Tuesday is the last day to submit auction items for the Dorcheat Historical Museum’s 9th annual fundraising event since the opening of the parish museum in 2008.
At 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 11, the museum, located at 116 Pearl St., will host a silent auction with light snacks. The cost is $25 per person.
“We are so fortunate to have the support of so many people from far and wide,” Museum Director Schelley Brown Francis said. “We are pleased with our progress and we know e couldn’t do any of it without so many generous friends and supporters of the museum.”
Folk artist Cora Lou Robinson is in the process of painting another new original piece for this year’s event. Robinson’s paintings have been a highlight at the past auctions bringing in thousands of dollars each year for the museum.
Her piece this year was to highlight the “Webster Parish Fair.” After much thought, Robinson switched to the Fourth of July on Turner’s Pond.
“After Memorial Day, I was so moved by the patriotic things I was seeing,” she said. “I wanted to paint what Minden does to show its patriotism to our country.”
For those who know Robinson, they know “God and Country, Family and Friends” are always her No. 1 themes, Francis said.
Other artists, including one of Minden’s treasures Chris Broussard has also agreed to donate an original work that she is doing specifically for this event.
“We can’t have a successful event or a successful museum without the help from so many local businesses and individuals,” museum board members said in a statement.
To donate an item or service for the gala event, contact Francis at 377-3002, or drop it off at the museum.
Museum Archivist Eddie Hammontree said the museum has had many visitors this year.
“The museum has had hundreds of visitors this past year from all over the country and overseas as well,” she said. “The Dorcheat Historical Museum is a showplace for our area and especially our school children. The museum has been a place for other museum officials to gather advice and knowledge for their own museums. Genealogy research has been a big part of what we have assisted with this year.”
Francis said money from the fundraiser goes toward furthering the mission of the museum.
“It took many years of hard work and perseverance to get where we are today,” she said. “We will never jeopardize that accomplishment. Holding on to what we have built up since 2007 is the most important thing. We have had many people to be thankful for in this process.
“We still have many dreams for the future,” she continued. “We are confident that our expansion project is something that will take place one day. Money was raised to purchase the building in 2013, and a new roof and front were completed, as well as some items on the inside of this newest building.”