The Louisiana Political Museum will induct seven new members into its Hall of Fame during ceremonies Saturday, April 5 in Winnfield.

The 33rd annual event celebrates the remarkable achievements of Louisiana political leaders, public servants and trailblazers who have made their mark in the state through judicial service, policy making and preserving history and recording it.

The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Judge Marion F. Edwards – A judge from Jefferson Parish who is renowned for his contributions to law and justice, including pioneering one of Louisiana’s first drug courts and serving as Chief Judge of the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal.
• The Honorable Don Burkett – Louisiana’s longest-serving District Attorney, representing Sabine Parish is recognized for his leadership, justice reforms, and dedication to victims’ advocacy.
• Mr. Charles S. Weems III – A distinguished Alexandria attorney whose impact on law, education, and civic life includes pivotal roles in establishing LSU at Alexandria as a four-year institution.
• Ms. Marsha Shuler – As a journalist for the Baton Rouge Advocate, Ms. Shuler’s decades-long political reporting informed and inspired Louisiana citizens.
• Mr. Jim Harris – A Baton Rouge based political strategist and public affairs pioneer instrumental in advancing Louisiana’s environmental and legislative initiatives.
• The Honorable James Maxwell “Max” Kelley – Former mayor of Winnfield and key figure in founding the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame.
• Ms. Carolyn Reber Phillips – The museum’s first executive director, credited with preserving Louisiana’s rich political heritage and growing the museum into a state treasure.

The evening begins with a reception open to the public from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the Louisiana Political Museum, located at 499 East Main Street, Winnfield, LA. The festivities will continue with a dinner and induction ceremony at 6:00 PM at the City of Winnfield Civic Center, 2000 South Jones Street, Winnfield, LA.

The evening begins with a reception that is open to the public from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the Louisiana Political Museum, located at 499 East Main Street, Winnfield, LA. The festivities will continue with a dinner and induction ceremony at 6:00 PM at the City of Winnfield Civic Center, 2000 South Jones Street, Winnfield, LA.

Tickets for the induction banquet are $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of ten. Reservations can be made by calling the Louisiana Political Museum at 318-628-5928 or visiting lapolmushof.com. Please purchase tickets by March 21, 2025.

Don’t miss this opportunity to honor Louisiana’s finest and celebrate their legacies in public service.