The Merryville Museum

Mission:

The purpose of this organization shall be to acquire, preserve, and maintain information, artifacts, and memorabilia pertinent to the history of the United States of America, especially as it concerns Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. This organization shall also provide educational programs to the local schools and to the public through such forums as the Living History Presentation and the Heritage Series. Scholarships shall be awarded to deserving students annually. The motto of this organization shall be "where we preserve our past for future generations'.

History:

A meeting was held at the school in September and it was decided that the funds raised from this event could best be used to start a historical society. The purpose of this society was to build and maintain a museum to house memorabilia pertinent to the Merryville area. Dues were to be $2.50 per year and membership was open to all who were interested. They worked hard to get 365 charter members. In 1981, four lots in downtown Merryville were purchased at a cost of $5,000. Finally, in October of 1987, the slab was poured for a 40' x 60' building. The logs were ordered from Donathan Missouri and Malone's Sawmill sent a truck to pick them up. A member suggested selling the logs in memory or honor of our loved ones at cost, which was $25 each. About $16,000 was raised from this project. The first log was laid in May 1988 and the building was completed in August of 1988 at a cost of about $40,000. Now, the tremendous task of gathering and displaying artifacts begun. The grand opening was held November 5, 1988 with approximately 300 people in attendance.