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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
Lillie Adams Wiley
The “Union Parish Agricultural Experience” exhibit open through April 2
The history of local agriculture is being showcased in a new exhibit created by members of the Union Parish FFA Chapter and displayed in the Union Museum of History and Art. Opening reception for the “Union Parish Agricultural Experience” exhibit was held on March 12, with special guest Lillie Adams Wiley, assistant director of the communications division for Dr. Mike Strain, DVM, Commissioner of Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF).
The exhibit was developed by FFA members under the direction of Ag science teachers and FFA advisors Angelia Murphy and Mark Spradling. It will be on display through April 2.
Special thanks go to the Louisiana Tech University School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry and to the museum’s sustaining sponsor, Union General Hospital.
The history of local agriculture is being showcased in a new exhibit created by members of the Union Parish FFA Chapter and displayed in the Union Museum of History and Art. Opening reception for the “Union Parish Agricultural Experience” exhibit was held on March 12, with special guest Lillie Adams Wiley, assistant director of the communications division for Dr. Mike Strain, DVM, Commissioner of Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF).
The exhibit was developed by FFA members under the direction of Ag science teachers and FFA advisors Angelia Murphy and Mark Spradling. It will be on display through April 2.
Special thanks go to the Louisiana Tech University School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry and to the museum’s sustaining sponsor, Union General Hospital.
Dianne Davidson (right), CEO of Union General Hospital, presents a Sustainer Sponsor check to Vickie Wheelis, director of the Union Museum of History and Art.
Museum announces Sustainer Sponsor: Union General Hospital
The Union Museum of History and Art is pleased to announce that Union General Hospital has stepped forward to be a Sustaining Sponsor for 2026. As such, the hospital is generously supporting all the museum’s events, exhibits, and operations that serve the Union Parish community.
“We proudly recognize Union General as the first Sustaining Sponsor of the museum,” says Vickie Wheelis, director. “This commitment marks a defining moment in our growth and strengthens the foundation on which our future will be built. We thank them for leading the way in supporting the cultural life of our community.”
Founded in 2014, the museum is a community-based non-profit that showcases regional history, artists, and traditions. Its ongoing offerings include archaeology research, folkcraft classes, art classes, traveling and static exhibits, and the Bayou D’Arbonne Folk Festival.
For more information about the Sustainer Sponsor program, call the museum at 318-982-8020.
The Union Museum of History and Art is pleased to announce that Union General Hospital has stepped forward to be a Sustaining Sponsor for 2026. As such, the hospital is generously supporting all the museum’s events, exhibits, and operations that serve the Union Parish community.
“We proudly recognize Union General as the first Sustaining Sponsor of the museum,” says Vickie Wheelis, director. “This commitment marks a defining moment in our growth and strengthens the foundation on which our future will be built. We thank them for leading the way in supporting the cultural life of our community.”
Founded in 2014, the museum is a community-based non-profit that showcases regional history, artists, and traditions. Its ongoing offerings include archaeology research, folkcraft classes, art classes, traveling and static exhibits, and the Bayou D’Arbonne Folk Festival.
For more information about the Sustainer Sponsor program, call the museum at 318-982-8020.
CANCELLED: Intro to gardening class slated March 14
We will try to reschedule this class for a future date
We will try to reschedule this class for a future date
Spaces are limited; reserve seat now ---
Historic sites tour set for April 18
Union Museum of History and Art will hold a bus tour of Union Parish historic sites and other points of interest on Saturday, April 18 , from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The fee of $40 will include lunch. The tour will begin in Farmerville at the museum, 211 N. Main Street, and continue to Bernice, Spearsville, Marion, and Haile. The 24-passenger tour bus will be provided by First Baptist Church in Farmerville. “Like last year's event, this will be an exciting opportunity to not only share historical facts with locals, but also introduce high points to newcomers,” says Vickie Wheelis, museum director. Local mayors, the Bernice Historical Society, and Reeves Memorial Medical Center will assist in the project.
Interested persons should call the museum at 318-982-8020 or email at [email protected] by April 8.
Special thanks to Union General Hospital and to Reeves Memorial Medical Center for sponsoring this event.
