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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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SEE CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS AT LOWER END OF THIS PAGE
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SEE CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS AT LOWER END OF THIS PAGE
Tara Best, collector of vintage sewing machines
Special talk on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m. --
"Stitches in Time" exhibit features vintage machines
Vintage sewing machines, some dating from the mid-1800s, are featured in the “Stitches in Time” exhibit in the Union Museum of History and Art, through February 27. The collection, on loan from Tara Best, reflects her love of the machines that enabled generations of women to sew garments and quilts for their families. The museum is located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. Best will discuss her collection in detail on Tuesday, Feb. 17, starting at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Best says her love of vintage machines began when she inherited her adopted grandmother’s treadle sewing machine. She then inherited other family members’ machines, including a featherweight. Then her obsession of collecting began in earnest. “Now people just give me their family heirloom machines,” she says. “The total number of machines I have is around 65.” Her oldest machine is a hand cranked Bradbury that dates back to 1861-1864 in Britain. She found it in a pawn shop in Strong, Arkansas. She displays her collection museum-style in her home in Farmerville.
“There is so much history behind the machines,” she says. Today she also repairs vintage sewing machines and learns the history of prominent manufacturers such as Singer and White. Best is also a professional longarm quilter and certified quilting instructor, offering multi-day retreats for serious learners.
"Stitches in Time" exhibit features vintage machines
Vintage sewing machines, some dating from the mid-1800s, are featured in the “Stitches in Time” exhibit in the Union Museum of History and Art, through February 27. The collection, on loan from Tara Best, reflects her love of the machines that enabled generations of women to sew garments and quilts for their families. The museum is located at 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. Best will discuss her collection in detail on Tuesday, Feb. 17, starting at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Best says her love of vintage machines began when she inherited her adopted grandmother’s treadle sewing machine. She then inherited other family members’ machines, including a featherweight. Then her obsession of collecting began in earnest. “Now people just give me their family heirloom machines,” she says. “The total number of machines I have is around 65.” Her oldest machine is a hand cranked Bradbury that dates back to 1861-1864 in Britain. She found it in a pawn shop in Strong, Arkansas. She displays her collection museum-style in her home in Farmerville.
“There is so much history behind the machines,” she says. Today she also repairs vintage sewing machines and learns the history of prominent manufacturers such as Singer and White. Best is also a professional longarm quilter and certified quilting instructor, offering multi-day retreats for serious learners.
Come pass a good time, cher! --
Book signing and Mardi Gras fest slated Monday, Feb. 16
Local artist/author Pam Hallman will debut her latest in her "Willow and friends" children's book series on Monday, Feb. 16, from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Union Museum of History and Art, 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. Copies will be available for purchase. Hallman will read portions of her book and be on hand to sign copies of the book entitled Mardi Gras. Visitors also can enjoy king cake as they enjoy hearing about young Willow celebrating Mardi Gras in Farmerville.
Book signing and Mardi Gras fest slated Monday, Feb. 16
Local artist/author Pam Hallman will debut her latest in her "Willow and friends" children's book series on Monday, Feb. 16, from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Union Museum of History and Art, 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville. Copies will be available for purchase. Hallman will read portions of her book and be on hand to sign copies of the book entitled Mardi Gras. Visitors also can enjoy king cake as they enjoy hearing about young Willow celebrating Mardi Gras in Farmerville.
Projectile points topic of talk Feb. 26
James Starnes, geologist and archaeologist, will present a program on projectile points on February 26, at 5:30 p.m., in the Union Museum of History and Art, 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville, LA. The program is open to the public.
Starnes is the Research Director for the Surface Geology and Surface Mapping Division at Mississippi's Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of Geology (State Geological Survey). He earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Millsaps College and is a board licensed Registered Professional Geologist. He has over 20 years of experience in archaeological field research and cultural resources management working for Archaeology Mississippi, Inc. where he recorded over 1,000 archaeological sites.
This presentation is part of the museum's archaeology research program and its D'Arbonne Diggers excavation group. For more information, talk with Tom "Tuffy" Fields at the museum, 318-982-8020.
James Starnes, geologist and archaeologist, will present a program on projectile points on February 26, at 5:30 p.m., in the Union Museum of History and Art, 211 N. Main Street, Farmerville, LA. The program is open to the public.
Starnes is the Research Director for the Surface Geology and Surface Mapping Division at Mississippi's Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of Geology (State Geological Survey). He earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Millsaps College and is a board licensed Registered Professional Geologist. He has over 20 years of experience in archaeological field research and cultural resources management working for Archaeology Mississippi, Inc. where he recorded over 1,000 archaeological sites.
This presentation is part of the museum's archaeology research program and its D'Arbonne Diggers excavation group. For more information, talk with Tom "Tuffy" Fields at the museum, 318-982-8020.
