Terrebonne offers a day at the museums

A day of heritage, history and the arts awaits visitors to Terrebonne Parish, as each is featured in the parish’s diverse selection of galleries and museums.

One such museum features all three. Built in 1859 as a one-story Greek Revival house and converted into a two-story Victorian-style manor in 1893, Southdown Plantation House has become one of Terrebonne’s most popular attractions.

The 19th-century sugar manor is home to the Terrebonne Museum of history and culture.

Donated to the non-profit Terrebonne Historical and Cultural Society in 1975, the Southdown Plantation House displays original bedroom furniture of the Minor family, builders of the home, as well as other antique furnishings.

Rooms highlight the area’s history and culture: including Mardi Gras, the sugar industry and Terrebonne’s famous native son, the late Sen. Allen J. Ellender.

A room is also dedicated to changing works by local artists.

For a double-dose of Terrebonne’s culture and heritage, the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum in Downtown Houma is a must-see. The museum honors the economic, social and historical culture of the area through exciting interactive displays.

Cajun bands also perform at the museum on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

If you don’t know how to Cajun dance, check the schedule at the Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center in Downtown Houma. The center offers classes on Cajun dancing, cooking, crafts and duck decoy carving. Hours vary by season.

History of a different kind is on display at the Regional Military Museum. Complimenting the offerings of the National D-Day Museum in New Orleans, the Houma museum focuses on the war in the Gulf of Mexico and features a collection of World War II era uniforms, weapons and vehicles. There is also an extensive library of war-related books describing the war in the Gulf.

Art lovers might prefer to see Chauvin’s Sculpture Garden – one of the most unique outdoor exhibits in the world.

The over 100 cement sculptures were created by self-taught artist Kenny Hill using everyday household items. The statues are immersed in Biblical symbolism and American history.

Hill came to Chauvin in 1988, where he pitched a tent and began to sculpt. Nobody knows what inspired him to create his garden of art, or the true meaning behind the sculptures. He never named any of his work.

Hill disappeared in 2000, leaving his art behind.

“I’ve seen a lot of people come through here in my year and a half, and everyone feels encouraged to take away their own meaning from it,” said Rita Hermann, coordinator of the Chauvin Sculpture Garden. “To me, that’s the beauty of the site.”

Nicholls State University owns and operates the sculpture gardens.

Terrebonne’s museums and galleries are truly treasures waiting to be discovered by locals and visitors. For more information in preparation for your day at the museums, call (985) 868-2732, log onto www.houmatravel.com or stop by the Visitors Center at the U.S. Highway 90, Houma exit in Gray.