Very nice museum with enthusiastic park service employees. Great photos and artifacts. A 35 minute film is available, all free of charge
The movie shown at the NPS Acadian Cultural Center provided a detailed overview of how the French people who were first exiled to Canada by the French, then exiled from Canada by the British, and then ended up in south Louisiana. The accompanying exhibits included many interesting artifacts depicting the architecture of homes in the area, and insight into the music, food, clothing, humor of the Cajun culture. Also display on the impact of oil on S. Louisiana. Learned a lot. Note - there is a good bit of reading the accompanying text with the displays to understand what is being shown, so younger children may not find as interesting. Bonus for us - the Cajun dulcimer club was playing in the foyer for 90 minutes while we were at the Center. Enjoyed hearing their music, and chatting with the musicians.
Not much to do on weekends here. Based on reviews we really wanted to see this but it is not open on Sunday at all and only open on Saturday until noon
The Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette is just one of several cultural centers in Louisiana sponsored by the national park service. By the time we got to Lafayette, this one was closed for the day. But we were glad to get to visit the one in Eunice, Louisiana. I write this review here to point out to Lafayette travelers that the activities in Eunice are certainly worthwhile. We got there for the 3:00 Saturday music jam session, and it was nice to have a chance to hear some background information from the musicians. For travelers not from the area, it was a good local experience that we really enjoyed. We were even encouraged to dance to their music, and felt comfortable asking any questions we had. But our favorite part was the 4:00 cooking demonstration on Saturday. A local teacher cooks up a local dish each Saturday. He provides the recipe, some background on the dish, and the audience gets a free sample. We were surprised at the generous size of the sample. We also looked through the museum area, and watched the 35 minute film while we were there. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice.
This place is great and the friendly & helpful staff are even better. The 35 min dramatic film plays every hour. Last showing is at 3:00pm, so be sure to make it there by 3. The museum/exhibit area is interesting. We learned a lot. We got good tips on where to go and what to do, as the locals go and do. Great great great source of information. We love Lafayette, Louisiana.
This park service cultural center is simply wonderful and educational. The short film is a wonderful history of, and introduction to, the acadian people. The film is well-done and I'd advise seeing it before you tour the exhibits. The displays have great detail in words & sound so take time to peruse. There is a great staff & sweet little gift shop here, too.
Wow... perfect stop to learn about the history of the Acadian culture. We (all 5 of my family) walked out of there more educated on the life of Acadia so making connections at Vermilionville was great to see from my kids!!
The videos are excellent and set the stage for the displays. Some of the displays have sound, and be sure to listen to them.
when I visite here. I knew the basic story, but I learned more, like why my Cajun ancestor's marriage and death dates made the computer "loop" and crash. Two brothers in one family married two sisters in another family. When one brother and one sister died, the survivors married each other--tripped my computer off line. I recommend this place to anyone from out of Louisiana who has Cajun ancestors.
This park is realy one of six Jean LaFitte National Historical Park and Preserve sites. There is HQ on Decatur St. in New Orleans, Barataria Preserve in Marrero, LA, Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodeaux, LA, Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, LA and The Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette. HOURS OF OPERATION ARE TUES-FRI 9;00-4;30, SATURDAY 8;30- NOON. CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY. They used to be open till 5 seven days a week, over a year ago they had to "sequester" hours. Do not depend on GPS to take you to the door. GPS gets you about 1000ft away. GPS says you are there when you are actually looking at a ball field. Use common sense and go a little farther past Vermilionville, and then you will see the flag poles to the Acadian Cultural Center. Admission is free and the 35 minute film that tells you all about how the Cajuns ended up in SW Louisiana to begin with plays EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR. LAST SHOWING IS AT 3:00. This place really lays down the framework of the history of "Cajun Country" It is a must see place and ITS FREE.