Historic sites tour set for April 18
Union Museum of History and Art will hold a bus tour of Union Parish historic sites and other points of interest on Saturday, April 18 , from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The fee of $40 will include lunch. The tour will begin in Farmerville at the museum, 211 N. Main Street, and continue to Bernice, Spearsville, Marion, and Haile. The 24-passenger tour bus will be provided by First Baptist Church in Farmerville. “Like last year's event, this will be an exciting opportunity to not only share historical facts with locals, but also introduce high points to newcomers,” says Vickie Wheelis, museum director. Local mayors, the Bernice Historical Society, and Reeves Memorial Medical Center will assist in the project.
Interested persons should call the museum at 318-982-8020 or email at [email protected] by April 8.
Special thanks to Union General Hospital and to Reeves Memorial Medical Center for sponsoring this event.
Tom "Tuffy" Fields
Archaeological findings topic of talk on March 24
Recent archaeological discoveries in Union Parish will be the topic of a talk by Tom "Tuffy" Fields, on Tuesday, March 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the Union Museum of History and Art, where he is curator of the archaeological collection. Fields heads up the D'Arbonne Diggers, an archaeology study group that has done excavations in the parish over the past two years. The volunteer group also is affiliated with the Louisiana Archaeological Society. The museum is located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville.
Recent archaeological discoveries in Union Parish will be the topic of a talk by Tom "Tuffy" Fields, on Tuesday, March 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the Union Museum of History and Art, where he is curator of the archaeological collection. Fields heads up the D'Arbonne Diggers, an archaeology study group that has done excavations in the parish over the past two years. The volunteer group also is affiliated with the Louisiana Archaeological Society. The museum is located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville.
Gala evening event to benefit Union Museum
The Union Museum of History and Art will hold a gala fundraising event on Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. at That Place Downtown, 207 N. Main Street, Farmerville. "Northern Lights Gala: A Night of Wonder," will feature a catered dinner and live music, plus complimentary wine glass and wine. Tickets are $50 each or $375 for table of eight. For ticket information, call 318-982-8020.
Sincere thanks to sponsors of the Northern Lights Gala: Judge Bruce Hampton and Union General Hospital.
The Union Museum of History and Art will hold a gala fundraising event on Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. at That Place Downtown, 207 N. Main Street, Farmerville. "Northern Lights Gala: A Night of Wonder," will feature a catered dinner and live music, plus complimentary wine glass and wine. Tickets are $50 each or $375 for table of eight. For ticket information, call 318-982-8020.
Sincere thanks to sponsors of the Northern Lights Gala: Judge Bruce Hampton and Union General Hospital.
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, 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, and Reeves Memorial Medical Center.
[For more information on the advantages of sponsoring this event, call 318-982-8020]
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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! |
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We appreciate the generosity of Union General Hospital, our Museum Sustainer Sponsor, who is supporting the entire work of the museum in 2026:
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Please click on this logo to learn more about their services
New "Eyewitness to History" video is on YouTube
Cleo Gatson and Tom "Tuffy" Fields, both lifetime residents of Union Parish, are featured in the latest "Eyewitness to History" video created by the Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville. The video, which premiered December 4, features Fields and Gatson discussing the earliest days of integration at Farmerville High School, 1968-69.
To view the video, entitled "The Times, They Were A-Changin'," go to the museum's You Tube channel or use this link: https://youtu.be/CAhMOEFcH60
The documentary was filmed at the old Farmerville High School on September 19, 2025, as the two men shared their thoughts about those long-ago days when they were teenagers. Carter Carroll of ReCollect Media shot and edited the video, preparing it for public viewing.
This is the third in a series of "Eyewitness to History" videos created by the Union Museum of History and Art to document memoirs of local individuals who have been part of historic events. All of the videos can be accessed on the museum's You Tube channel.
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. The second video 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.
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PHOTO: Cleo Gatson (left) and Tom "Tuffy" Fields during the video shooting session on September 19, 2025, on the grounds of the old Farmerville High School, where the two attended in the 1960s.
Cleo Gatson and Tom "Tuffy" Fields, both lifetime residents of Union Parish, are featured in the latest "Eyewitness to History" video created by the Union Museum of History and Art in Farmerville. The video, which premiered December 4, features Fields and Gatson discussing the earliest days of integration at Farmerville High School, 1968-69.
