On Thursday, June 18th, 2009, at the Lousiana State Museum, the Pride of Place museum exhibit was unveiled. The museum exhibit started as a project by the McKinley High School Alumni of the Class of 1969 who were celebrating their 40th reunion. Alumna Brenda Williams explains, “The original idea was to recognize artists and musicians who came out of the [Old South Baton Rouge] neighborhood.” The idea grew into a museum exhibit to recognize the history of the neighborhood during the 1950s and 1960s. The museum exhibit features memorabilia from the 1950s and 1960s as well as pictures and information on the cultural contributions of many residents of neighborhood. The artwork of local artists including Emerson Bell are on display.
Yesterday, at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the exhibit, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu, Councilwoman Tara Wicker, and Secretary Pam Breaux all spoke about the museum exhibit and the neighborhood’s contributions to city. Among the attendees were attorney Johnnie Jones and former legislator and councilman Joseph Delpit.
The Pride of Place exhibit at the Louisiana State Museum will be open to the public for the next year. Admission is free.