This is year 3 of our 2nd Renaissance for the Lincon Parish Museum and our museum is roaring back to relevance!

Did you know that Ruston, La. was recently voted the 4th Most Historical Small Town in America by USA Today?   Yes!  This is what was published in USA Today: “You can take a deeper dive into the town’s history at its museums, including Lincoln Parish Museum

We were visited by a national blogger, Liz Mays who absolutely loved her visit to our museum and wrote: “Next, head to the Lincoln Parish Museum in the historic Kidd-Davis home built in 1886. It’s packed with fabulous antiques, murals, and artifacts that explore Lincoln Parish’s history and the families who helped shape it. Honestly, I could’ve spent the whole day there—no joke! There’s just so much to discover. (I need to write a whole article on this museum alone!)”

This year we have logged families coming from 16 states and 3 countries.  Not bad for a museum still struggling to get to full-time opening.  However, if Google says we’re open, I’ll be here.   This leads to an opportunity to develop a Volunteer Corp to sign up IF we want to have regular hours.  My position has been a part time one, yet, I will be open for anyone, anytime since I am at the Museum 5 days a week.

Our ‘Blueseum Fest’ fundraiser and awareness raiser was an absolute success, Mayor Ronny Walker said we must do this again next year. We had over 250+ in attendance and welcomed Ruston’s own, 26-year-old Blues rising star D.K. Harrell.

We now have an active website, LincolnParishMuseum.com and our Facebook page has up to 2,000 followers! We had over 60 guests visit on 10/12 as part of the Fall Ramble from The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation.

‘Barbie Takes Over the Lincoln Parish Museum’ exhibition drew in over 400 over 4 days, 81% 1st time visitors!

Our future looks bright because we are preserving our past, and with your continued support we will expand our impact/relevance to the families of today.

In January we launched our Lincoln Legacy Award by honoring Dr. Phillip Cook.  It was a special moment in time.  Who would you like to see nominated next year?

Immediate goals to invest in:

  • Finish off our 5 room Exhibition Wing for rotating local displays of history & artists.
  • An outdoor performance stage and Gazebo Restoration/Upgrade in our backyard gardens ravaged by the tornado.
  • Educational opportunities with our local schools.
  • Continuing Chautauqua meetings.
  • Building/Foundational maintenance
  • Much progress has taken place on the Autrey House as well.

My motto since the beginning is ‘Lets create a remarkable future’ and I would say together we are doing just that.

As I close, I ask you once again for your support of our nonprofit Museum.  The pillars of our museum are Education, Exhibits and Events.  Please feel free to share any ideas with me as we continue looking to the future while remembering our past.

Sincerely,

Rick Godley     Thank you for your continued support!

Rick Godley, Director       318-243-4681

$5000  Lincoln Legacy Partner                                     $2500  Lincoln Heritage Partner

$1000  Lincoln Pioneer Partner                                    $750    Sustaining Partner

$250    Sponsor                                                                       $100    Friend