River Road African American Museum, African-American museum in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.
The River Road African American Museum is a place to explore the contributions of black inventors, jazz musicians, and political leaders throughout Louisiana. The spaces hold carefully assembled collections of documents and objects that tell the story of life in the region.
The museum was founded in 1994 by Kathe Hambrick and was first housed at Tezcuco Plantation. After a fire, it relocated to Donaldsonville in 2003, where it took its present form.
The museum displays photographs, artifacts, and personal stories that document the lives of African Americans in the River Road region. These collections help visitors understand the roots and experiences of the community directly.
The museum sits about 70 miles from New Orleans and offers educational programs, workshops, and virtual exhibitions for both in-person and online visitors. These varied offerings allow people with different needs to engage with the content.
The museum campus includes the preserved Central Agricultural School, one of only a few Rosenwald Schools remaining in Louisiana. This building was moved here specifically to prevent its demolition and protect it for future generations.
Location: Louisiana
Inception: 1994
Website: https://africanamericanmuseum.org
GPS coordinates: 30.10136,-90.99011
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45
Louisiana preserves a diverse heritage through its plantations, museums, and natural areas. This collection includes sites where French colonial architecture can be seen along the Cane River, plantation buildings like Melrose and Frogmore that reflect cotton farming and African-American history, and the archaeological site of Poverty Point with its mounds dating to 1700 BC. Museums record the settlement of German communities in Germantown, Acadian culture, and the political history of the state at the old Capitol in Baton Rouge. Gardens and parks provide access to the region's characteristic landscapes. Avery Island Botanical Garden features 70 hectares of vegetation on a natural salt dome, while the bayou wetlands host a variety of wildlife. Places like the Chauvin Art Garden add a modern aspect with sculptures along a waterway. This route allows exploration of different periods in Louisiana's history, from pre-Columbian cultures to developments in the 20th century.
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