The Vernon Parish archive contains a wide variety of content, including yearbooks, newspapers, football history, and more.
Established in 1871, Vernon Parish is steeped in history, its story intertwined with the tales of Native American tribes, European explorers, and resilient settlers who called this land home. Nestled within the boundaries of the former “No Man’s Land”, an undefined territory between Spanish Texas and the U.S., the area saw an influx of pioneers, traders, and adventurers. The parish itself was named after Mount Vernon, the beloved home of George Washington, reflecting the patriotism of its early inhabitants.
We decided to digitize our yearbook and newspaper collection to make the material more widely available to the public and to preserve it. History should not only be preserved but shared. Much of the material is rare and in poor condition. It is housed in our Archives Room in a controlled environment. It is easier for patrons and staff to use online and it is searchable, which the print/microfilm version is not. Digitization is a service to the community, locally and across the United States, and it reduces wear and tear to the original item.
Leesville, the parish seat, established itself as a central hub for commerce and community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With the construction of railroads and the establishment of the nearby Fort Polk, a United States Army installation, Vernon Parish solidified its significance both in Louisiana and the nation at large.
The Vernon Parish Public Library: A Beacon of Knowledge
The Vernon Parish Public Library, while not as old as the parish itself, has been a beacon for residents seeking knowledge, connection, and community. Established in the 20th century, it has grown from a small collection of books in a modest building to a modern institution that houses not only books but also digital resources, community programs, and a myriad of educational tools.
Over the years, the library has adapted and evolved to meet the changing needs of Vernon Parish’s diverse population. Through periods of war, economic hardship, and cultural shifts, the library has consistently provided services that educate, inspire, and empower. From children’s reading programs to resources for job seekers, the library demonstrates its commitment to fostering a love of learning and supporting personal growth.
The Vernon Parish Archive contains a large variety of content including the towns newspapers and the schools yearbooks.
The greatest benefit of having our historical content digitalized is accessibility for the public. It preserves material. If the originals are damaged or lost, it serves as a backup.
One notable feature of the Vernon Parish Public Library is its dedication to preserving local history. Within its walls, visitors can find a vast collection of historical documents, photographs, and records that tell the tale of Vernon Parish from its earliest days to the present.
Furthermore, the library has always played a pivotal role in community engagement. Hosting various events, workshops, and seminars throughout the year, it provides a space for residents of all ages to come together, exchange ideas, and celebrate the unique culture and heritage of their region.
Advantage believes strongly in building lasting partnerships, which is why we enter into them with the intent of shouldering our fair share. We take the burden off of the community for the ongoing costs associated with storage, hosting, development, and maintenance of their Community History Archive. We are proud to participate actively in the community’s efforts to make their collective history more accessible.
If you are outside of Vernon Parish and would like to see YOUR local history online, please contact your local library, newspaper publisher, genealogical society, historical society, or educational institution, and encourage them to learn more about creating a Community History Archive like the one the Vernon Parish has created for theirs. Ask them to e-mail us at info@AdvantageArchives.com, or have them contact us at (855) 303-2727.
