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Our Organization
OUR MISSION
'"The intent of the Pierre Part Belle River Museum is to present and preserve the Cajun culture which has grown and evolved during three centuries in the Atchafalaya Basin."
OUR VISION
A museum designed to take advantage of the sensory power of the environment. Instead of one building, we plan to take our visitors through "a day in the life" by a series of pavilions around and on the water, linked together within the natural environment, each depicting its own facet of life in Pierre Part.
Our Board Members
These ladies and gentlemen go above and beyond when it comes to serving our community. If it wasn't for these ladies & gentleman, Pierre Part would not be the beautiful community we are all so proud to call home. If you see one of these guys around town, please make sure and tell them thank you.
Darrel Rivere President
Darrel Rivere has been a resident of Pierre Part since 1974. He’s been an entrepreneur and business owner since the age of 19, building a seafood processing plant and food manufacturing business. He has been very involved in the community and state by serving on a variety of boards and committees. He’s very excited about the museum as it will help to tell the story of past life in the area and preserve that culture and heritage for future generations. He believes very strongly that the success of this project will depend on how much the community joins in the effort. He’s encouraging and challenging all residents to participate and be active in this project.
Julius Mabile Vice President
Julius Mabile is a native of Pierre Part and currently resides in Belle River. He retired after fifty years in the industrial construction industry. He’s a veteran who served two years in the US Army. He’s very excited for what this museum will bring to our area, our state and our great country.
Eugene "Geno" Blanchard
Eugene “Geno” Blanchard is a native and resident of Pierre Part who worked as co-owner of a contracting company and retired as a project manager for a large industrial contractor. He served in the Louisiana National Guard and is an Army veteran. He is also a member of the American Legion post 328, and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Atchafalaya Chapter of the Louisiana Association. He’s one of the founding members and current Vice-President of the Pierre Part Belle River Genealogical Society. He was asked to be on this board for his genealogical and historical knowledge of the area.
T.J. Blanchard
T.J. Blanchard is a native of Pierre Part who worked for a major construction company for 37 years, spending 17 of those years in the United Kingdom. While working for this company he traveled extensively all over the world. He served a variety of roles including chief estimator, chief draftsman and liaison between the company and its UK offshore supply office. While in the UK, he served as chairman of many boards. Upon his retirement he successfully opened his own consulting company performing work for a variety of companies. He is an ardent genealogist and founded the Pierre Part Belle River Genealogical Society. He is also a member of the Assumption Parish Library Board of Control and its past Vice-President. He is active in the church serving as an altar server, choir member and reader. He is a third degree Knight of Columbus in Council 5352 in Pierre Part and a fourth degree knight in the Monseigneur Landsman assembly in Napoleonville. He is also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Atchafalaya Chapter of the Louisiana Association. He serves as genealogist/registrar for this organization.
Nancy B. Rousseau
Nancy B. Rousseau is a native and resident of Pierre Part. She is a retired educator with 34 ½ years of service at Pierre Part Schools. She served as teacher, administrative assistant, assistant principal and retired fulfilling the role of principal at Pierre Part Elementary School. She holds a Master’s degree plus 30 and was a National Board Certified Teacher. She is actively involved in numerous church activities and committees. She is a member of the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association and the Assumption Parish Retired Teachers Association. She believes the museum will educate future generations on the strong heritage our ancestors established. It will be a testament to our unique culture, people and area which leaves everyone wanting more.
Gerald St. Germain
Gerald St. Germain is a native and resident of Pierre Part. He is a graduate of Assumption High School and USL in Lafayette. He has served as president of various organizations including the Pierre Part Belle River Business Group, St. Joseph Church Parish Council, and Ascension Catholic School Board. He has also served on the Assumption Parish Hospital Board, the board of Tech Regional, and was a past Elks king. He was also the Grand Marshall of the 2022 Pierre Part Christmas Parade.
Kenneth St. Germain
Kenneth St. Germain is a native of Pierre Part who works and grew up in his family’s local business, which has been in operation over 100 years selling general merchandise. He is a graduate of USL in Lafayette in 1978. He is the current president of the Pierre Part Belle River Business Group and is thrilled and eager to help preserve the rich culture and history of our area. He can be contacted at ken@pierrepartstore.com
Beryl Gomez
Beryl Gomez spent 35 years in the telecommunications industry then retired to the Pierre Part/Belle River community that she knew throughout her late childhood and adult life. The heritage and values that the museum story will tell link strongly to her personal family history and experiences. She currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the local recreation district, is a member of the business group, and is an independent consultant. “Paying forward the learnings and phenomenal experiences received from strong mentorships throughout my career among all nine states of the company is a deeply fulfilling opportunity as we endeavor to bring our heritage museum to fruition.”
Celeste M. Gros
Celeste M. Gros is a native of Pierre Part and resident of Belle River, Louisiana, where she resides with her husband, Oudrey “Butch” Gros. She worked as an Account Executive and Human Resources Manager for over 30 years. Celeste is a published children’s book author and retired professional cake decorator. She can be contacted at celestegros1@outlook.com.
Oudrey 'Butch' Gros
Oudrey “Butch” Gros is a native and resident of Belle River, Louisiana. He's worked in the oil field and construction industry for over 30 years and brings that experience to this museum project. He lives in Belle River with his wife, Celeste Gros and since retiring he has begun consulting work in his field of expertise. He can be contacted at butchgros@gmail.com.
Dennis Landry
Dennis Landry has been very active in the Pierre Part-Belle River community for over 40 years. He holds both a BA and a Masters Degree from Nicholls State and is a former Assumption Parish School Board member and was a teacher for a few years. He has also worked in the oilfield industry and is now a real estate entrepreneur still operating Cajun Cabins & RV Sites at Sportsman's Landing on nearby Bayou Corne. He is also a licensed auctioneer, the only one in Assumption Parish. He brings to the museum board a love and knowledge of history and expertise in needed fundraising. Contact email is dplandry1951@yahoo.com.
Chad LeBlanc
Chad LeBlanc is a native of Belle River and has worked in the information technology field for over 25 years. He holds numerous technical certifications and currently works as a senior information security engineer. He is the author of two books that discuss the history of the people who settled in and around the Pierre Part area. He’s a board member of the Pierre Part Belle River Historical and Genealogical Society and is dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich heritage of the area. He can be contacted at me@chadleblanc.com.