History :
The Collinswood School Museum actually had it's beginning around 1876 when it was constructed specifically as a one room school house. Mr. Collins constructed the school house on his estate, approximately one mile west of Ponchatoula, to assure an education for his son. He then hired and boarded a teacher and offered educational training for other children in the area. The school operated in that fashion until around 1908. Grades 1 through 6 were taught in the single room.
In 1975 the Bicentennial Commission chose the "Collinswood School Museum" as a project, and the city of Ponchatoula purchased the building for that purpose. Land at the present Museum site was donated by the Edwards family to the city. The museum opened in 1976, and has operated continuously since then. The museum is governed and operated by volunteers.
