The Dorcheat Historical Museum, located at 116 Pearl Street, opened its “Our Patriot Ancestors” exhibit Thursday, September 17, highlighting the local connections to the men and women who helped secure American independence.
Presented in conjunction with the Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the exhibit features approximately 49 short biographies of Patriot ancestors of local DAR members, along with period costumes and photographs of the tombstones of three Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Northwest Louisiana.
The exhibit was created as part of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
“The men and women who achieved American Independence shared one conviction: that our 13 colonies ought to be free, and they were willing to risk their lives and their fortunes to defeat the mightiest army on Earth,” an exhibit sign reads.
The display recognizes ancestors who contributed through patriotic, civil, and military service during the Revolutionary era. Among those represented is at least one woman.
Dorcheat Museum Executive Director Jessica Gorman said she initially envisioned larger exhibits for the nation’s 250th anniversary, but ultimately decided it was important to create something that would give local residents a personal connection to the American Revolution.
“I started looking at it from the angle of not the bigger idea of the American Revolution but more of how we could make people here really feel a connection to it,” Gorman said. “I realized that, through our DAR chapter, we have these personal connections to our ancestors.”
Although the Minden area did not see military action during the conflict, Gorman said the family histories represented in the exhibit provide a direct link between present-day Northwest Louisiana residents and the nation’s founding.
“Each of these people served and they sacrificed in the face of extraordinary risk,” Gorman said. “I really hope that this exhibit will spark curiosity in people.”
Donna Sutton, regent of the Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter, also spoke during the exhibit opening about the DAR, its membership requirements, and its work in the community.
Membership in the DAR is open to women who can document lineal descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution. The organization’s work centers on historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Locally, chapter activities include cemetery preservation efforts, recognition of veterans, and student essay contests.
“Our Patriot Ancestors” was made possible through an America 250 grant from the DAR.
The Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum is free and open to the public. Museum hours and additional information are available at dorcheatmuseum.com.
