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Highlighting the African American Museum in St. Martinville

Posted at 6:37 PM, May 01, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-01 19:37:41-04

As we continue our look at St. Martin Parish, we are highlighting the African American Museum in St. Martinville. 

The museum is housed in the Cultural Heritage Center and features the history of slavery in Louisiana, as well as the history of the Creole people. 

If you do visit the museum, you will see a special exhibit on Black Mardi Gras and its roots with the Mardi Gras Indians. 

"They started the whole process of the Mardi Gras Indians, started in New Orleans went to Lafayette and so that tradition and other black Mardi Gras traditions here in St. Martinville are honored in a special exhibit that is going to be around for a few more months," said Elaine Clement, Director of Tourism for St. Martinvlle. "There are several costumes that are just really magnificent."

The African-American Museum tells the story of the arrival of the Africans and the development of the free people of color community in Southwest Louisiana.  The museum interprets their struggles, adaptations and contributions, with particular emphasis on the Attakapas District during the 18th and 19th centures.  It outlines the rise and fall of slavery and the economic struggles faced by the free people after the Civil War."

It is located at 121 New Market Street, and is open daily 10 am to 4:30 pm.