Historical Places: St. Augustine Historical Society Museum, Natchitoches
Parish, La
Source: The Natchitoches Times May 1996



**********************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm
**********************************************
 

ST. AUGUSTINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY ESTABLISHES MUSEUM
The Natchitoches Times May 1996



The St. Augustine Historical Society at Isle Brevelle established The National
Museum of Creole History and Culture at the third annual Creole Heritage Day
Celebration in January.

Since the announcement, $25,000 in contributions have been received from area
businesses. Harrah's Casino in Shreveport was the first to contribute with
First Bank of Natchitoches being the most recent. Both businesses donated
$5,000 respectively as Founding Underwriters. The remainder of the $25,000 was
contributed by two Natchitoches businessmen. The funds will be used for the
museum's start up and operational expenses.

The mission of the museum, described by St. Augustine Historical Society
president Terrel Delphin, is to research, interpret, document and preserve the
history and culture of the Creole people of Louisiana, and the extended Creole
community, through exhibitions, publications, cultural activities and
educational programs for the enrichment of the general public. Delphin stated
that the museum will be the first devoted exclusively to Creole culture in the
country.

Goals of the museum, formulated by a museum committee of Historical Society
members and museum professionals, include the restoration of significant
historic structures, unique to Creole life and culture, in the Isle Brevelle
community. These structures, once restored, will be featured as museum
exhibits; with the nationally recognized Badin-Roque House being the first.
Long range plans of constructing a cultural center complete with an exhibition
gallery, library, archives, performance and dance hall, instructional
classrooms and workshop areas are anticipated.

A major membership and founding contributor campaign is currently being
implemented. Grant proposals have been submitted to national and state funding
agencies while other grant possibilities are being researched to help finance
various activities of the museum.

Inquiries and contributions of any amount may be sent to The National Museum
of Creole History and Culture, P. O. Box 39, Melrose, La. 71452.