Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center

Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center An Interpretive Exhibit of a Community, its People and their Culture. Opelousas, perfectly seasoned! Governor Thomas O. Landry Catholic Church.
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The Main Exhibit Room consists of Prehistory, People of Opelousas, Agriculture, Home and Family, Business and Professions, Music and Food, Opelousas Hall of Fame. Civil War Room: During the Civil War, Opelousas was the capital of Confederate Louisiana. Moore lived in the community and the state legislature met and enacted legislation in the courthouse and the LaCombe Hotel. The town was also serve

d as a federal post and military depot. General Nathaniel Banks was in the community and federal troops camped near the St. Geraldine Smith Welch Doll Collection contains over 400 dolls that will delight men and women of all ages. The dolls exhibit depicts American Heritage, Acadiana and Folk Culture, Antiques and Reproductions, Pop Culture, International Culture, Miniatures and Royalty from around the world. The Rodney Milburn exhibit of the Olympic Gold Medalist Collection is also on display.

Thanks to Al Hebert for coming out and talking to some of the key players of the Zydeco Festival. He visited with Rubbo...
08/28/2026

Thanks to Al Hebert for coming out and talking to some of the key players of the Zydeco Festival. He visited with Rubboard Earl Sally, Mike Broussard and Zydeco Festival president Lena Charles.

08/28/2026

Dr. Foster to Speak at Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center on September 19.

Speaker Series: Forgetting and Misremembering Black Life in Louisiana Through Civil Rights: The McDonough Three & Ruby Bridges

WHAT: Presentation by Dr. Theodore Foster
WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2026
TIME: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: 315 N. Main Street, Opelousas
CONTACT: Patrice Melnick 337-948-2589; [email protected]

Join us for a presentation of the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail by Dr. Theodore Foster on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The presentation will take place at the Opelousas Museum at 315 N. Main Street, Opelousas, LA 70570.

Dr. Foster will discuss how the making of the Louisiana civil rights trail reproduces broader problems with remembering the modern civil rights movement through tourism, racial icons, popular images, individual names, and events. The talk asks, what genres of black life fall in and out of the narrative of civil rights then and now...in Louisiana and beyond?"

Dr. Theodore Foster III is an Assistant Professor of History and Black Studies at the University of Louisiana. Currently, Dr. Foster is on sabbatical as a post-doctoral Civil Rights Scholar research fellow with the Center for Civil Rights History and Research at the University of South Carolina and will return to UL in Civil Rights TrailFall 2027. His work explores the U.S. Black Freedom Movement and Civil Rights Movement history, political theory, and Black visual culture. Dr. Foster holds a Ph.D. in African American Studies from Northwestern University, an M.A. in African American and African Studies from Ohio State, and a B.A. in African American Studies from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Foster’s presentation is a part of a speaker series titled Opelousas, Up Close and Personal. The Speaker series is funded by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities’ 2026 Rebirth Grant and will cover topics pertaining to Opelousas’ rich history. Other presentations in the series cover topics such as indigenous peoples of Opelousas, the Yambilee and Yamba Celebrations, the Civil War, and local participation in the Civil Rights movement.

Funding for the 2026 Rebirth Grant has been provided by the State of Louisiana and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by this organization do not necessarily represent those of either the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities or the State of Louisiana.

For more information, contact Patrice Melnick 337-948-2589; [email protected].

This year we upgraded Opelousas Museum lighting inside and out. Here are images of the outside lighting that automatica...
08/27/2026

This year we upgraded Opelousas Museum lighting inside and out. Here are images of the outside lighting that automatically turns on and off from dusk to dawn.

Thanks to Dejean's Electrical for quality craftsmanship and professionalism. Their good work makes the building look more attractive and provides security. Thanks to the City of Opelousas for investing in the maintenance of this historical building--and to all of you for supporting your museum.

⭐ Mark your calendar - October 30th - for an unforgettable night of fine food, spirited conversation, music, and a silen...
08/26/2026

⭐ Mark your calendar - October 30th - for an unforgettable night of fine food, spirited conversation, music, and a silent auction — all in service celebrating the rich stories that have shaped Opelousas for generations.

⭐“SPIRITS: History, Folklore and Fear” honors the legends, traditions, and history that have shaped our community — and a gathering of those committed to preserving them for generations to come.

Held at the Delta Grand Theater, this is a night you don’t want to miss, and an evening to dress to impress.

Proceeds benefit the Opelousas Museum’s exhibitions, programming and collection.

Come for the history. Stay for the magic.

Early ticket pricing $65 per person through September 10th.

To purchase, please visit the Opelousas Museum’s front desk, or for more info and sponsorship opportunities, reach out to [email protected].

08/20/2026
The Louisiana Travel Association Conference is a great opportunity to share and learn.
08/20/2026

The Louisiana Travel Association Conference is a great opportunity to share and learn.

It’s that time again!
08/06/2026

It’s that time again!

Address

315 N Main Street
Opelousas, LA
70570

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30am
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(337) 948-2589

Website

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