By Shannon Wright

Monday night’s “Night at the Museum” was a tribute to the former executive director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Schelley Brown Francis.

Many of her family and friends, whom she said have supported her and the museum since the beginning, were in attendance as well as many patrons.

They say that life is a beginning date and an end date with a dash in between. “Tonight is about the dash,” Francis said.

She reminisced about her life – the dash – from the early years to now, mostly with humor but becoming emotional at times.

She spoke highly of her time at the museum, saying it was “the perfect job for me.”

It all started with a meeting at Thad Andress’ home back in 2007 and since then she has been working to raise awareness as to why Webster Parish and Minden needed a museum.

She said it is her hope to see the building next door finally completed in the next few years.

The current museum building is filled to the brink with artifacts and memorabilia. Expanding will allow more history to be preserved.

“We have so much history to tell, and no room left to tell it in this building,” Francis said. “We need the younger generation to care and be involved in the museum. It is up to all of you to keep this place up and running because this place matters.”

The guests laughed as the “offering plate” was passed for donations but they emptied their pockets to donate to the cause.

The next Night at the Museum event will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, April 14 at 6 p.m. when Jessica Gorman tells of a letter written in 1831 that was donated last year.

Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

You can find the museum at 116 Pearl Street in downtown Minden.

Everyone is welcome.