3 Heads Are Better Than One

“Three Members of One of Minden’s Oldest Famlies” The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum held its third “Night for the Museum” for the 2011 series of speakers to a packed house on Monday night, April 11th, 2011. The event highlighted the history of the Drew family. The evening began with an introduction of the evening by parish historian John Agan followed by Richard Drew Carey. Carey told of his extensive research of the Drew family with visits overseas and Utah seeking more information. Drew White followed with his story of the community of Overton and the hardships this family must have faced to just survive. The final speaker was the always entertaining Judge Harmon Drew telling stories of his grandfather and father. “Everyone just loves these museum events at Christopher’s.” commented an attendee of the night. “Where else can you go in Minden on a Monday night and see everyone in town and learn something about your surroundings free of charge? We really have something to be proud of.” stated another museum patron. The museum is now open free of charge Tuesday-Saturday. The next speaker will be Mr. Joe Miller Inabnett on May 9th, 2011. The summer program will begin at the end of the school year with more information to be announced soon. These events will also be something that anyone interested in Minden’s rich history will not want to miss. If you would like to hear the story as told by the Drew family members you can contact the museum for your copy of the DVD for $10 each. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-377-3002 or visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com . You can also find the museum on Facebook.

Help Make History… Come Often

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is one of Minden’s great spots to visit. You can see bits of history and learn while you are enjoying the sights and sounds that this museum offers. At a recent board meeting admission cost was discussed and voted to be dropped as a way to give back to the community. Board members present for this decision were Cora Lou Robinson, Richard Campbell, Ann Harlan, Charlotte Martin, Janet LaBruyere, Louise Snook, Becky Marvin, John Agan, Janice Mourad and museum director Schelley Brown. Several board members stated that this year the museum has had 100s of visitors from all across the country. Many are so impressed with what our small parish museum has to offer. On a recent trip to Minden, Rick Rowe of KTBS 3 was just amazed at the quality of our Webster Parish museum. We want people to feel that they can drop by on an everyday basis and see what is new at the museum. Exhibit work changes so rapidly and if you don’t come in often you miss things. With free admission everyone can use the museum like they use the library. It is a facility with lots of material for school projects, genealogy research, or just to bring children and visitors to learn about our rich heritage. We want everyone to feel welcome and not limited to access because of a fee. The popular “Nights for the Museum” are another way that the museum offers history and entertainment for the people of Minden and the surrounding area. These events have become the place to be in Minden. The last speaker before the summer break will be Mr. Joe Inabnett on May 9th, 2011. Then the “Summer Pioneer” program for children will begin. All children that visit the museum receive a history filled book about our area. “I have found that the adults love the activity book as well as the children!” commented Brown. For meetings, parties, reunions, and other functions the new Media/Learning Center room is perfect. This room has a surround sound theater system and 90 chairs and available tables. This room is the perfect spot for non-profit organizations to have meetings or for small business meetings. Call for rates and availability on this area of the museum. The museum gift shop is a place to go for local items such as the popular museum cookbooks, Cora Lou Robinson prints, “Night for the Museum” DVDs and local history books. “We ship too!” commented Ms. Brown. The fourth and newest cookbook is in the works. These books are a great gift and filled with local history. The newest book is dedicated to stores and restaurants of the past in Minden. If you have not visited the museum at 116 Pearl Street you are really missing a local treat. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday 10:00 A.M.-4 P.M. closed from 1-2 for lunch. Saturday hours are 10:00 A.M.-noon. Special tours can be arranged by calling 318-377-3002. Find the museum on Facebook and visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com to read more about Webster Parish history and sign up for the museum email blast about current happenings.