Heritage Weekend | Destrehan Plantation

Heritage Weekend is Saturday, May 1st and Sunday, May 2nd, 2021.

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 2021 Heritage Weekend will be held at Destrehan Plantation on Saturday, May 1st and Sunday May2nd from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. The two-day event is open to the public. Visitors will engage in hands-on activities, observe demonstrations, reenactments 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
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
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
200 plus years of St. Charles Parish history in pictures
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
Plenty of parking space
Food concession stand

Note: Specific folk life 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.

Admission:

Tickets are available online and on May 1st and 2nd at the Plantation Store/Gift Shop

Option 1 - Heritage Weekend activities only

$8 per child (ages 7-17 years)
$12 per adult
Children 6 and under - free

To reserve your tickets:

Heritage Weekend Actvities Only

Option 2 - Heritage Weekend activities and guided tour of slave cabin and main house

$10 per child
$22 per adult (no discounts allowed for May 1st and 2nd)
Children 6 and under free

To reserve your tickets:

Heritage Weekend Activities and House Tour

Download re-enactor's guideline & registration forms here.

The River Road Historical Society is seeking photos of people, places, and events in St. Charles Parish prior to 1960 for an exhibit at Heritage Weekend at Destrehan Plantation on May 1-2, 2021 and for display at the St. Charles Parish Library. If you would like to submit a photo please download the request for old photos flyer and photo submission information here.

For more information contact:

-Rachel Allemand, Heritage Education Coordinator
-Destrehan Plantation
-P.O. Box 5
-Destrehan, Louisiana 70047
-(985) 764-9315, ext. 3 (office)
-(985) 783-6500 (cell)
- Fax: (985) 725-1929
- Email: destreheritage@destrehanplantation.org
- Website: http://www.destrehanplantation.org