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Greetings from Alexandria, the home of the Louisiana History Museum

About the Louisiana History Museum

The Louisiana History Museum, located in downtown Alexandria, is dedicated to collecting, presenting, interpreting and promoting understanding of the wealth of history associated with Alexandria, and all of Louisiana. The Museum maintains one of the foremost collections of historical objects in the state.

The Museum is committed to "Preserving the past ... for Alexandria's future".

An effort was begun in the early 1970s by Angelique Stafford "Gic"  Kraushaar to establish a museum in Alexandria that would not only describe the history of Louisiana, but also show the unique beginnings of Central Louisiana.

The collection has grown from several display cases upstairs in the Alexandria Genealogical Library to over 50 displays and exhibits on the ground floor of the historic Alexandria Public Library.

The Louisiana History Museum

It also includes thousands of historic photographs from around Alexandria, Central Louisiana and other sections of Louisiana. The LHM Photo Archives include the acclaimed Newcomb Collection of nearly 700 unique photos from the 1860s to the 1960s.

The Museum also holds the largest collection of Central Louisiana vintage picture postcards. These valauble images document the history of Louisiana's people, government buildings, bridges, military encampments, aerial photography and more.

In addition, the Museum is engaged in the creation and distribution of a variety of electronic media such as a series of DVDs dealing with the history of Louisiana.

The Museum Building

The building housing the Louisiana History Museum and Alexandria Genealogical Library started life as the Alexandria Public Library in 1907. Area businessman S.S. Bryan matched a $10,000.00 grant from Pittsburgh philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The funds were given for a free public library with the stipulation that the City provide a site and maintenance forever.

Alexandria Public Library - Home of the Louisiana History Museum
Alexandria Public Library
Home of the Louisiana History Museum

The building was constructed solely for the advancement of culture and learning. It was designed by the architectural firm of Crosby & Henkel of New Orleans, and built by Caldwell Brothers.

The Alexandria City Council in 1971 adopted a resolution designating the building as the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library and Museum.

Remodeled in the 1970s and again in 2003, it now houses (upstairs) one of the largest genealogical libraries in the state. The Beaux Arts style building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

Visiting the Museum

Admission to the Museum is free and guided tours can be arranged. You and your family can spend several hours enjoying our Museum.

We invite you to browse our website and learn more, and then visit and explore the History Museum in person.

See you soon!

A Preview of the Museum and Its Photo Archives ... at YouTube
Turn up your volume ... and enjoy some highlights!


Watch the Louisiana History Museum Preview at the YouTube website

Availability of Copies

High-quality copies of archive photos or other available photos can be provided on photographic paper upon request. 8"x10" copies are available for a $15.00 donation to the Museum; 5"x7", for a $10.00 donation. Please add $1.00 for postage.

Make your check or money order payable to Louisiana History Museum, and mail to
P.O. Box 12302, Alexandria, La. 71315-2302.

This site, located in the town's center square, was set aside for public use on the original town plat commissioned by Alexander Fulton in 1805. The building was contructed solely for advancement of culture and learning in 1907 by Caldwell Brothers, Contractors and Crosby & Henkel of New Orleans, Architects. It replaced an earlier library burned by Gen. Nathaniel Banks' federal troops May 13, 1864. Area businessman S.S. Bryan matched a $10,000.00 grant from Pittsburgh philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The funds were given for a free public library with the stipulation that the City provide a "site and maintenance forever." An accepting ordinance was adopted by Alexandria's Board of Aldermen May 7, 1907. The Alexandria City Council in 1971 adopted a resolution designating the building as the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library and Museum. It was restored as a Bicentennial project. Through the date of the placing of this marker, 1990, the building remains in public ownership as the City's only public building over 75 years old used for its original purpose. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places January 19, 1989.

Hover your mouse to read the Alexandria Library historic marker

For More Information

Louisiana History Museum
503 Washington Street · Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
Phone 318.487.8556

email ahgl@att.net

driving directions and detailed map

 

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