By Jessica Gorman

As the year winds down, it’s time to get serious about plans for 2025. While I have my own thoughts and goals, I’d like to hear from you. What would you like to see from me and from the museum in the coming year?

First of all, what topics would you like to see covered by this column? With so much that needs to be done, it can be difficult to keep up with a weekly column. When I miss a week, it’s usually because I simply ran out of time and didn’t get it done. In my busyness, I often resort to writing about something related to what I’m working on or information that I happened to run across. I recognize my own shortcomings and know that I can do better to share more about the topics that you would like to know more about. The tendency to assume that “everybody already knows about that” causes me to overlook topics that maybe I shouldn’t.

In planning future museum programming and events, I’d love to know how we can serve you better. In 2024, the museum hosted five “Night at the Museum” speaker events. These events are completely free of charge and we want you to come. So, who would you like to hear speak? What topics would you like to know more about? What stories are you interested to hear? Let us know.

I’ve also considered adding additional or different programming. Possibilities include walking tours of Minden’s downtown and residential districts and/or cemeteries. Another consideration is weekend workshops focused on genealogy, research, and other topics. There are always more books in the works, but I also see the benefit of creating informational guides focused on topics such as local cemeteries, historical resources, genealogy, and more. There are a number of projects that I hope to someday complete that further preserve our history and make it more easily accessible to the public. What types of programming or resources would you like to see the museum offer?

Each of these questions applies to Webster Parish as a whole and are not just focused on Minden. When I get busy, it can be easy to fall back on topics focused on Minden, but that is not intentional.  I’d like to have feedback from all across the parish, to serve the entire parish better. So, let me know. What do you want to read? What type of events would you like to attend? What resources would be of value to you? Help me to better focus my time and effort to serve you. To share your thoughts, you can call (318) 377-3002, stop by the museum, or email me at dorcheatmuseum@yahoo.com.

Jessica Gorman is Executive Director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Webster Parish Historian, and an avid genealogist.