Monday, November 10th, 2008 was the 2008 “Night for the Museum” season finale. The monthly history events but on by the new Dorcheat Historical Association Museum have been a huge success and have incr
eased awareness of the importance of Webster Parish history. Schelley Brown the director of the museum stated, “These events began to help promote the museum. We weren’t sure at first how they would go over, but we were thrilled when they kept growing in attendance every month. The people of Minden and surrounding areas are now looking forward to our next speakers. We not only created an interest in history but also stirred people’s memories of items and artifacts that they have tucked away in closets and attics. These items have now found there way to where they belong in the new museum.Monday night’s speaker was the official Bossier Parish historian Clifton Cardin. Mr. Cardin has done extensive research about old Bossier Parish which at one time was part of what is now Webster Parish. He is the author of many history related books dealing with our area. Cardin donated one of his books to the museum on Monday night to be placed in the library reference section of the museum. Cardin also donated the same history book to be given away in the gift basket that was given away and was won by Sandra Sparkman.
Cardin told of some of the great leaders of our Parish and the huge influence they made on this area. One in particular was Judge John Watkins the man that had “Shed Road” constructed. Cardin talked on the importance and rarity
of this type road and how he is looking for a picture of this structure. No picture exists of the old road to his knowledge and historians would love to find this in the future. Cardin also presented the museum with several pictures that were recently located dealing with the Yellow Pine area of Webster Parish.All of the events have been recorded and are available for sale now as a complete set. You can save by getting the entire 9 DVD set which sales normally for $10 each. Now get all 9 DVDs for $75.00. These make a great gift for Christmas and the museum now has special old-time gift wrapping to make it a perfect gift of history. The museum has several items including prints and history books and the popular “Taste of Yesterday” cookbook series. All of these items are related to our area and are a great way to support the museum plus make great gifts for your holiday list.
The monthly events will continue in January 2009 with first speaker to be Mr. John S. Willis. Willis is a longtime Minden citizen and also a WWII Veteran with many heroic stories to tell. February will celebrate African-American History Month with Dr. Roy Phillips. Dr. Phillips has traced his family history to Africa and back. Dr. Phillips has published a book about his
family and has done extensive research in Africa as well as the United States about African- Americans in our area. Dr. Phillips is also currently working with Mr. James Smith, long time educator in Webster Parish on the Black history for the museum. A grant has been applied for to help with this exhibit.The museum has a lot to look forward to in 2009 as work continues on the Children’s Learning Center in the back room of the museum. The museum hopes to have classes come to the museum for tours and is encouraging local children’s club leaders, teachers and schools to call for tour times. This museum is not what you expect in a small town and you must get out and see it for yourself. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-377-3002 or 318-423-0192. To read more about the museum go to
http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/