Alexandria Historical & Genealogical Library

04/25/2024

01/15/2024

Due to the inclement weather, the Library & Museum will be closed Tuesday 1-16 & Wednesday 1-17!!

01/11/2024

The Library and Museum’s elevator is back in service! A big THANK YOU to the city maintenance department!

01/04/2024

The DNA & Genetic Workshop has been cancelled!
We plan to reschedule in March!

12/07/2023

https://youtu.be/PAGCP3whs1I?si=opHxbhEjSCcY8Hk0

09/09/2023

Have you signed up yet? Call 318-487-8556.

09/01/2023

Get ready to dive into your family history at the Genealogy Workshop and listen to four fascinating speakers. Breakfast & lunch included.

09/01/2023

Genealogy Workshop

Join us for a fascinating Genealogy Workshop at The Hotel Bentley of Alexandria in Alexandria, LA, USA. Discover the secrets of your family tree and unlock the stories of your ancestors. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced researcher, this workshop is perfect for all. Learn valuable tips and tricks from expert genealogists, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and delve into the rich history of your heritage. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to explore your roots and uncover the hidden treasures of your past!

Featuring:

- Rapides Parish Colonial Genealogy with Historian Mike Hilton

-African American Genealogy with educator and historical interpreter Gaynell Brady of "Our Mammy's"

-Historian Scott DeBose, author of "Fort Jessup: A History" and the upcoming "Louisiana's No Man's Land"

-Forensic Genealogy with Genetic Genealogist Shera LaPoint, author of "The Gene Hunter"

Registration $50 (Includes Continental Breakfast & Lunch). Need a room? Ask about the special room rate for workshop attendees when reserving your room at the Historic Hotel Bentley.

For more information call (318)769-2216

Presented by The Alexandria Historical & Genealogical Library and Museum

Get ready to dive into your family history at the Genealogy Workshop and listen to four fascinating speakers. Breakfast & lunch included.

08/15/2023

Call 318-769-2216 for tickets!

Tickets are on sale! Call 318-769-2216!

07/02/2023

Classes at the Genealogy Library - Please call and reserve a seat!

05/10/2023

Come out on Saturday, May 20th and get your copy of this new book chronicling the history of Fort Jesup!

Local Connection:
Not only does Fort Jesup: A History tell the story of an important early American military post, but the book also sheds light on several events in the history of Rapides Parish that soldiers from Fort Jesup were involved in.

Back cover of the book:
Visit a Louisiana landmark that tells a big piece of the American story.
Fort Jesup was founded two centuries ago, a bulwark on the youthful nation's western frontier. During its long run as a military post, it was visited by over one thousand soldiers and officers, many of whom would make a lasting impact on American history. The long list of luminaries includes Presidents Zachary Taylor and Ulysses S. Grant, over forty officers who would become Civil War generals, and two Surgeons General, one of whom would treat Abraham Lincoln after he was shot. Thousands of settlers also passed through on their way to Texas, using the fort as a waypoint on their journey. As citadel and stopping post, Fort Jesup played a critical role during the nation's formative years. Author Scott DeBose shares the sprawling story of this Louisiana icon.

Bio:
Scott DeBose has been interested in Fort Jesup since he was a young child visiting the site on school trips and family visits. He began volunteering at the site while in high school in 1995 and the next year was hired to be a tour guide and researcher. He continued to work at the site through college and served as a lab assistant for the Fort Jesup Archeological Field School. DeBose received a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology in 2003 and a Master of Music in 2010 from Northwestern State University. DeBose is currently the director of bands at Many High School and president of the Friends of Fort Jesup, Inc. He lives in Many, Louisiana, with his wife and four children.

04/26/2023

Celebrate Louisiana's Rich Cultural Heritage at the "Cochon de Lait" Fundraiser for the Louisiana History Museum

Alexandria, LA - The Louisiana History Museum is pleased to announce the "Cochon de Lait" event, a fundraiser to support the museum's mission of preserving and celebrating Louisiana's rich history and culture. The event will take place on Saturday, April 29th, 2023, from 11 am to 3 pm, at the future site of the museum, located at 930 Washington Street, Alexandria LA 71301.

Guests will have the opportunity to purchase mouth-watering pulled pork plates, including seasoned rice, a vegetable, and a roll, all prepared by the renowned Kelone's Catering. Due to the limited number of plates available, it is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance. Tickets for pulled pork plates can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/louisiana-history-museums-cochon-de-lait-tickets-622602981277.

In addition to the delicious food, guests will be treated to the sounds of Gerard Delafose & the Zydeco Gators, a local favorite whose music is sure to get everyone up and dancing. The band's website, https://gerarddelafose.com/, provides a taste of their unique style.

While food and drink will be available for purchase, guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and relaxation in a beautiful outdoor setting. The site of the future Louisiana History Museum promises to be a stunning location, and this event is a fantastic opportunity to experience it firsthand.

