Bayou Teche Museum

This is such a cool little museum! The museum mostly focuses on the history of New Iberia, but the tiny space covers all aspects of their history, from farming, to prohibition and Mardi Gras. The woman working there was super friendly, and really excited to have visitors from out of town, as I guess it’s still just locals who know about it. So check it out next time you’re in the area!

I first came to know of New Iberia and Bayou Teche from the novels of James Lee Burke, whose principal character Dave Robicheaux, resides there. It’s a testament either to my ignorance or arrogance or both, that I only recently discovered that the location was not fictional.
I’ve been traveling ’round Louisiana for a while now doing genealogical research none of which is centered — so far– this far south but I decided to take a day off and visit. A good decision.
Got to the Bayou Teche Museum late in the day but still managed a good tour with help from Tasha, the Director, and her trusty docent assistant, Georgia. I learned enough about the area to convince me to stay an extra day and learn more.
New Iberia is quaint but looks are deceiving. This town, this parish, is about oil and sugar and rice and salt, all of which it produces in great quantity. The Museum captures this and more of course. So if you’re in this area or have been thinking of coming here in a visit don’t fail to put it on your itinerary, right along with Victor’s one block down and across the street. It’s where Dave eats. :)

AWESOME!!! Great Exhibits.