Photo by Steve Kuperstock, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
At the groundbreaking ceremony last Friday for the expansion to the Varnado Store Museum’s annex were, from left to right: Museum board member Wayne McElveen; Museum board president Beverly Taylor; Museum board member Jackie Smith; Stephanie Magee of the Parish Permit Office; Penny Jones, representing Sen. Beth Mizell; Museum board member and treasurer Charlene Guidry; Museum director Terry Seal; Parish President Ryan Seal; Kyle Varnado, representing the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office; and Kevin Steele, with the contracting firm that is constructing the expansion.
The Washington Area Museum Foundation formed in 1996 and began soliciting donation and pledges to purchase the deserted D. A. Varnado and Sons building with the goal of making it into a museum. That goal was accomplished through the work of many citizens who were interested in preserving the history of our area.
