SLS 25RS-466 ORIGINAL
2025 Regular Session
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 19
BY SENATOR FOIL
COMMENDATIONS. Commends the Louisiana Art and Science Museum/Irene W.
Pennington Planetarium on its centennial celebration to mark the 100
th
anniversary of the
historic Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Passenger Railway Station.
1 A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
2 To commend the Louisiana Art and Science Museum/Irene W. Pennington Planetarium on
3 its centennial celebration to mark the 100th anniversary of the historic Yazoo and
4 Mississippi Valley Passenger Railway Station.
5 WHEREAS, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM), a celebrated cultural
6 and educational institution, is housed in the historic Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Passenger
7 Railway Station, which was originally constructed in 1925; and
8 WHEREAS, this iconic train depot, now a cornerstone of Baton Rouge's cultural
9 landscape, has stood for one hundred years as a symbol of the region's rich history, built in
10 the classical revival style; and
11 WHEREAS, in 1971, the depot was leased to the city of Baton Rouge with the
12 stipulation that it be used by LASM and new life was brought to the building as LASM made
13 its home a hub for art, science, and education; and
14 WHEREAS, in 1988, the city-parish government purchased the old railway station
15 from the Illinois Central Railroad for $100,000 and subsequently leased it to the LASM for
16 a 99-year term, ensuring that this historic structure would be preserved and re-purposed to
17 serve the public good; and
18 WHEREAS, the historic train depot was placed on the National Register of Historic
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SLS 25RS-466 ORIGINAL
1 Places in 1998, recognizing its importance in the region's history and its continued role in
2 the cultural development of Baton Rouge; and
3 WHEREAS, over the years, the LASM has offered countless exhibits, programs, and
4 educational opportunities to the public, with a mission to inspire creativity, foster discovery,
5 and engage the community in the wonders of art and science; and
6 WHEREAS, the museum's relocation to the historic depot has preserved the
7 building's legacy, while enhancing its cultural significance by housing exhibits, such as the
8 Irene W. Pennington Planetarium, and providing an inspiring space for educational programs
9 and cultural events; and
10 WHEREAS, the LASM has continued to serve as a cultural beacon for over 60,000
11 visitors annually, providing programs and exhibits that educate and inspire students and
12 tourists alike; and
13 WHEREAS, today, the LASM and Irene W. Pennington Planetarium remains open
14 and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, a standard held by only six percent
15 of museums nationwide and houses over 4,000 objects of art, including Louisiana modern
16 and contemporary art, American, and European art, and scientific objects and antiques
17 including an authentic mummy housed in one of the only permanent ancient Egypt galleries
18 in the southeastern United States; and
19 WHEREAS, today, the LASM continues to be a leading institution in Baton Rouge
20 and Louisiana, promoting arts, science, and education, and enhancing the community's
21 cultural, educational, and economic development.
22 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
23 commend the Louisiana Art & Science Museum on the 100th anniversary of the historic
24 train depot in which it is housed and recognizes the invaluable role that the museum in
25 conjunction with the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium continues to play in the cultural and
26 educational life of Louisiana.
27 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
28 celebrate the enduring legacy of the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Passenger Railway
29 Station and its transformation into the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, ensuring that this
30 historic site continues to inspire generations to come.
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SLS 25RS-466 ORIGINAL
1 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
2 Karen M. Soniat, PhD, President and Executive Director of the Louisiana Art & Science
3 Museum.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Senate Legislative Services.
The keyword, summary, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof
or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
DIGEST
SCR 19 Original 2025 Regular Session Foil
Commends the Louisiana Art and Science Museum/Irene W. Pennington Planetarium on its
centennial celebration to mark the 100th anniversary of the historic Yazoo and Mississippi
Valley Passenger Railway Station.
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