You Are Invited To Help Make History Happen



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Monday, September 10, 2012, the Dorcheat Historical Museum will be hosting its fourth fundraising event since the 2008 opening of the parish museum. Last year the fundraiser was a huge success, and raised over $25,000 and was attended by over 150 guests.

Becky Marvin, Janice Mourad, Cora Lou Robinson, and Louise Snook, board members and gala event organizers report that the 2012 fundraiser promises to be no exception, with the Happy Birthday Louisiana “Louisiana Bicentennial Celebration” theme set for this year.  Guest will be thrilled with the variety of silent auction items and the great variety of wonderful Louisiana cuisine.  “We are so fortunate to have the support of so many people from far and wide.  “We are pleased with our progress and we know we couldn’t do any of it without so many generous friends and supporters of the museum.” stated museum director; Schelley Francis.

Folk artist, Cora Lou Robinson, is in the process of painting another new original painting for this event. Robinson’s paintings have been a highlight at the past auctions bringing in over $6000 last year for the museum. Everyone is looking forward to seeing her new 2012 piece. Other artists have also contacted museum board members about donating original works; and museum members are thrilled with the response to help.

The museum has had hundreds of visitors this past year from all over the country.  It is a showplace for our area and has received quite a bit of notice from the Shreveport area on local TV stations, magazines and newspapers.  People are now seeing museum commercials on TV, large billboards and ads in area publications.   

“With the “Nights for the Museum” 2011-2012 series of speakers, it was realized quickly the need for more space.  An expansion plan is now in the works with a 12 – 18 month fundraising drive that will include the funds raised at the 2012 and 2013 September Galas’.  The project to buy the adjacent building will double our size and give us parking, storage, extra restroom facilities and expand our exhibit / visitor area.  Many Minden residents will remember when the two buildings were connected as Major Office Supply with a door between the two sections.  With the purchase of the building we will once again have a doorway between the two museum areas.  When the Media/Theater room opened last year, it gave the museum an extra advantage of being able to offer the facility to others. We can now rent this part of the museum out for meetings, reunions and parties, plus we have the added benefit of the theater system for Power Point or video presentations.” commented Schelley Francis.

If you would like to attend or donate a service or item for the 2012 Gala event contact the Dorcheat Museum at 318-377-3002 or visit at 116 Pearl Street. To sign up for updates visit the website at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com you can also find us on Facebook.