Iberville Museum

Iberville Museum Opens “Atchafalaya Basin: A Journey to the Past, A Map to the Future” May 25

April 12, 2019June 3, 2019by Iberville Museum Association IncLeave a comment

Plaquemine, LA (April 12, 2019)—Iberville Museum will open its newest exhibit, “Atchafalaya Basin: A Journey to the Past, A Map to the Future,” on Saturday, May 25.

The exhibit is a groundbreaking approach to the story of the Atchafalaya Basin, America’s largest wetland and swamp, and its relationship with the people who made it their home for nearly 100 years. It also explores the Army Corps of Engineers’ complex and deep impact on the Basin’s cultural and environmental heritage.

“The history of the Atchafalaya Basin is so vast, this exhibit can only scrape the top of the barrel,” says Stella Tanoos, Iberville Museum Board Member and local genealogist. “But, it will still leave visitors wanting to come back for more.”

On display in the 1,400 square-foot exhibit are historical artifacts, such as photographs, logbooks, tools, boat models, household objects, maps, and a twenty-four-foot-long “putt-putt” bateau. By using artifacts and artwork alongside compelling audio elements, the exhibit bridges the gap between the swamper’s world and present day.

“So many people had a hand in the creation of this permanent exhibition, and most were descendants of those who lived in the swamp,” explains the exhibit’s curator, Meghan Sylvester. “This kind of guided us to actively memorialize those families and preserve the memory of that way of life.”

The exhibit creates an immersive display that is meant to generate the feeling of what it is like out on the water. Touch activated information kiosks featuring videos, timelines, digital maps, and games will allow visitors to explore the Basin’s history further and learn about current environmental conservation projects.

The opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 25 at 10:00 A.M., with Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor, Billy Nungesser, as our special guest. Admission to the museum and the new exhibit will be FREE all day long! A free Jambalaya lunch, sponsored by the Iberville Parish Sheriff Department will be served while supplies last. Members of the Antique Putt-Putt Boat Club will be set up outside the museum as well as a viewing of live baby alligators!

The Iberville Museum is located at 57735 Main Street, Plaquemine. For more information, please call Iberville Museum director, Meghan Sylvester at 225-687-7197.

Seeking a Museum Collections Intern

March 12, 2019by Iberville Museum Association IncLeave a comment

SUMMARY:

The Iberville Museum Association seeks to hire 1 Collections Intern for the summer of 2019. The internship will help prepare the candidate for a career in museums and collections management, granting them experience in a small local history museum. The intern will work directly with our director/curator on a collections management project focused on cataloging, organizing, and digitizing our collections. The intern will gain experience in PastPerfect museum software and Digital Curation by researching and organizing collections and enhancing metadata to support a better historical interpretation of the collections.

THE POSITION:

Collections Intern

COMPENSATION:

$12 per hour

TIME COMMITMENT:

160 hours (8 weeks, 20 hours per week) between June-August.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE:

Exact schedule to be determined. Hours will fall within standard work week: M – F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The collections management project will include, but is not necessarily limited to Enhancement of collections metadata; Processing, rehousing, and digitizing photographs and paper items; Research (e.g. Iberville Parish, Atchafalaya Basin, Sugarcane, Civil Rights); Curating 4-5 social media posts meant to spark conversation on items in our collection.

SUPERVISOR:

Meghan Sylvester, Director/Curator

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates should be graduate students, recent graduates, or advanced undergraduates with a major in public history, history, museum studies, or a related field.

Ideal candidate will be working towards a career in museums and has a passion for local history; Will need to work well independently and with others as needed; Strong writing and organization skills; Exceptional attention to details; Should have completed coursework in collections care and management; and Ideally have knowledge or prior experience with standard archival practices, object handling, photography, and preservation. PastPerfect experience is preferred, but not required.

Resume, cover letter, and a list of 2 references due by April 15, 2019. Please send application materials to Meghan Sylvester, Director/Curator, at contact@ibervillemuseum.org.

Mardi Gras: It’s not only for New Orleans

February 8, 2019February 8, 2019by Iberville Museum Association IncLeave a comment

Our display of our Mardi Gras collection is now open! The collection features photographs, costumes, and documents from Plaquemine’s historic Mardi Gras Balls.

The collection will be on display from Feb. 6 through October 5, 2019 at the Iberville Museum.

Holiday Hours

December 20, 2018by Iberville Museum Association IncLeave a comment

50 Years: Remembering the Acadian Festival

October 11, 2018by Iberville Museum Association IncLeave a comment

OCTOBER 2018 – JANUARY 2019

The International Acadian Festival was founded in 1969 under the direction of Gary J Hebert and the Knights of Columbus and has since focused on preserving and enhancing Iberville Parish’s Cajun heritage. This is exhibit will celebrate all things Acadian Festival, showcasing Evangeline memorabilia and photos from festivals’ past.

The International Acadian Festival will be held in Plaquemine, LA on October 19 – 21 at the Water Front Park.