Although most only think of the French, German and African cultures when they think of early Creole life on a Louisiana Plantation, St. Joseph Plantation’s rich history includes a large population of Italian immigrants who came to Louisiana to find work on the sugar plantations. There were approximately one hundred Italian immigrants who spoke no English and worked mainly in the fields or in the sugar house on St. Joseph Plantation around 1900. These Italians came to work to earn money to send for their families in Italy. Upon arrival of their families they continued to work for several more years before leaving the plantation to go into business for themselves. These Italians were an important part of our cultural history, particularly in our remembrance of St. Joseph and the tradition of creating altars to honor him.

A St. Joseph altar will be displayed downstairs in St. Joseph Plantation House in Vacherie, 3535 Highway 18. The altar will be open on St. Joseph’s Day, Saturday, March 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admittance to the altar is free. Tours of the house will also be available.

In addition, during the week of Monday, March 14 through Saturday, March 19, those visitors named Joseph or Josephine are invited to tour St. Joseph home free of charge.

For additional information please see the website at www.StJosephPlantation.com and www.facebook.com/stjosephasugarcaneplantation