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.

SLS 26RS-3014 ORIGINAL
2026 Regular Session
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 75
BY SENATOR CLOUD
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.
1 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
2 To direct the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to conduct a study, in
3 consultation with the board of directors of the Louisiana State Museum and the
4 National WWII Museum, on the feasibility of establishing a museum and trail
5 dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers, including potential locations, estimated costs,
6 incorporation of conference space, and affiliation with the National WWII Museum,
7 and to submit a written report of findings and recommendations.
8 WHEREAS, the Louisiana Maneuvers were large-scale military exercises conducted
9 in 1940 and 1941 across western and central Louisiana that involved over four hundred
10 thousand troops and played a pivotal role in preparing the United States Armed Forces for
11 World War II by testing strategies, equipment, and leadership which contributed to the
12 Allied victory; and
13 WHEREAS, these maneuvers highlighted Louisiana's significant contribution to the
14 nation's defense efforts, fostered economic growth in rural areas, influenced military
15 doctrine, and left a lasting legacy on communities such as Alexandria, Leesville, Fort Polk,
16 and the surrounding regions; and
17 WHEREAS, the preservation and commemoration of the history of the Louisiana
18 Maneuvers through a dedicated museum and trail would educate future generations, honor
Page 1 of 3
SCR NO. 75
SLS 26RS-3014 ORIGINAL
1 veterans, promote tourism, and stimulate economic development in Louisiana; and
2 WHEREAS, a Louisiana Maneuvers museum should incorporate modern facilities,
3 including conference space, to host educational programs, veteran reunions, historical
4 conferences, and community events; and
5 WHEREAS, affiliation with the National WWII Museum in New Orleans would
6 enhance credibility, provide access to national resources, artifacts, and expertise, and elevate
7 the proposed museum to a nationally recognized institution.
8 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
9 direct the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to conduct a comprehensive study,
10 in consultation with the board of directors of the Louisiana State Museum and the National
11 WWII Museum, on the feasibility of establishing a museum and trail dedicated to the
12 Louisiana Maneuvers.
13 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study shall include but not be limited to the
14 following:
15 (1) Identification and evaluation of potential locations for the museum and trail, with
16 consideration given to sites in central Louisiana near historical maneuver areas, such as
17 Leesville, Alexandria, or Fort Polk, assessing factors including accessibility, land
18 availability, proximity to existing historical sites, and potential for economic impact.
19 (2) Estimation of costs associated with planning, construction, operation, and
20 maintenance of the museum, including initial capital expenditures, ongoing operational
21 budgets, and potential funding sources such as state appropriations, federal grants, private
22 donations, and partnerships.
23 (3) Recommendations for incorporating conference space within the museum design,
24 including specifications for multipurpose venues capable of hosting events, seminars, and
25 exhibitions, with estimates of associated costs and benefits.
26 (4) Analysis of requirements and processes for affiliating the proposed museum with
27 the National WWII Museum, including any necessary amendments to the charter of the
28 National WWII Museum to enable such affiliation, potential governance structures, shared
29 resources, and benefits to historical preservation and public education.
30 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Culture, Recreation and
Page 2 of 3
SCR NO. 75
SLS 26RS-3014 ORIGINAL
1 Tourism shall submit a written report of its findings and recommendations, including any
2 proposed legislation, to the House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs
3 and the Senate Committee on Education no later than March 1, 2027.
4 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
5 lieutenant governor, the chair of the board of directors of the Louisiana State Museum, and
6 the president and chief executive officer of the National WWII Museum.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Senate Legislative Services.
The keyword, summary, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof
or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
DIGEST
SCR 75 Original 2026 Regular Session Cloud
Directs the Dept. of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to conduct a comprehensive study, in
consultation with the board of directors of the La. State Museum and the National WWII
Museum, on the feasibility of establishing a museum and trail dedicated to the La.
Maneuvers.
Page 3 of 3