The recipient entity's physical address:
           1051 Chennault Park Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71203

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           1051 Chennault Park Drive
Monroe, Louisiana 71203

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  9978

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $100,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Justin Conners 210 Hayes Alley, Ferriday, LA 71334 President
Tom Malmay 119 Valley Hill Drive, West Monroe, LA 71291 Treasurer
Ross Slacks 801 Jason Drive, Monroe, LA 71202

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Executive Summary
This proposal recommends the purchase and activation of an audio-enhanced exhibit system to elevate the museum’s visitor experience, strengthen educational impact, and modernize the presentation of African American heritage in Northeast Louisiana. Integrating audio technology will allow the museum to deliver richer storytelling, improve accessibility, and create immersive environments that deepen engagement with our cultural collections.

Purpose and Need
The museum’s mission centers on preserving, interpreting, and celebrating African American history, culture, and contributions in the Delta region. Many of our exhibits—particularly those involving oral traditions, music, lived experiences, and historical narratives—are best understood when visitors can hear the voices, sounds, and rhythms that shaped them.

Currently, our exhibits rely primarily on static text and visuals. While effective, this format limits the depth of interpretation and reduces accessibility for visitors with visual impairments or learning differences. An audio-enhanced system will:

Provide narrated histories, interviews, and contextual storytelling

Deliver music and soundscapes that bring cultural traditions to life

Support multi-sensory learning, proven to increase retention and engagement

Improve ADA accessibility, aligning with best practices for inclusive museums

Modernize the museum’s presentation and strengthen its competitive position among regional cultural institutions

System Description
The proposed audio-enhanced system will include:

Wireless or mounted speakers strategically placed throughout exhibit areas

Touch-activated or proximity-activated audio stations

Narration tracks, oral histories, and curated soundscapes

Integration with future digital exhibits, including QR-based mobile audio guides

Volume-controlled zones to ensure a comfortable listening environment

The system can be expanded over time as new exhibits are developed, including the Birth of Jazz exhibit, Easter Rock materials, and rotating cultural installations.

Estimated Cost Range
Based on comparable museum installations, the estimated cost for an initial system is:

Hardware: $11,000-15,000

Installation: $6,000 – $10,000

Audio production & content development: $10,000 – $15,000

Total Estimated Investment: $40,000-$45,000

The remaining funds would be used to bring in exhibits during the year.

Costs may vary depending on the number of exhibits included in Phase I.

Implementation Plan
Phase I – Planning (Month 1)
Identify priority exhibits

Develop narration scripts and soundscapes

Select vendor and finalize system specifications

Phase II – Installation (Month 2)
Install speakers, audio stations, and wiring

Test system functionality and visitor flow

Phase III – Activation (Month 3)
Launch audio-enhanced exhibits

Train staff on system operation

Promote the upgrade through marketing and community outreach

Conclusion
An audio-enhanced exhibit system is a strategic investment that aligns with the museum’s mission, strengthens educational programming, and elevates the visitor experience. By adopting this technology, the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum will continue to honor African American heritage with innovation, accessibility, and cultural authenticity.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,000
          Professional Services. . . $15,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $40,000
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $12,000
          Operating Services. . . . $10,000
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $0

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          The museum’s mission centers on preserving, interpreting, and celebrating African American history, culture, and contributions in the Delta region. Many of our exhibits—particularly those involving oral traditions, music, lived experiences, and historical narratives—are best understood when visitors can hear the voices, sounds, and rhythms that shaped them.

Currently, our exhibits rely primarily on static text and visuals. While effective, this format limits the depth of interpretation and reduces accessibility for visitors with visual impairments or learning differences.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          An audio-enhanced system will:

Provide narrated histories, interviews, and contextual storytelling

Deliver music and soundscapes that bring cultural traditions to life

Support multi-sensory learning, proven to increase retention and engagement

Improve ADA accessibility, aligning with best practices for inclusive museums

Modernize the museum’s presentation and strengthen its competitive position among regional cultural institutions

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           7months

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                 

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
              

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
               

          What is the nature of the relationship? 

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               


Contact Information
name:  Ross Slacks 
                                       address:  801 Jason Drive
Monroe, LA 71202
                                       phone:  3182357090
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  rossslacks@gmail.com
                                       relationship to entity:  Director