To view the video, entitled "The Times, They Were A-Changin'," go to the museum's You Tube channel or use this link: https://youtu.be/CAhMOEFcH60
The documentary was filmed at the old Farmerville High School on September 19, 2025, as the two men shared their thoughts about those long-ago days when they were teenagers. Carter Carroll of ReCollect Media shot and edited the video, preparing it for public viewing.
This is the third in a series of "Eyewitness to History" videos created by the Union Museum of History and Art to document memoirs of local individuals who have been part of historic events. All of the videos can be accessed on the museum's You Tube channel.
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. The second video 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.
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PHOTO: Cleo Gatson (left) and Tom "Tuffy" Fields during the video shooting session on September 19, 2025, on the grounds of the old Farmerville High School, where the two attended in the 1960s.
CULTURAL CENTER UPCOMING EVENTS
March 12-April 2 -- Exhibit by the local Future Farmers of America chapter.
March 14, 10 to 11:30 a.m. -- "Introduction to Gardening," Folkcrafts workshop led by Kerry Heafner, LSU AgCenter specialist. $10 fee. Preregister at 318-982-8020.
March 24, 5:30 p.m. -- Archaeology talk: "Recent Archaeological Finds in Union Parish," by Tom "Tuffy" Fields.
April 9-May 13 -- “Celebrate America” exhibit of paintings by artist Tina Bailey Roush. (Opening reception on April 9, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
April 18, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. --- Union Parish Joy Ride historical tour. $40 each; includes lunch. Call 318-982-8020 to reserve seat on the bus.
April 25, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. -- Art class: "Collage Self-Portraits," led by Lindsay Carraway. $40
April 30, 5:30 p.m. -- "Following the Trail of Reverend Devil, the Story of John Murrell and His Outlaw Gang," talk by Ellen Abercrombie.
May 2, 2 to 4 p.m. -- Folkcrafts class: "Soap-making," by Diane Senn. $25.
May 7, 6 to 9 p.m. -- Museum gala fundraiser, "Northern Lights Gala: a Night of Wonder." $50 each or $375 for table of 8. Tickets at 318-982-8020.
May 16 -- Art class: "Mixed Media," led by Barbara Houser. $35. Reserve spot at 318-982-8020.
May 26-June 26 – “Fantastic Visions”, exhibit of fantasy works by six area artists. (Opening reception on May 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
May 28, 5:30 p.m. -- Archaeology talk: "Dendrochronology," by Harvey Stearns.
March 12-April 2 -- Exhibit by the local Future Farmers of America chapter.
March 14, 10 to 11:30 a.m. -- "Introduction to Gardening," Folkcrafts workshop led by Kerry Heafner, LSU AgCenter specialist. $10 fee. Preregister at 318-982-8020.
March 24, 5:30 p.m. -- Archaeology talk: "Recent Archaeological Finds in Union Parish," by Tom "Tuffy" Fields.
April 9-May 13 -- “Celebrate America” exhibit of paintings by artist Tina Bailey Roush. (Opening reception on April 9, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
April 18, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. --- Union Parish Joy Ride historical tour. $40 each; includes lunch. Call 318-982-8020 to reserve seat on the bus.
April 25, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. -- Art class: "Collage Self-Portraits," led by Lindsay Carraway. $40
April 30, 5:30 p.m. -- "Following the Trail of Reverend Devil, the Story of John Murrell and His Outlaw Gang," talk by Ellen Abercrombie.
May 2, 2 to 4 p.m. -- Folkcrafts class: "Soap-making," by Diane Senn. $25.
May 7, 6 to 9 p.m. -- Museum gala fundraiser, "Northern Lights Gala: a Night of Wonder." $50 each or $375 for table of 8. Tickets at 318-982-8020.
May 16 -- Art class: "Mixed Media," led by Barbara Houser. $35. Reserve spot at 318-982-8020.
May 26-June 26 – “Fantastic Visions”, exhibit of fantasy works by six area artists. (Opening reception on May 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
May 28, 5:30 p.m. -- Archaeology talk: "Dendrochronology," by Harvey Stearns.
Board of Directors
Union Museum of History and Art
Mary Barrios
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
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.