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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.
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
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.
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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.
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!
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.
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Hover your mouse to read the Alexandria Library historic marker |
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