Germantown Colony Museum - Update

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne came to Minden today to swear in the members of the Board of the Germantown Colony Museum, returning a official local voice to the governance of the museum as it moves forward under control of the Secretary of State's office. He also annouced that finally, the architect for the planned Visitor's Center has been selected and confirmed, removing yet another stumbling block to starting work on the museum construction project. He expressed the hope that perhaps the Visitor's Center could be finished by the end of 2010.

I'm sure that's a very, very optimistic hope. This is a government project, with all the red tape involved, plus we are in a time of budget cuts that is going to cause much distress for all spending involving cultural promotion. In addition, the Secretary may well be moving up to become Lieutenant Governor after the fall election, which could cause further delay while the transition takes place and some staffers move on with their boss to his new job.

But with all that said, this is still excellent and exciting news. When the first shovel of dirt is turned on the project, of course, the news will be even better. Once a government project starts it seldom is completely abandoned. Seeing work underway will reassure some that still have grave doubts about the future of the Colony. Considering the rocky history of the Colony, those doubts are understandable, but I think the Colony is more secure than it has ever been, under state control.

At the top of this post is a picture of the Countess' Cottage at Germantown in May 1940, when the remains of the colony were in ruins. Today, after the intervention that began in 1975 with the generous donation of the Krouse family and the establishment of the Germantown Colony Museum under the Webster Parish Police Jury, things look very different on site. The deterioration was stopped and progress was made. But it was always a slow, unsteady progress, simply because of the scarcity and uncertainity of funding. I truly hope and believe that the placing of the museum under control of the State of Lousiana will one day create a positive change that will continue and enhance the efforts made since 1975 to preserve the remaining buildings at Germantown. The story of the Germantown settlers, their trials, tribulations, self-sufficiency and endurance is truly the story of the values and work ethic that made our nation great. (And that's coming from a bleeding-heart, liberal Democrat . . . . LOL!!!)

So, keep your eyes open for big things coming at the Germantown Museum.

(By the way, for anyone who read my earlier post about the consequences of Secretary Dardenne's possible rise to become Lieutenant Governor and its impact on the two museum systems in Louisiana, I did get to ask him that question this afternoon. He said it is something that is on his mind, and -- quite properly -- it is way too early to consider the consequences of him winning higher office. I am just very pleased, as a local historian, to see ANY state official show interest and support for local historical attractions. I appreciate his efforts and he might well get me to vote for him, even if he is a Republican -- sorry Gorman supporters, nothing against Chris if he does decide to run in the fall.)