Shreveport, La. – The Pioneer Heritage Center at Louisiana State University Shreveport is adding a new shaded gathering space for its many school‑group visitors. On Friday, center officials, Rotary Club members and community leaders gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on the Rotary Club of South Shreveport Centennial Pavilion.
Purpose and design
The open‑air pavilion, roughly 600 square feet, will sit behind the historic General Store on the center’s campus. It will provide shade, ceiling fans and a place for students to eat lunch, hold meetings and expand outdoor summer programming. Center Director Marty Young said thousands of students tour the site each year to learn about regional history, and the new structure will make those visits more comfortable during Louisiana’s hot months.
Funding and community support
The $90,000 project was sparked by the Rotary Club of South Shreveport’s desire to commemorate its upcoming 100th anniversary in April. Funding comes from an initial gift by the Rotary organization, additional contributions from the LSUS Foundation and the Pioneer Heritage Center itself. The pavilion will also honor longtime supporters Samuel III and Bobbie Hicks, who have helped sustain the center’s annual “Authors in April” fundraiser luncheon.
Groundbreaking ceremony
During the ceremony, dignitaries participated in a traditional “nail‑driving” ritual, using hand‑forged nails crafted by Marty Young in the center’s log blacksmith shop. Those custom nails will be incorporated into the pavilion’s structure, linking the new building to the site’s historic craftsmanship.
Historic context
The pavilion will become the eighth historic structure on the Pioneer Heritage Center grounds near the East Kings Highway entrance. It joins the Thrasher House log dogtrot cabin, the Caspiana House, a detached kitchen, the log single‑pen blacksmith shop, a doctor’s office, the General Store and the Riverfront mission.
Visiting information
Guided tours of the center are scheduled by appointment throughout the year. The public can also explore the site during the annual Pioneer Day event on Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Construction of the pavilion is slated for completion by March.
The new pavilion reflects a broader community effort to preserve local heritage while providing practical amenities for educators, students and families. By combining historic preservation with modern comfort, the Pioneer Heritage Center continues its mission to bring regional history to life for future generations.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
