Spring Street Museum
The Spring Street Museum is one of Shreveport's cultural crown jewels. Beyond the collection of artifacts, the museum building itself is historic as the oldest existing building in the city. The building dates to 1861 when Shreveport was a booming frontier river port.
In 2019, the Shreveport Chapter of the National Society of Colonial Dames donated the museum to the LSUS Foundation. The Dames organization opened the museum in 1976 to celebrate the United States bicentennial.
The foundation partners with LSU Shreveport to operate the museum, which complements other LSUS resources that support arts and culture. This includes the LSUS Northwest Louisiana Archives; the Noel Collection, the largest private collection of antiquarian books in the United States; the Pioneer Heritage Center; and LSUS Red River Radio.
Permanent exhibits focus on Shreveport's early history. Temporary displays highlight the city's diverse populations and Shreveport's role in current events and recent history.
LSU Shreveport has created new academic programs through the Spring Street Museum, including internships for history students and a digital arts class using the museum’s collection. Interns participate in hands-on learning activities like archeological surveys and artifact recovery in downtown Shreveport; temporary exhibit creation; and preservation of items in the museum collection. LSUS plans to create a certificate program in museum studies and explore the feasibility of degree programs in museum operations and historic preservation.
About the Museum
525 Spring Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
318-562-3128
Free admission
Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays