"Part III Night At The Museum" with Frank Griffith

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum will hold its final "Night at the Museum" for the 2013 series of speakers on the second Monday night in October 2013.  Mr. Frank Griffith will speak at the Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum on October 14th, 2013.

Many may remember Mr. Griffith as the very first "Night For The Museum" speaker back in 2008 and then again in April of 2013!  His encore appearance is sure to be just as captivating as his last museum event.  Griffith’s last talk focused on the stores along back street during his childhood and early boyhood years.  His next talk may focus on some of the old buildings and stores along front street as well as his father long time sheriff; B.F. Griffith.  Griffith’s deep roots in Minden add a personal flavor to this talks.  His stories are very detailed and filled with amusing antidotes.  Griffith has extensive knowledge of Minden's history.

Don't miss your chance to hear about some of Minden's early families. The museum events will be held in the Media/Learning room at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, 116 Pearl Street, Minden, La.  Museum doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with first-come, first-serve seating.  Program begins at 6:00 p.m., admission is free with potluck desserts and snacks welcome. 

For more information contact Schelley Brown Francis at 318-377-3002 or visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com to sign up for the museum email blast. You can also find the museum on Facebook. To learn more about Webster Parish's rich history visit the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum located at 116 Pearl Street in Minden. Museum hours; closed on Monday, Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed from 1-2 for lunch), Saturday 10 a.m. - noon. The museum admission is free. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment.

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum’s Annual September Gala A Big Success

Becky Marvin, Kay Elzen, Janice Mourad, Cora Lou Robinson, Lou Snook

Dr Richard Baker and Mrs. Ann Harlan

Carleton Prothro preparing for the guest to arrive

September 9^th, 2013 was a big night for the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum.  The annual event now in its 5^th year was host to over 125 attendees and brought in around $30,000 for the Webster Parish history museum.  Gala organizers Kay Elzen, Becky Marvin, Janice Mourad, Lou Snook and Cora Lou Robinson as well as museum board members were very pleased with the turnout and response this year. 

Museum director; Schelley Francis commented, “Of course as always the highlight of the evening was Cora Lou Robinson’s original art work “St. Matthew C.M.E. Church.”  Bringing in a high bid of $10,000 this year, Cora Lou’s painting has always been the most coveted item at the annual museum fundraiser!  Her paintings have raised over $35,000 in the last four years for us.  Cora Lou’s works of art have helped the museum tremendously and we are so grateful for her generosity, talent and love for her community.  We are equally as thankful for the people that bid on all of our items and support us year after year.  So many people realize the importance of saving and preserving our history, we are grateful for every one of them.” 

The museum is in the process of expanding with the upcoming purchase of an adjacent building within the next month.  This purchase will not only give Dorcheat Historical Association Museum much needed storage and office space but it will also give the museum a small parking lot, more exhibit space and a larger meeting area in the future.  “Our goal this past year was to just be able to raise the money to purchase the building.  We have the funding for that in place now, soon we will have to turn around and begin the raising of money for a new roof and other necessary renovations to make it a useable space for us.  We have been able to set goals on all our projects and work toward them with much success.  I think in time we will be able to offer an equally impressive addition to what we already have.” stated Mrs. Francis. 

            If you have not had the opportunity to check out what the museum has to offer, we urge you to do so.  Museum is located at 116 Pearl Street a block of Main Street.  Museum hours are Tuesday-Friday 10-4 closed from 1-2 for lunch and also open by appointment for special occasions.  The museum also has a Facebook page and group that you can join to find out about the latest updates.  Visit the website at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com