The Pioneer Heritage Center, which opened in 1977 as a joint venture with Louisiana State University and the Shreveport Junior League, is a living museum located on the campus of LSU-S. The center consists of seven buildings constructed between 1850 and the early part of the twentieth century. All the buildings originally were located across northwest Louisiana and were moved to their present location. They offer visitors a glimpse into the everyday lives of the pioneers of our area. Included are: the Caspiana Planter's House and outdoor kitchen, a general store, a doctor's cottage, a blacksmith's shop, a dog-trot cabin and a rural church. The center's director, Marty Young, regularly gives tours to school and civic groups from our area, and the center is open to the public by calling LSU-S and asking for Marty Young.
Once each fall the center is host to a Pioneer Days Festival. Various historic groups from northwest Louisiana provide demonstrations and tours of the buildings while dressed in costumes of the pioneer era. The small admission charge goes to the upkeep of the museum.
The Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners work to keep the herb and perennial beds in good order. They have planted a culinary herb bed near the kitchen, a small vegetable garden and a medicinal herb bed in front of the doctor's cottage. Perennials have also been added to beautify other beds. Gigantic rosemary plants grace one area, and a lovely Confederate rose shrub anchors the back of the doctor's cottage.
If you would like to participate in this enjoyable project, contact Donna Camp at 797-3284.