The impact of the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame, housed in the museum on Winnfield’s Main Street, was verified Saturday night when literally busloads of visitors arrived for an early reception at the museum, then moved on to the Winnfield Civic Center for the annual banquet and induction of the seven newest members of the Hall of Fame.
The vast room was set elegantly to seat the estimated 300 guests who had traveled here to view the museum and honor the 2025 inductees. Those seven bring to a total of 222 who now have their names and memorabilia enshrined in the Hall. While the venue of the annual banquet has rotated, the first held in 1993 was in this same Civic Center with the likes of Gov. Jimmie Davis and Gov. Edwin Edwards taking part.
With the introductions, video presentations and acceptance talks, a lot of political insight was imparted on the audience, as well as praise for the local museum. Of particular interest were the two local inductees, Winnfield native Max Kelley and “adopted” Winnfield native Carolyn Phillips, both instrumental in the establishment and growth of the Hall of Fame.
Excellent video presentations on each of the honorees were produced by Brent Chandler with audio easily heard throughout the building. The clip of Kelley showed the young mayor standing in front of the tattered old L&A Railroad depot which had just been transported from the south side of town to its present location. He described his vision for this hall as it has now grown to be three decades later.
Appointed by Mayor Deano Thornton in 1993, Phillips served as the longtime director of the Louisiana Political Museum and described the up and down funding trials and battles to keep the institution afloat. This was among the many hats she wore here, promoting tourism to promote Winn.
The largest entourage Saturday night belonged to Judge Marion F. Edwards, a Monroe native who ended up making a law career in Jefferson Parish. He vocal supporters totaled more than 65. Some humor was injected into his video presentation that included an old campaign clip when camera crew members asked, “Aren’t you Edwin’s brother?” His short reply, “No, I am not.”
Also inducted were longterm 11th Judicial District DA Don M. Burkett; pioneer in Louisiana politics and public affairs Jimmy Foster Harris; political reporting and media advocacy journalist Marsha Shuler; and attorney Charles Weems for shaping the state’s legal, educational and civic landscapes.
Sometimes described as a “local treasure hidden in plain sight,” the museum housed in the old L&A depot at 499 East Main Street has grown from its scant 1993 launch (Huey P. Longs 100th birthday celebration) to an overflowing showcase today. A $1.2 million project soon in the works will combine the depot with the adjacent brick building into an impressive single facility.
Officials invite local residents, students and visitors to come tour the museum’s collection.
