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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
"Liberty" by Tina Bailey Roush
“Celebrate America” exhibit wows viewers
Artist Tina Bailey Roush loves her country, and it shows beautifully in the colorful array of paintings she has created for her "Celebrate America: An Artistic Journey Across the USA" exhibit in the Union Museum of History and Art until May 13. Roush and her husband, John, have been full-time RV travelers for 16 years. All the while, Roush captures images of wildlife, people, and places on her canvases. “My studio is small (the motorhome dining table), but my subjects are limitless,” she says. “These paintings reflect my passion for the beauty of our nation, a love for my country, and our personal travels through various sections of the United States.” See more about her art at her Facebook page.
This exhibit is sponsored by Union General Hospital.
Artist Tina Bailey Roush loves her country, and it shows beautifully in the colorful array of paintings she has created for her "Celebrate America: An Artistic Journey Across the USA" exhibit in the Union Museum of History and Art until May 13. Roush and her husband, John, have been full-time RV travelers for 16 years. All the while, Roush captures images of wildlife, people, and places on her canvases. “My studio is small (the motorhome dining table), but my subjects are limitless,” she says. “These paintings reflect my passion for the beauty of our nation, a love for my country, and our personal travels through various sections of the United States.” See more about her art at her Facebook page.
This exhibit is sponsored by Union General Hospital.
Collage self-portrait class set for April 25
Lindsay Carraway, noted surrealistic collage artist, will lead a workshop in collage self-portraits on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Union Museum of History and Art . Fee for the class is $40, which will include a wide variety of collage elements and other art materials that participants can use to create their self-portraits. Interested persons should pre-register at 318-982-8020. Class size will be limited. The museum is located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville.
Carraway’s collage art depicts visions, dreams, and symbols and incorporates images of the South, family, and social commentary. Her work was recently featured in the Masur Museum of Art's 62nd Annual Juried Competition in Monroe, and she was invited to participate in the Blend regional arts event this year. An in-depth interview with Carraway was featured in Bayou Life magazine in 2024 and she has been profiled in Canvas Rebel and other publications.
PHOTO courtesy Bayou Life magazine
Lindsay Carraway, noted surrealistic collage artist, will lead a workshop in collage self-portraits on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Union Museum of History and Art . Fee for the class is $40, which will include a wide variety of collage elements and other art materials that participants can use to create their self-portraits. Interested persons should pre-register at 318-982-8020. Class size will be limited. The museum is located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville.
Carraway’s collage art depicts visions, dreams, and symbols and incorporates images of the South, family, and social commentary. Her work was recently featured in the Masur Museum of Art's 62nd Annual Juried Competition in Monroe, and she was invited to participate in the Blend regional arts event this year. An in-depth interview with Carraway was featured in Bayou Life magazine in 2024 and she has been profiled in Canvas Rebel and other publications.
PHOTO courtesy Bayou Life magazine
Save the date: April 30 --
Love a good mystery?
John A. Murrell, one of America’s notorious outlaws of the nineteenth century, will be the subject of a presentation at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, in the Union Museum of History and Art, 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. Guest speaker Ellen Abercrombie will cover the historical facts and the legend of Murrell as he prowled across the South, including Louisiana, as a slave stealer, burglar, counterfeiter, river pirate, horse thief, gang leader, and fraudulent camp meeting preacher. She also will have a drawing for a Garrett Infinium LS metal detector at the event.
Abercrombie is carrying on the Murrell research work done by her late husband, Wayne, who died in 2023. He was a career archaeologist and historian who continually sought knowledge his entire life. Mrs. Abercrombie considers herself to be a “historian by assimilation”, being married to Wayne for 57 years and enjoying his work and hobbies.
John Murrell and his outlaw gang were known for counterfeiting and thieving along the Mississippi River in a time and place with little law enforcement. They preyed on unsuspecting river traffic, struck counterfeit money, and aided and abetted horse and slave thieves.
He became a greater figure in legend following his alleged death from tuberculosis – November 1, 1844. In 1836, Virgil A. Stewart published A History of the Detection, Conviction, Life and Designs of John A. Murel, The Great Western Land Pirate. Highly exaggerated accounts of his conversations with Murrell including hoarding loot in the Neutral Ground of Louisiana (the area between Spanish Texas and the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase.) . Murrell’s reputation soon reached sensational proportions. Treasure hunters have spent untold hours frantically digging for Murrell’s counterfeit hoards. Only enough has been found to keep the fever going and the legend alive.
