MUSEUMS: Directs the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in consultation with the Louisiana State Museum Board and the National WWII Museum, to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers.

2026 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 75
BY SENATOR CLOUD AND REPRESENTATIVE OWEN
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To direct the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to conduct a study, in
consultation with the board of directors of the Louisiana State Museum and the
National WWII Museum, on the feasibility of establishing a museum and trail
dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers, including potential locations, estimated costs,
incorporation of conference space, and affiliation with the National WWII Museum,
and to submit a written report of findings and recommendations.
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Maneuvers were large-scale military exercises conducted
in 1940 and 1941 across western and central Louisiana that involved over four hundred
thousand troops and played a pivotal role in preparing the United States Armed Forces for
World War II by testing strategies, equipment, and leadership which contributed to the
Allied victory; and
WHEREAS, these maneuvers highlighted Louisiana's significant contribution to the
nation's defense efforts, fostered economic growth in rural areas, influenced military
doctrine, and left a lasting legacy on communities such as Alexandria, Leesville, Fort Polk,
and the surrounding regions; and
WHEREAS, the preservation and commemoration of the history of the Louisiana
Maneuvers through a dedicated museum and trail would educate future generations, honor
veterans, promote tourism, and stimulate economic development in Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, a Louisiana Maneuvers museum should incorporate modern facilities,
including conference space, to host educational programs, veteran reunions, historical
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SCR NO. 75 ENROLLED
conferences, and community events; and
WHEREAS, affiliation with the National WWII Museum in New Orleans would
enhance credibility, provide access to national resources, artifacts, and expertise, and elevate
the proposed museum to a nationally recognized institution.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
direct the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to conduct a comprehensive study,
in consultation with the board of directors of the Louisiana State Museum and the National
WWII Museum, on the feasibility of establishing a museum and trail dedicated to the
Louisiana Maneuvers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study shall include but not be limited to the
following:
(1) Identification and evaluation of potential locations for the museum and trail, with
consideration given to sites in central Louisiana near historical maneuver areas, such as
Leesville, Alexandria, or Fort Polk, assessing factors including accessibility, land
availability, proximity to existing historical sites, and potential for economic impact.
(2) Estimation of costs associated with planning, construction, operation, and
maintenance of the museum, including initial capital expenditures, ongoing operational
budgets, and potential funding sources such as state appropriations, federal grants, private
donations, and partnerships.
(3) Recommendations for incorporating conference space within the museum design,
including specifications for multipurpose venues capable of hosting events, seminars, and
exhibitions, with estimates of associated costs and benefits.
(4) Analysis of requirements and processes for affiliating the proposed museum with
the National WWII Museum, including any necessary amendments to the charter of the
National WWII Museum to enable such affiliation, potential governance structures, shared
resources, and benefits to historical preservation and public education.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Culture, Recreation and
Tourism shall submit a written report of its findings and recommendations, including any
proposed legislation, to the House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs
and the Senate Committee on Education no later than March 1, 2027.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
lieutenant governor, the chair of the board of directors of the Louisiana State Museum, and
the president and chief executive officer of the National WWII Museum.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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