louisiana military museum

Louisiana Military Museum - While we are grateful every day for their dedication and sacrifice, this is the time of year when we all think of the servicemen and women who have fought for this country. With Veterans Day right around the corner, let's also take a moment to celebrate a local treasure, the Louisiana War Museum.

Since November 11, 1995, the Louisiana Military Museum has revived 150 years of military history through the lives of local heroes and unknown enemies. The museum is home to approximately 10,000 artifacts and showcases American conflicts from the Civil War to the war in Afghanistan.

Louisiana Military Museum

The exhibits are unique to the region and include an extensive collection of weapons, flags, training equipment and clothing, as well as personal items such as diaries, letters and Bibles. Outside the museum, you'll also find aircraft and vehicles from nearly every conflict in American history. The director of the museum, Ernie Stevens, is not only knowledgeable in the wars, but also in all the objects on display.

Regional Military Museum, Houma

I had the pleasure of visiting the museum last month with a group of travel writers. I hadn't been there for a few years and didn't realize what I was missing. I'm a bit of a history buff and enjoyed two hours browsing the displays. (I'll tell you now, two hours was not nearly enough time to see everything.) The First and Second World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf Wars are particularly well represented. And the machine gun display is a must-see for any military history buff.

I also found this photo of a gentleman from my hometown. Private Robert H. Scott, 8th Louisiana Volunteer Infantry from Winnsboro, LA. Side note: Anyone else see the John Cusack resemblance?

Have you been to a museum lately? These displays are a great honor to those who have served our country. They are here for us to appreciate and are essential in the struggle to keep history alive.

For more information about the museum, visit their website or call (318) 251-5099. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00. and entry is free. It is located at 201 Memorial Drive in Ruston. Stop by and see Ernie and spend some time exploring one of Ruston's hidden treasures.

Aviation Photographs Of Location: New Orleans

Also, if you are interested in learning more about Louisiana's military history, check out Dr. Terry Jones' articles on Louisiana Road Trips.

Amanda Quimby is a native of Franklin Township, alumna of the University of Louisiana at Monroe and now a proud resident of Ruston. As a CVB Marketing Director, she loves travel and tourism and has the coolest job ever. Amanda's favorite things: coffee, wine and swing jazz. When he is not working, he is joking. He is always working. Follow him on Instagram.