Heritage Weekend | Destrehan Plantation

Heritage Weekend is Friday, May 1st, Saturday, May 2nd, and Sunday, May 3rd, 2020.

From daily chores and simple pastimes to wars fought on its soil, Louisiana was forever changed during the 19th century. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States, and Louisiana became the 18th state. Some families were torn apart by war while freedom allowed other families to be reunited. The perseverance of Louisianans was tested by hurricanes and diseases such as yellow fever and cholera. Heritage Weekend at Destrehan Plantation takes a look back at the 19th century and the influences of the many cultures that contributed to Louisiana life during this time period.

The 2020 Heritage Weekend will be held at Destrehan Plantation on Friday, May 1st from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm and on Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday May3rd from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. While the three-day event is open to the public, additional activities for school groups will be provided on May 1, 2020. Visitors will engage in hands-on activities, observe demonstrations and exhibits, and participate in music and dance related to 19th century life in south Louisiana.

Hands-on Folk Life Activities

Candle making
Butter making
Grits making
Weaving
Knot tying
Petting of farm animals
Art activities
Gardening
Old time games
Calligraphy
Genealogy

Performances - with Audience Participation

Native American dance and storytelling
African dance and drumming
Vintage dancing
Music of the south
Louisiana Fiddle State Grand Champion
Sea songs and chants
Reenactment of the Louisiana Purchase
Civil War encampment and battle reenactments

Exhibits and Demonstrations

Domestic tasks such as washing clothes, tatting, rag rugmaking, and open-hearth cooking
Indigo dyeing
Antique irons
Old time toys
Bees and honey
19th century clothing
Bousillage construction
1811 Slave Revolt
Civil War rifle and cannon firing
Reenactors in period appropriate clothing

Lagniappe (A Little Something Extra)

Picnic grounds - bring your own lunch
Plenty of parking space
Concession stand - chips, candy, pickles, water and soft drinks
Country market - history related books, toys, and games

Note: Specific folk like activities, exhibits, demonstrations, and performances may vary from day to day. Check the Destrehan Plantation web site for a specific schedule of events and performances as the date draws nearer.

Performances, exhibits, and demonstrations will be provided by many groups and individuals such as Hurst Middle School, NO Shanty Krew, Reaux, Roscoe and Abadie, James Linden Hogg, Feliciana Vintage Dancers, Camp Moore Sutlery, and several museums and historical sites from around Louisiana.

Admission:

For school groups on May 1, 2020:

$8 per person (students, teachers, chaperones) for the Heritage activities
$18 per person (students, teachers, chaperones) for the Heritage activities AND guided tours of the slave cabin and main house

(Note: Registration is required for school groups. Please download the registration form here.)

For other visitors on May 1, 2, or 3rd 2020:

$8 per child (ages 7-17 years) and $12 per adult for the Heritage activities
$18 per child (ages 7-17 years) and $22.00 per adult for the Heritage activities AND guided tours of the slave cabin and main house.

Visitors only (no school groups) book your ticket here for May 1st, May 2nd or May 3rd Heritage activities only:

Heritage Weekend

(Note: Tickets may be purchased at the Destrehan Plantation gift shop on the day(s) of the event. Discounts for AAA Auto Club members, active military, and senior citizens may apply. Please ask if you are eligible for a discount when purchasing your ticket.)

Download your Heritage Weekend flyer here.

For more information contact:

-Rachel Allemand, Heritage Education Coordinator
-Destrehan Plantation
-P.O. Box 5
-Destrehan, Louisiana 70047
-(985) 764-9315, ext. 102 (office)
-(985) 783-6500 (cell)
- Fax: (985) 725-1929
- Email: destreheritage@destrehanplantation.org
- Website: http://www.destrehanplantation.org