For a glimpse of early life in Lafayette visit Vermilionville Historic Village, one of the city’s most interesting attractions. This 23-acre Living History Museum & Folklife Park, situated along the Vermilion River—on land once owned by former Louisiana Governor Alexandre Mouton—works to recreate aspects of an early Acadian settlement and to preserve the area’s cultural heritage.
Buildings on the site, which serve as venues for demonstrations of traditional Acadian, Creole, and Native crafts, include original homes as well as some reconstructed buildings. Among these historical and architectural treasures are:
Maison Acadienne – this early 19th century ‘Acadian House’ originally stood on the plantation owned by the family of Jean Mouton and served as the schoolhouse his grandchildren attended. The building currently houses an exhibit on traditional healing practices.
Maison Beau Bassin – this original mid-19th century home reflects a mix of American Greek Revival and Creole architecture and serves as a demonstration area for spinning, weaving and other textile crafts.
Items on display here include colorful quilts, period clothing, sewing machines, spinning wheels, and a 200-year-old Acadian loom. The wide front gallery features square Corinthian columns and exterior stairs leading to the former garçonnière or boys’ room.
Maison Boucvalt – built as an urban residence in the mid-19th century, this Acadian and Creole style house features elegant decor,
including half tester beds, armoires, and an upright piano, and boasts some rather modern 20th century touches such as a wooden wall telephone and indoor bathroom.
Maison Broussard – this original, late-18th century house—the largest and oldest in Vermilionville—was the residence of wealthy rancher and Revolutionary War veteran Armand Broussard, son of legendary Acadian Joseph ‘Beausoleil’ Broussard.
Maison Buller – built in the early-19th century, this Creole-style house originally located in nearby St. Landry Parish, features an attractive exterior with green and red trim and a rear loggia. The interior features a center fireplace, and rustic furnishings including a table with bench seats, trundle bed, and weaving loom. A red-brick water well can be seen on the side lawn.
Maison des Cultures – also known as the Maison Coussan, this mid-19th century home houses exhibits pertaining to the various cultures of the area.
Included in the displays are Native American tribal artifacts and examples of early building techniques, such as bousillage.
Le Hangar à Bateau – this wall-less ‘boat shed’ houses a collection of early-Acadian style wooden boats.
Le Cabanage de Piégeur – displayed in this replica of an Acadian trapper’s hut are the tools and trappings of the trade. You’ll see handwoven traps, nets, hand-carved decoys and boat oars.
Maison Mouton – this building, a venue for woodworking and cabinet-making demonstrations (notice the collection of two-man passé partout saws on the wall), is a reconstruction of an early-19th century Acadian-style house and features a brick hearth with simple wooden mantle, glass-less windows with operable shutters, doors with wrought iron locks and hinges, and a detached kitchen.
La Forge – a reconstruction of a blacksmith’s forge, this structure serves as an area for smithing demonstrations.
La Chapelle des Attakapas – this chapel, with its stark white interior, is a reproduction based on the architectural styles of late-19th century Catholic churches in Acadiana.
Le Presbytère – this original early-19th century house, connected to the chapel by a raised walkway, is simply furnished and represents the residence of a Catholic priest of the time.
L’école – a reproduction of a late-19th century schoolhouse, this building features rows of iron and wood desks and ladder back chairs. A wood-burning potbelly stove stands in the corner.
On the blackboard are the words ‘I will not speak French’, representing what was likely a punishment for students speaking their native language at a time when French was banned by law.
The Watershed – this educational and partially interactive exhibit focuses on the ecosystem of the Vermilion River and its role as a watershed for South Central Louisiana.
In addition to the living history demonstrations, Vermilionville hosts live musical entertainment featuring area musicians; Cajun Jam Sessions are held every Saturday afternoon and Le Bal du Dimanche every Sunday.
And don’t forget to stop by La Cuisine de Maman, the on-site restaurant, for a bowl of gumbo.
Getting there:
Vermilionville Historic Village is located at 300 Fisher Road.
Ticket Info:
Adult Admission = $10.00
Adult Admission (Ages 65 & Over) = $8.00
Student Admission (Ages 5 – 18) = $6.00
College Student Admission (with ID) = $6.00
Child Admission (Ages 4 & Under) = Free
Summary
Reviewer
Mike Young
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Reviewed Item
Vermilionville Historic Village
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By Things to do in Lafayette - Visit Vermilionvill... 4 Dec ’16 at 2:54 pm