On June 9th, the board and members of the Pierre Part Belle River Museum, Inc., met at the Pierre Part Store Meeting room for our monthly meeting. We began with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call of attendees. First on the agenda was a huge thank you to Ryan Landry owner of Paizano’s and The Spunky Monkey both in Belle River, La., for taking his time and equipment to cut the grass at the museum property! You are greatly appreciated Ryan Landry!

Other topics discussed were a recap of each committee beginning with the Grant committee whose lead is Nancy Rousseau. They have been working with tremendous success for grants already rewarded and others still in the process. We are very pleased to announce we have all funding for Phase I of the museum which includes the main Welcome Center and Heritage Walking Trail. Our work is far from being completed but the efforts are paying off. We are still in the graphic/design stage but we estimate a ground breaking in the first quarter of 2025. As we get close, more and more details will be shared.

Next, Interviewing Lead, Carol Ann Aucoin recapped the interviews that are being done on various Seniors in our community, to get their accounts as to how life was in their earlier years, how times have changed and how the different families were welcomed to our area. These videos will be a huge draw as these people share their experiences in both English and Cajun French. Tapping that source of information will preserve our heritage and culture for many generations to come.

These were the key topics discussed but to learn more and become a vital part of our museum, please attend the next meeting on Tuesday, August 6th at the Pierre Part Store in their meeting room at 6:00pm. Hope to see you all there!