursuit of excellence and anticipate great futures for all these young competitors.”
Judges for the competition were Dr. Megan Smith, Louisiana Tech University Debate Team Coach; Mike LeBlanc and Kara Mathis, School of Communication, Louisiana Tech; and Michellie Martin, U.S. Communications Manager, the Drax Corp.
This event was in conjunction with the museum's current exhibit, "American Visionary: John F. Kennedy's Life and Times," on loan from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, Illinois. The exhibit, which ends November 30, is in observance of the 60th anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination on Nov. 22, 1963.
Speeches by President John F. Kennedy were in the air at the Youth Oratory Competition on Veterans Day in the Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville. Five local youth ages 12 to 19 delivered ten-minute versions of inspiring JFK speeches that dwelled on the themes of patriotism, courage, and honor.
Earning top honors in the age 12-16 division were Luke Easley, first place, and Jayce Lee, second. Garrett Lee won first place in the older age division. Other competitors were Chloe Jackson and Kaylee Ann Weldon. “We admire all these young people for stepping forward to voice the lofty rhetoric of President Kennedy, who was a decorated World War II veteran,” says Jean Jones, museum programs director. “We applaud their pursuit of excellence and anticipate great futures for all these young competitors.”
Judges for the competition were Dr. Megan Smith, Louisiana Tech University Debate Team Coach; Mike LeBlanc and Kara Mathis, School of Communication, Louisiana Tech; and Michellie Martin, U.S. Communications Manager, the Drax Corp.
This event was in conjunction with the museum's current exhibit, "American Visionary: John F. Kennedy's Life and Times," on loan from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, Illinois. The exhibit, which ends November 30, is in observance of the 60th anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination on Nov. 22, 1963.

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, which is needed to purchase the building at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. 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, which is needed to purchase the building at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. 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
"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 reveals state funding, building plans
Union Museum of History and Art is proud to announce that it will receive $500,000 in state Capital Outlay funding next year. 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.
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.
For more information, call the Museum at 318-982-8020.
Union Museum of History and Art is proud to announce that it will receive $500,000 in state Capital Outlay funding next year. 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.
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.
For more information, call the Museum at 318-982-8020.
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.