The Bossier Parish Libraries History Center has a new home. Early last month, the center “packed its bags” and relocated to space inside the Bossier Central Library Complex at 850 City Hall Drive. Although there is still some unpacking of those bags to be done, the center is open for visitors.
Since 1999, the History Center has been documenting and preserving the story of Bossier Parish and its people, and through those 25 years, the center has amassed quite a collection of everything from documents and photographs to furniture and clothing, thanks to the generosity of those who’ve donated items. A letter sent home by a soldier serving on the Korean War battlefield to his worried mom, a pair of devices that were the predecessors of today’s GPS, and a cotton gin that, to our knowledge, is one of only a few of its type left in existence, are just some of the artifacts that the center is honored to have in its collection.
Actually, the accumulation of items dates back to the early 1960s, when the Bossier Parish Library began compiling information related to the history of the parish. As the number of items grew, so too did the need for a dedicated place to house them. A proposal was made to construct a history center for the parish, and in late 1997, ground was broken. A year and two months later, construction was completed and a grand opening was held January 24, 1999. Visitors could see sights such as a diorama depicting life in a Caddo Indian village, and a cabin showing how early parish settlers would have lived.
Educational programs also became available at the History Center. Presentations focusing on genealogy research and highlighting various aspects of local history were offered. Currently, there are approximately 28 different presentations that can be scheduled at or away from the History Center.
A research area is open in the new location to those who may be looking into their family history or simply want to know more about Bossier Parish. Computers are available for research projects, and History Center staff can provide assistance when needed. Books are also available on many different topics of local and national history.
One exciting change still to come is the addition of interactive displays, which will allow visitors to experience history in a unique way. Being able to walk through an example of Bossier’s old Shed Road or enter a Caddo Indian hut are just two of the means by which visitors will be transported back in time to better understand what our parish was like more than a century ago and many centuries ago. These displays are scheduled to be in place sometime this fall or early next year.
Using photos, videos, displays, presentations, oral histories and more, the History Center will continue to tell the narrative unique to the place we call home. As Historian David McCullough said, “History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” Sharing this truth will remain a focus of the History Center, bridging the gap between past and present.
If you have any information or items relating to the history of Bossier Parish, the History Center may be interested in adding the materials to its research collection by donation or by scanning them and returning the originals. Call or visit us to learn more. We are open M-Th 9-8, Fri 9-6, and Sat 9-5. Our phone number is (318) 746-7717 and our email is history-center@bossierlibrary.org. We can also be found online at https://www.facebook.com/BPLHistoryCenter/
Images:
- Former History Center under construction/ photo by Shanna Faulk
- Renderings of new History Center exhibits/Prevot Design
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