The real story is how Wayne’s family and probably others from our area were involved in the treasure hunting. Mrs. Abercrombie will present maps and drawings from the era and samples of the Abercrombies’ findings.
Love a good mystery?
John A. Murrell, one of America’s notorious outlaws of the nineteenth century, will be the subject of a presentation at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, in the Union Museum of History and Art, 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. Guest speaker Ellen Abercrombie will cover the historical facts and the legend of Murrell as he prowled across the South, including Louisiana, as a slave stealer, burglar, counterfeiter, river pirate, horse thief, gang leader, and fraudulent camp meeting preacher. She also will have a drawing for a Garrett Infinium LS metal detector at the event.
Abercrombie is carrying on the Murrell research work done by her late husband, Wayne, who died in 2023. He was a career archaeologist and historian who continually sought knowledge his entire life. Mrs. Abercrombie considers herself to be a “historian by assimilation”, being married to Wayne for 57 years and enjoying his work and hobbies.
John Murrell and his outlaw gang were known for counterfeiting and thieving along the Mississippi River in a time and place with little law enforcement. They preyed on unsuspecting river traffic, struck counterfeit money, and aided and abetted horse and slave thieves.
He became a greater figure in legend following his alleged death from tuberculosis – November 1, 1844. In 1836, Virgil A. Stewart published A History of the Detection, Conviction, Life and Designs of John A. Murel, The Great Western Land Pirate. Highly exaggerated accounts of his conversations with Murrell including hoarding loot in the Neutral Ground of Louisiana (the area between Spanish Texas and the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase.) . Murrell’s reputation soon reached sensational proportions. Treasure hunters have spent untold hours frantically digging for Murrell’s counterfeit hoards. Only enough has been found to keep the fever going and the legend alive.
The real story is how Wayne’s family and probably others from our area were involved in the treasure hunting. Mrs. Abercrombie will present maps and drawings from the era and samples of the Abercrombies’ findings.
Come learn to make your own sweet-smelling, good-for-your-skin soap on May 2
The next Folkcraft class in the Union Museum of History and Art will be a soap-making workshop on Saturday, May 2, from 2 to 4 p.m., led by Diane Senn. To sign up, call 318-982-8020 or email [email protected]. Only persons aged 18 and up may participate, due to the lye that will be used. Class size will be limited.
The fee of $25 will include all materials; each participant will receive a bar of handcrafted soap. The museum is located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville, Louisiana.
The next Folkcraft class in the Union Museum of History and Art will be a soap-making workshop on Saturday, May 2, from 2 to 4 p.m., led by Diane Senn. To sign up, call 318-982-8020 or email [email protected]. Only persons aged 18 and up may participate, due to the lye that will be used. Class size will be limited.
The fee of $25 will include all materials; each participant will receive a bar of handcrafted soap. The museum is located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville, Louisiana.
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.
"Union Parish Joy Ride" tours notable sites
Twenty-four individuals toured Union Parish, from west to east on Saturday, April 18, visiting some of the local highlights on the Union Parish Joy Ride presented by the Union Museum of History and Art. We give a HUGE thanks to all those who welcomed our travelers and shared their knowledge and enthusiasm, to all our 24 participants, to our lunch providers (Spearsville Mayor Karen Black , Spearsville Baptist Church, Betty Barron, and Joe Bridges), bus provider Farmerville First Baptist Church, bus driver Rev. Kurt Auger, all our town mayors, narrator Jon McKinnie, and event sponsors Union General Hospital, Enviro Services, Reeves Memorial Medical Center, Judge Bruce Hampton, and the Town Of Farmerville.
PHOTO: The tour group in front of the famed Hopkins House in Marion, along with Mayor Danny Smith. Mayor Smith and his wife Ann are current owners of the historic home.
Twenty-four individuals toured Union Parish, from west to east on Saturday, April 18, visiting some of the local highlights on the Union Parish Joy Ride presented by the Union Museum of History and Art. We give a HUGE thanks to all those who welcomed our travelers and shared their knowledge and enthusiasm, to all our 24 participants, to our lunch providers (Spearsville Mayor Karen Black , Spearsville Baptist Church, Betty Barron, and Joe Bridges), bus provider Farmerville First Baptist Church, bus driver Rev. Kurt Auger, all our town mayors, narrator Jon McKinnie, and event sponsors Union General Hospital, Enviro Services, Reeves Memorial Medical Center, Judge Bruce Hampton, and the Town Of Farmerville.
