explorelouisiana
118 Cotten Rd
Patterson, LA
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday:
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday:
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:
Closed
The dual focus of this museum site highlights two very distinct—and compelling—aspects of Louisiana’s rich history. The Wedell-Williams Aviation Collection highlights the legacy of Louisiana aviation pioneers Jimmie Wedell and Harry P. Williams, who formed an air service together in 1928 in Patterson. Both men became nationally prominent during the Golden Age of Aviation. Although both Wedell and Williams perished in plane crashes, their legacy lives on in the memorabilia and planes on display in this collection. State-of-the-art displays include numerous aircraft, such as the famous Miss Patterson #44 and the Gilmore #121. Also on display are Wedell-Williams’ 1930s air racing trophies and memorabilia. The David J. Felterman Theater features an exciting air racing film that visually transports you to the heart of the 1932 Cleveland National Air Races.