Williamson Museum 157 Sam Sibley Drive, Natchitoches, LA 71497

The Williamson Museum, located at 157 Sam Sibley Drive in Natchitoches, Louisiana, is a university institution dedicated to preserving and educating about the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana. The museum showcases French, Creole, Hispanic, and Anglo-American cultural developments, with a focus on colonial French and Spanish archaeology in the Spanish Borderlands.

In addition to its exhibits, lectures, special events, and research activities, the museum has educational obligations to further the academic goals of anthropology, archaeology, and ethnology. The museum serves as a repository for archaeological materials from north and central Louisiana, as well as curating collections for Native American governments under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

The museum hosts an annual event called Basket Day, which celebrates American Indian arts and culture, providing a platform for Louisiana Indians to showcase traditional crafts. The museum also collaborates with various American Indian Tribes/Nations and serves as a research center for cultural and heritage resources.

Established in 1923 as a museum of natural science, the Williamson Museum has evolved over the years to focus on archaeological and ethnographic collections, particularly those related to Native American communities in Louisiana and the Southeast. The museum's collections have been enriched through generous donations and research programs, making it a prominent research center in the region.

Through partnerships with Native American tribes/nations, government agencies, and private donors, the Williamson Museum continues to expand its research initiatives and promote cultural diversity and inclusion. The museum remains an integral part of Northwestern State University of Louisiana, contributing to the university's academic goals and community outreach efforts. For more information or to schedule a group tour, contact Dr. H F ‘Pete’ Gregory at (318) 357-4364 or [email protected].