Schelley Brown Francis, the director of the Dorcheat Historical Museum will be the guest speaker for February 27, 2020 noon gathering of the Minden Lions club. Francis became the director of the museum in 2007, even before there was a museum. Her job was to raise awareness of why Minden and Webster Parish needed a museum. Thirteen years later, Webster Parish has one of the nicest small- town museums in the area. All in thanks to a hard working board of directors and to so many generous donations. All this has made it all become a reality.
Francis commented “That so many people have helped us get where we are today. It is not just a one person accomplishment. I was hired because of my love of Minden’s history and an ability to not be shy when asking for money! I have always loved the stories behind old things….. from cemeteries, to historic homes, antique cars and motorcycles etc. so this job has been a dream job for me. I have connected with so many of our older generation during the last 13 years. I have heard some amazing stories and tried to capture them either in our museum speaker series “Night at the Museum” or in our books that we have complied for the museum. Every day we lose more and more of these people…it’s like losing a library filled with books when they pass away.”
The museum hopes to expand, in the next few years to the adjacent building. This will give them twice the room they have today. With more exhibit space for the many more stories that have yet to be told.
Be sure to visit the Dorcheat Museum located at 116 Pearl Street Minden, LA Tuesday – Friday from 10-1 and 2-4 open by appointment for special group tours you can call 318-377-3002 for more information. Find them on Facebook for the latest happenings. Admission is FREE.