Intro to gardening class slated March 14
A class to introduce individuals to the basics of home gardening will be held in the Union Museum of History and Art - Discovery Place on Saturday, March 14, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Kerry Heafner, associate extension agent with the LSU AgCenter, will teach the class. Fee is $10 to attend. Individuals may preregister at 318-982-8020. This event is part of the museum's ongoing series of Folkcrafts classes.
Heafner is a prominent horticulture expert focused on public education, heirloom seed preservation, and community gardening. He serves as Northeast Region Coordinator for the Louisiana Master Gardener Program, where he trains and manages volunteer gardening educators.
Heafner is a regular guest on the KTVE/KARD program "Louisiana Living," where he hosts the "In the Garden" segment to discuss seasonal planting, soil testing, and plant care, and contributes gardening articles to local publications like BayouLife Magazine. He has gained national recognition for his efforts to "resurrect" nearly extinct varieties of Southern watermelons and apples, helping gardeners reintroduce historically significant crops to the region
A class to introduce individuals to the basics of home gardening will be held in the Union Museum of History and Art - Discovery Place on Saturday, March 14, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Kerry Heafner, associate extension agent with the LSU AgCenter, will teach the class. Fee is $10 to attend. Individuals may preregister at 318-982-8020. This event is part of the museum's ongoing series of Folkcrafts classes.
Heafner is a prominent horticulture expert focused on public education, heirloom seed preservation, and community gardening. He serves as Northeast Region Coordinator for the Louisiana Master Gardener Program, where he trains and manages volunteer gardening educators.
Heafner is a regular guest on the KTVE/KARD program "Louisiana Living," where he hosts the "In the Garden" segment to discuss seasonal planting, soil testing, and plant care, and contributes gardening articles to local publications like BayouLife Magazine. He has gained national recognition for his efforts to "resurrect" nearly extinct varieties of Southern watermelons and apples, helping gardeners reintroduce historically significant crops to the region
Spaces 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 and the Bernice Historical Society will assist in the project.
Interested persons may call the museum at 318-982-8020 or email at [email protected] by April 8.
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 and the Bernice Historical Society will assist in the project.
Interested persons may call the museum at 318-982-8020 or email at [email protected] by April 8.
IN REMEMBRANCE
We are sad to announce that museum board member Glenda Henderson passed away on December 23, 2025, at her home in Farmerville. As a vital member of the museum volunteer team, Glenda shared her enthusiasm and talent to countless projects and initiatives. Her friends in the education community and elsewhere will sorely miss Glenda's cheerful demeanor and thoughtful perspective. The entire community grieves this loss.
We are sad to announce that museum board member Glenda Henderson passed away on December 23, 2025, at her home in Farmerville. As a vital member of the museum volunteer team, Glenda shared her enthusiasm and talent to countless projects and initiatives. Her friends in the education community and elsewhere will sorely miss Glenda's cheerful demeanor and thoughtful perspective. The entire community grieves this loss.
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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 Fields (left) and Tom "Tuffy" Fields during the video shooting session on September 19 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 Fields (left) and Tom "Tuffy" Fields during the video shooting session on September 19 on the grounds of the old Farmerville High School, where the two attended in the 1960s.
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 3-27 -- "Stitches in Time" exhibit of antique sewing machines from the collection of Tara Best.
February 16, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. -- Author/artist Pam Hallman will hold a book reading and signing of her latest Willow and Friends book, Mardi Gras
February 17, 5:30 p.m. --- Tara Best will discuss her collection of antique sewing machines
February 26, 5:30 p.m. --- "Projectile Points" talk by James Starnes, geologist, Mississippi Dept. of Environmental Quality. (D’Arbonne Digger meeting at 4 p.m.)
March 12-April 2 -- Exhibit by the local Future Farmers of America chapter. (Opening reception on March 12, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
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.
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 --- Union Parish Joy Ride historical tour. $40 each; includes lunch. Call 318-982-8020 to reserve seat on the bus.
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 26-June 26 – “Fantastic Visions”, exhibit of fantasy works by area artists. (Opening reception on May 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
February 3-27 -- "Stitches in Time" exhibit of antique sewing machines from the collection of Tara Best.
February 16, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. -- Author/artist Pam Hallman will hold a book reading and signing of her latest Willow and Friends book, Mardi Gras
February 17, 5:30 p.m. --- Tara Best will discuss her collection of antique sewing machines
February 26, 5:30 p.m. --- "Projectile Points" talk by James Starnes, geologist, Mississippi Dept. of Environmental Quality. (D’Arbonne Digger meeting at 4 p.m.)
March 12-April 2 -- Exhibit by the local Future Farmers of America chapter. (Opening reception on March 12, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
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.
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 --- Union Parish Joy Ride historical tour. $40 each; includes lunch. Call 318-982-8020 to reserve seat on the bus.
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 26-June 26 – “Fantastic Visions”, exhibit of fantasy works by area artists. (Opening reception on May 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
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.