PHOTO: The tour group in front of the famed Hopkins House in Marion, along with Mayor Danny Smith. Mayor Smith and his wife Ann are current owners of the historic home.
A few tickets left --
Josh Madden to headline museum gala event May 7
Award-winning musician Josh Madden will perform at the “Northern Lights: a Night of Wonder” Gala benefit for the Union Museum of History and Art on Thursday, May 7. Joining Madden will be side man guitarist Keith Patterson (aka General Patterson). The event will be held in That Place Downtown, 207 N. Main Street, Farmerville, from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include catered dinner and complimentary wine. Tickets are $50 each or $375 for table for eight. Tickets may be purchased by calling 318-982-8020 or emailing [email protected].
Madden is a prominent vocalist, writer, director, and multi-instrumentalist, well known in the Monroe area music scene for more than 20 years. He was named Best Music Teacher/Band Director and has been nominated twice for Best Male Performer and Entertainer of the Year by the NELA Music Awards. One of Madden’s specialties is tribute performances, bringing to audiences the music of such greats as Elton John, Van Morrison, the Beatles, Billy Joel, and The Blues Brothers. He also heads the Josh Madden Band and has a nonprofit production company that stages musical performances for Northeast Louisiana audiences.
Sponsors of the "Northern Lights: A Night of Wonder" Gala are Judge Bruce Hampton and Union General Hospital. Proceeds of the event will support the Union Museum’s mission of bringing history to life and reveling in the arts through community events, educational programs, documentaries and exhibits.
Josh Madden to headline museum gala event May 7
Award-winning musician Josh Madden will perform at the “Northern Lights: a Night of Wonder” Gala benefit for the Union Museum of History and Art on Thursday, May 7. Joining Madden will be side man guitarist Keith Patterson (aka General Patterson). The event will be held in That Place Downtown, 207 N. Main Street, Farmerville, from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include catered dinner and complimentary wine. Tickets are $50 each or $375 for table for eight. Tickets may be purchased by calling 318-982-8020 or emailing [email protected].
Madden is a prominent vocalist, writer, director, and multi-instrumentalist, well known in the Monroe area music scene for more than 20 years. He was named Best Music Teacher/Band Director and has been nominated twice for Best Male Performer and Entertainer of the Year by the NELA Music Awards. One of Madden’s specialties is tribute performances, bringing to audiences the music of such greats as Elton John, Van Morrison, the Beatles, Billy Joel, and The Blues Brothers. He also heads the Josh Madden Band and has a nonprofit production company that stages musical performances for Northeast Louisiana audiences.
Sponsors of the "Northern Lights: A Night of Wonder" Gala are Judge Bruce Hampton and Union General Hospital. Proceeds of the event will support the Union Museum’s mission of bringing history to life and reveling in the arts through community events, educational programs, documentaries and exhibits.
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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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
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 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. Call 318-982-8020 to reserve spot.
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, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- Art class: "Mixed Media," led by Barbara Houser. $35. Reserve spot at 318-982-8020.
May 26-June 26 – “Fantastic Vizions”, exhibit of fantasy works by six area artists. (Opening reception on May 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m.) Artists: Garrett Carlson, Lindsay Carraway, Rickie Cox, Heather Gill, Pam Hallman, Kelley Kimble, G. Scott Smith
May 28, 5:30 p.m. -- Archaeology talk: "Dendrochronology," by Harvey Stearns.
May 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. --Folkcrafts class: "Backwoods Blacksmithing," led by Cody Livingston. $40 fee.
June 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. -- Art class: "Watercolor Art for Kids," taught by Dianne Anders, recommended for ages 7-12. Fee $12.
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 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. Call 318-982-8020 to reserve spot.
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, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- Art class: "Mixed Media," led by Barbara Houser. $35. Reserve spot at 318-982-8020.
May 26-June 26 – “Fantastic Vizions”, exhibit of fantasy works by six area artists. (Opening reception on May 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m.) Artists: Garrett Carlson, Lindsay Carraway, Rickie Cox, Heather Gill, Pam Hallman, Kelley Kimble, G. Scott Smith
May 28, 5:30 p.m. -- Archaeology talk: "Dendrochronology," by Harvey Stearns.
May 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. --Folkcrafts class: "Backwoods Blacksmithing," led by Cody Livingston. $40 fee.
June 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. -- Art class: "Watercolor Art for Kids," taught by Dianne Anders, recommended for ages 7-12. Fee $12.
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.




