Downtown Alexandria’s historic Hotel Bentley was the place to be for New Year’s Eve fun as the hotel’s ballroom was transformed into a Parisian wonderland for the Louisiana History Museum’s annual fundraiser.

The museum’s ballroom was filled with history lovers and supporters of the museum who enjoyed a champaign social hour, a superb dinner in the historic hotel’s ballroom, and fun and dancing as 2023 gave way to 2024.Museum board member Fr. Chad Partain, pastor of St. Frances Cabrini and local historian, gave an update of the progress made on renovating the Shiloh Church Building and details on what is still needed.

Fr. Partain also spoke of a program instituted by the museum-The Cenla Hall of Fame. This program is intended to honor Cenla residents who have made significant contributions to community betterment in a wide variety of endeavors. The museum is taking nominations for people to be honored.

The Louisiana History Museum is currently housed in the Alexandria Historical & Genealogical Library on Washington St. With far more items in its collections than space to display them, the museum has outgrown the space available at its current location The museum purchased the former Shiloh Baptist Church, a historic African-American church building erected in 1905.The church building is itself a historic structure and would have enough room to house the museum’s artifacts and a visitor’s center.

The church is a historical building and an integral part of our community’s story. Renovating the building to its former condition and housing the Louisiana Historical Museum and its educational resources there would be a wonderful way to preserve our region’s history and honor some of the men and women who shaped Alexandria’s destiny during a difficult time.

Anyone wishing to volunteer or contribute to this worthy cause is invited to contact Ms. Pat Boone at the Alexandria Library and Museum at 503 Washington Street 318-769-2216. She may also be contacted concerning nominations for the Cenla Hall of Fame.