By attending this event and purchasing tickets, guests will not only enjoy a delicious meal and an afternoon of entertainment, but they will also help support the Louisiana History Museum's mission to preserve and celebrate the state's rich cultural heritage.

"We're thrilled to host this fundraiser to support the Louisiana History Museum and its mission," said Pat Boone, Director of the Louisiana History Museum. "We invite everyone to join us for a day of fun and celebration of Louisiana's rich history and culture."

For more information about the event and the Louisiana History Museum, please visit our website at www.louisianahistorymuseum.org .

Contact:
Pat Boone, Director
Louisiana History Museum
(318) 769-2216
[email protected]
www.louisianahistorymuseum.org

Join us for a day of fun and fundraising as we celebrate Louisiana's rich cultural heritage at the Louisiana History Museum Cochon de Lait.

04/21/2023

Celebrate Louisiana's Rich Cultural Heritage at the "Cochon de Lait" Fundraiser for the Louisiana History Museum

Alexandria, LA - The Louisiana History Museum is pleased to announce the "Cochon de Lait" event, a fundraiser to support the museum's mission of preserving and celebrating Louisiana's rich history and culture. The event will take place on Saturday, April 29th, 2023, from 11 am to 3 pm, at the future site of the museum, located at 930 Washington Street, Alexandria LA 71301.

Guests will have the opportunity to purchase mouth-watering pulled pork plates, including seasoned rice, a vegetable, and a roll, all prepared by the renowned Kelone's Catering. Due to the limited number of plates available, it is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance. Tickets for pulled pork plates can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/louisiana-history-museums-cochon-de-lait-tickets-622602981277.

In addition to the delicious food, guests will be treated to the sounds of Gerard Delafose & the Zydeco Gators, a local favorite whose music is sure to get everyone up and dancing. The band's website, https://gerarddelafose.com/, provides a taste of their unique style.

While food and drink will be available for purchase, guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and relaxation in a beautiful outdoor setting. The site of the future Louisiana History Museum promises to be a stunning location, and this event is a fantastic opportunity to experience it firsthand.

By attending this event and purchasing tickets, guests will not only enjoy a delicious meal and an afternoon of entertainment, but they will also help support the Louisiana History Museum's mission to preserve and celebrate the state's rich cultural heritage.

"We're thrilled to host this fundraiser to support the Louisiana History Museum and its mission," said Pat Boone, Director of the Louisiana History Museum. "We invite everyone to join us for a day of fun and celebration of Louisiana's rich history and culture."

For more information about the event and the Louisiana History Museum, please visit our website at www.louisianahistorymuseum.org .

Contact:
Pat Boone, Director
Louisiana History Museum
(318) 769-2216
[email protected]
www.louisianahistorymuseum.org

03/22/2023

Attention all vintage glassware enthusiasts! You are cordially invited to our exclusive vintage glassware sale where you can own a piece of history. This is an incredible opportunity to purchase unique and rare pieces of vintage glassware, including depression glass, Fostoria, and much more.

We are excited to announce a special sneak preview event on Thursday, March 23rd from 1-4 pm, where you can get a first-hand look at some of the stunning pieces that will be available for purchase during the sale. Make sure to mark your calendar and get a head start on finding the perfect piece to add to your collection.

The sale will officially commence on Friday, March 24th and Saturday, March 25th from 10 am to 4 pm, giving you ample time to browse and explore our incredible selection of vintage glassware. From delicate tea sets to exquisite vases, we have something for everyone, no matter what your personal style or taste may be.

This is not just any ordinary sale. Our vintage glassware pieces are not only beautiful, but they also hold a special place in history. Each piece has a unique story and has been lovingly cared for over the years. By owning one of these pieces, you will become part of its rich and fascinating history. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to own a piece of history!

03/01/2023

We frequently hear this remark:

"I'm not originally from Central Louisiana so the Alexandria Historical & Genealogical Library won't be of any help to me..."

This couldn't be more incorrect! The library is full of worldwide resources 🌐 in the form of books, maps, directories, and also free access to online databases such as ancestry.com to patrons.

Come visit! There is always a volunteer ready to help show you around and get you started on your research.

Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10 AM–4 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–4 PM
Thursday 10 AM–4 PM
Friday 10 AM–4 PM
Saturday 10 AM–4 PM

503 Washington St, Alexandria, LA 71301

12/31/2022

The room is set, the band is great, and the Champagne is chilled. Do you have your tickets for the masquerade ball yet?! If not, there are a few left at the door for $75 each.

Doors open at 7:30 PM tonight!

12/11/2022

12/08/2022

Don’t forget our Open House tomorrow 1-3 and Saturday 1-3

12/05/2022

Call 318-769-2216 for reservations!

11/30/2022

Come join us!

11/19/2022

The Library & Museum will be closed tomorrow November 19th. Come join us at Fort Randolph at the “Get Out & Fish” Tournament and the Louisiana History Museum’s Fall Festival! Fishing Tournament starts at 6:30 AM and other activities will start around 7 AM!