63. Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center, 1934

April 9, 1934

315 N. Main Street

Built by the Sandoz family, this building was a former library, a church and a funeral home. In September 1992, it became the home of the city’s history museum, created by the Opelousas Tourism & Activities Committee and the City of Opelousas. This museum showcases various objects and artifacts relating to the history and culture of the city. Learn about the Native Americans, Cajuns, Creoles, French and Spanish. Discover the area’s important role during the Civil War and learn about famous Opelousas residents such as Olympic gold medalist Rodney Milburn and Grammy Award winner Clifton Chenier.

Through exhibits and archives, the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center celebrates local history and culture including Cajun and Creole cuisine, the sweet potato and cotton industry, and zydeco music.

Browse artifacts and exquisite crafts by indigenous peoples of the area. Photos and tools of the trade illustrate the international legacies of musician Clifton Chenier; Chef Paul Prudhomme, Ambassador James Joseph and other Opelousas natives. The Rodney Milburn exhibit presents memorabilia of this record-breaking Olympic Gold Medalist. The museum is also home to the Geraldine Welch Doll Collection and the Original Southwest Zydeco Festival Archives. Come see displays of antique accordions, textiles, typewriters and other treasures that illustrate the vivid history of Opelousas.

Last modified: May 10, 2021

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