The Gueydan Museum's History
The museum building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the highlight of Gueydan’s Main Street.
It was built in the Romanesque style that was popular for public buildings at the turn of the century.
This historic building, cir. 1902, is now a museum that houses a permanent collection of rare photographs and artifacts that tell the history of an area known for its rice farming and duck hunting.
The Gueydan Museum, although small, contains an in-depth historical account of the history of the small Louisiana town of Gueydan as well as a look into classic Cajun Louisiana culture. The museum features a rotating art exhibit of modern paintings from artists all over the state.
It also has a permanent exhibit containing donated artifacts found around the state, including a preserved albino nutria rat as well as an alligator skin from an alligator shot in Vermillion Parish. As for the history of the town, the museum displays the original deed presented to Jean Pierre Gueydan, the founder of the town, from 1882.
There are artifacts from throughout the years relating to the history of Gueydan, including authentic furniture from the French home of Jean Pierre Gueydan as well as items from businesses such as a barbershop during the 1950s.
The museum also takes a look at famous historical events that shaped the town, including the liquor beverage raid of 1930, World War II, and the Flood of 1940.
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