[Image: Architectural Rendering]The Louisiana 4-H Museum is an exciting work in progress that is raising many questions as enthusiasm builds for its completion. Here are brief answers to the most frequently asked questions.
WHY WAS THE MUSEUM BUILT IN MANSURA, A RURAL AREA? WHY NOT A MORE METROPOLITAN AREA?
Mansura is in Avoyelles Parish, and Louisiana 4-H has its roots in Avoyelles. In 1908 at Moreauville High School, 300 boys gathered to learn new and better ways to plant corn (with a horse and plow!). This Corn Club for boys was the first of its kind in Louisiana and was organized by administrators of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the L.S.U. Department of Agriculture, the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Moreauville High School. By the end of 1908, there were 15 Corn Clubs for boys throughout Louisiana. Within a few years, more agricultural project clubs for boys had formed, and clubs for girls were also under way. Such boys and girls clubs were being organized nationwide. Eventually, all these boys and girls clubs were collectively called "4-H Clubs."
The idea for building the museum in Mansura evolved in 2004 when the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury acquired land in Mansura for a new facility for extension and tourism offices.
WHAT WILL BE IN THE MUSEUM?
The museum will be filled with dynamic multi-media exhibits that feature the history and development of Louisiana 4-H. Exhibit areas will include:
- Timeline of Louisiana 4-H--will show how 4-H grew from one Corn Club to a plethora of programs and projects
- Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame--will honor those whose dedication made 4-H what it is today
- Voices of 4-H--video testimonials from 4-H'ers past and present
- 4-H Emblem Collage--will feature a multitude of items bearing the 4-H emblem
- Service Projects--from the 1944 Liberty Ship Campaign to recent hurricane recovery projects
- Camp Experiences--from camping in tents to air-conditioned cabins
- Contests--Achievement Days, Livestock Shows, Short Course/4-H University
- Leadership Experiences--will show how 4-H offers youth opportunities to develop leadership skills
- Science, Engineering and Technology Programs--from raising crops and animals to fashion to environmental camps
- Healthy Living--from home improvement to cooking to nutrition education
- And much, much more!
WHEN WILL THE MUSEUM OPEN?
The Louisiana 4-H Museum is slated to open in early 2009. Details about the grand opening and scheduling tours will be posted as soon as they are available.
HOW CAN FORMER 4-H'ers, AGENTS, AND LEADERS HELP DEVELOP THE MUSEUM?
History comes alive with photos, documents, memorabilia, clothing and artifacts! We know there are lots of treasures out there in closets and attics, and we’re eager to see them. For more information on submitting items for donation or loan, please visit http://www.lsuagcenter.com/4hmuseum/items/
News clippings about 4-H events can be faxed or mailed to:
Rose Anne St. Romain
Louisiana 4-H Museum
8592 Highway 1, Suite 2
Mansura, LA 71350
Fax: (318) 964 – 2259
Phone: (318) 964 – 2245
rstromain@agcenter.lsu.edu