Wedell-Williams Memorial Foundation, Inc.

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Wedell-Williams Memorial Foundation, Inc. Official page of the Wedell-Williams Memorial Foundation, Inc. Wedell-Williams Memorial Foundation, Inc. Williams and Jimmie Wedell.

Mission Statement

The Wedell-Williams Memorial Foundation, Inc. was formed in 1974 with the goal of building a museum to memorialize the achievements of Louisiana aviation pioneers Harry P. The two men put the town of Patterson on the map during aviation's Golden Age in the 1930s when their company, the Wedell-Williams Air Service, dominated the dangerous and exciting new sport of air racing. Due to their success, Patterson earned the nickname, "the birthplace of speed aviation." The Foundation achieved their goal and the museum opened in 1978. Today the Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum houses the Foundation's vast collection of 1930s aviation artifacts, along with their collection of early twentieth century cypress logging equipment and artifacts. Visitors to the museum are able to peruse a large collection of artifacts relating to the Golden Age of Aviation, items owned by both Harry P. Williams and Jimmie Wedell, as well as full-scale replicas of Wedell-Williams racers. Visitors are also able to experience, through the large Cypress Sawmill gallery, Patterson's time as a cypress production powerhouse. Today the Foundation's primary goal is to support the Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum with both financial assistance and volunteer work. The Foundation's desire is to make available to the public Patterson's rich aviation and industrial history and therefore it pays the admission fee for each guest who visits the museum, guaranteeing that everyone who wants to visit the museum can do so for free.

Edit: This event has unfortunately been cancelled. We hope to return next year. We are extending registration for a tree...
12/06/2024

Edit: This event has unfortunately been cancelled. We hope to return next year.

We are extending registration for a tree until tomorrow, Saturday 12/7/2024–call to reserve yours! 985-399-1268

09/24/2024

Our newest exhibit, "Lunkers, Specklebellies, and Cocodries: Business and Leisure on the Louisiana Bayou" is opening on Oct. 1st! 🐟🎣

This exhibit explores the worlds of bass fishing and waterfowl, alligator, and deer hunting in Louisiana! 🦌 From their rich habitat to the men and women who cast, shoot, create lures and decoys, cook the catch, and fashion high-end luxury goods out of the leather. It also traces the evolution of fishing and hunting regulations, from early conservation measures to modern game management.

📍 Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill Museum - Patterson, LA
🗓️ Oct. 1, 2024

Be sure to come and see the new exhibit, opening October 1st!
09/18/2024

Be sure to come and see the new exhibit, opening October 1st!

Caught in Cane River Lake, 1930s. Courtesy of Chamber of Commerce Collection, Cammie G. Henry Research Center, Watson Memorial Library, Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Louisiana State Wild Life Refuges. From Report of Conservation Commission of Louisiana, 1916. Danny, Lee, and David Felt...

08/19/2024
08/19/2024

✈️ Happy National Aviation Day! ✈️

Celebrate the wonders of flight by visiting the Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill Museum in Patterson! Discover the rich history of aviation pioneers like Jimmie Wedell and Harry P. Williams and explore fascinating exhibits that highlight Louisiana's contributions to the aviation industry. It's the perfect way to honor National Aviation Day right here in St. Mary Parish!

05/30/2024

Please join us on Saturday, June 15th at 12:00pm for a lecture by Dr. James Bishop, historian and Museum Special Projects Coordinator at E. D. White Historic Site, about the White family! This is a free lecture and is open to the public. Please call or email Kellie Hedgers at 985-399-1269 or [email protected] for more information.

05/18/2024

Today is International Museum Day! Here are some of the places to check out on the .

🟢 "The Brown House" Berwick's Heritage Museum
🟢 Chitimacha Museum in Charenton
🟢 Grevemberg House Museum in Franklin
🟢 International Petroleum Museum & Exposition in Morgan City
🟢 Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill Museum

Visit our site to learn more! https://cajuncoast.com/activities/historic-sites-museums/

Fifty years ago today, the Wedell-Williams Memorial Foundation held its first meeting in Patterson. Composed of local ci...
05/15/2024

Fifty years ago today, the Wedell-Williams Memorial Foundation held its first meeting in Patterson. Composed of local citizens determined that Patterson's aviation history be celebrated and commemorated with its own museum, the Foundation achieved its goal when the Wedell-Williams Aviation Museum opened its doors to the public four years later in 1978.

Over the last fifty years, the Foundation has ensured that Patterson's rich aviation and cypress industrial history is preserved and remains available to the public at the Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum. Here's to the next fifty years!

Please join us for this free interactive workshop!
04/19/2024

Please join us for this free interactive workshop!

Please join us on Saturday, May 25 at 12:00pm for an interactive gardening workshop with Louisiana Master Gardener Ingrid Butler! This is a free workshop and is open to the public. Supplies will be provided. Please call or email Tiersa Daniels at 985-399-1268 or [email protected] to register.

04/18/2024

🛩️ Step Back in Time at the Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill Museum in Patterson! 🌳

Discover the rich tapestry of Louisiana's history through two fascinating collections at our local museum! Dive into the world of aviation with the Wedell-Williams Aviation Collection, showcasing the pioneering spirit of Jimmie Wedell and Harry P. Williams. Marvel at historic aircraft like the Miss Patterson #44, and relive the excitement of 1930s air races through mesmerizing displays and a thrilling film.

Then, explore the Cypress Sawmill Collection, capturing the essence of Louisiana’s cypress lumber industry. Learn why Patterson was named the cypress capital of Louisiana, and see artifacts that narrate the rise of the state’s first major manufacturing industry.

Don’t miss this journey through the golden ages of aviation and lumber—two industries that shaped our state!

📍 Visit us in Patterson, LA to experience these stories and more. FREE to the public!

Address

Patterson, LA
70392

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4pm
Friday 9:30am - 4pm
Saturday 9:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+19853991268

Website

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