Rural African American Museum facts for kids
| Established | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Location | 1414 North Main Street, Opelousas, Louisiana, 70570 |
| Type | History museum |
| Collections | African-American history |
| Founder | Wilken Jones |
The Rural African American Museum is a special place in Opelousas. It teaches visitors about the history of African Americans who lived in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, United States. The museum covers the time from the American Civil War (which ended in 1865) up to today.
The museum first opened its doors in late 2018. It is free to visit, but it relies on donations to keep running. Wilken Jones, a retired social studies teacher, created the museum and is its president. He grew up in a nearby town called Plaisance.
Contents
What You Can See at the Museum
The museum has a permanent collection of items that tell stories about the past. You can see old books, everyday objects, and newspaper clippings. These items show what life was like for African Americans in the area.
Life in the Past
Some of the things on display include old bedroom furniture, kitchen tools, and farm equipment. These items help visitors understand how many Black sharecroppers lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Sharecroppers were farmers who rented land and paid for it with a share of their crops.
Community Programs and Support
The Rural African American Museum also helps the community in different ways. In July 2019, the museum held a summer camp. This camp was for children whose churches had been damaged. The museum wanted to give these children a safe and fun place to go.
Honoring Local Heroes
The museum also has special programs that celebrate the achievements of African American people in the local community. These programs help to honor their hard work and contributions to society.
