LOUISIANA, Mo — The Louisiana Area Historical Museum is kicking off its season with a photo contest, but there are other exciting things happening this season.

The museum opens this Saturday, May 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A large photo donated by Dean and Juanita Thomas was taken at the Louisiana Masonic Temple in the late 1930s or early 1940s and featured local children.

The museum is giving a $25 gasoline gift card to the person who can correctly identify the most children by the numbers that appear next to them. Entries may be made in person or mailed to the museum at 304 Georgia Street, Louisiana, Mo., 63353. The deadline is June 24.

If you’ve never been to the museum, or haven’t stopped by in a while, you’ll be amazed at some of the new exhibits and artifacts.

One new item is a collection of Native American items. Patrons will also have a chance to learn more about Pike County, Mo-Mo The Missouri Monster and other moments from history through a collection of donated stories.

The museum has a wonderful display of older firearms, items from local companies past and present, a hat that belonged to writer F. Scott Fitzgerald and much more.

In addition, a couple of major unveilings are planned – one on July 2, just in time for Independence Day, and one on Aug. 7, just three days before Statehood Day, when Missouri will celebrate its 200th anniversary.

Louisiana Area Historical Museum President Judy Schmidt holds a photo that’s part of a contest the facility is sponsoring for its summer opening, which takes place May 29. The photo, donated by Dean and Juanita Thomas, was taken at the Louisiana Masonic Temple in the late 1930s or early 1940s and featured local children.