The Dorcheat Museum recently garnered attention when it was featured in Dave McNamara’s “Heart of Louisiana” series. Veteran TV journalist Dave McNamara has been exploring the unique aspects of Louisiana for over 30 years, highlighting the state’s distinctive people and places. His weekly “Heart of Louisiana” TV segments are broadcast statewide on WVUE New Orleans, WAFB Baton Rouge, KPLC Lake Charles, KSLA Shreveport, KNOE Monroe, and KALB Alexandria.
Museums like the Dorcheat Museum offer visitors a window into a town’s history, showcasing its highs and lows, famous residents, and the reasons behind its existence. The Dorcheat Museum, founded by the Dorcheat Historical Association, delves into the history of Webster Parish. What began as a vision in the 1970s has evolved into one of the region’s premier small museums. The museum’s mission is to cultivate and celebrate a strong sense of community pride by preserving the past for future generations. Located at 116 Pearl Street in Minden, the Dorcheat Museum is a testament to the rich history of Webster Parish.
The museum serves as a timeline of Webster Parish, beginning with the days of the Caddo Indians and progressing through the contributions of pioneer families that shaped the area. The exhibits highlight notable individuals from the region, ranging from astronauts to Grammy Award winners, and showcase the impact of Hollywood in the area through movies filmed locally. The museum also pays homage to famous athletes, including a Heisman Trophy winner, and recognizes the pivotal role of churches and schools in shaping Webster Parish. Additionally, the museum features a tribute to local military personnel and a Civil War-era display, offering a comprehensive view of the area’s history.
Looking ahead, the Dorcheat Museum is eager to expand its space to accommodate more of its extensive collection. The museum is seeking donations to help realize this goal. To learn more about the museum and its exhibits or to donate, visit www.dorcheatmuseum.com. For those interested in exploring the Heart of Louisiana archive, click here.