Destrehan Plantation is hosting its 15th annual Spring Heritage Day and Civil War Encampment on Wednesday, May 4. This event will be held on the plantation grounds 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 13034 River Road in Destrehan. Public, parochial, private and home school students are invited to make a heritage connection at this educational event. Students will learn about the life of the enslaved, as well as the life of the planter and his family. Many folk life demonstrations representing the jobs of slaves such as open hearth cooking, herbal healing, blacksmithing, spinning, bousillage construction, weaving, wood carving, quilting, doll making, moss mattress making, indigo dyeing, carpentry, cabinet making and pottery can be observed at this event. These skills were necessary to maintaining a self-sufficient life on a plantation in early Louisiana. A Civil War encampment and re-enactments will be a main part of this event. Demonstrations focusing on archeology will be presented by the Fort Pike Foundation. Presentations will also be made by the New Orleans African American Museum, the Islenoes Heritage Foundation and the St. Charles Art Guild. Instructions in architecture, calligraphy, vintage music and dance, antique toys, bee keeping and student’s presentations are also a part of this event.

In commemoration of the 1811 Slave Revolt, the largest slave revolt in U.S. history, which took place in the River Region, this years’ Heritage Day will feature narratives and musical performances centered around this revolt. Also, guided tours of the 1811 Slave Revolt Exhibit in the Education and Research Center at Destrehan Plantation will be given at Heritage Day. Lorraine Gendron, nationally acclaimed artist and creator of the art work for this incredible exhibit, will be demonstrating the techniques she used in creating the exhibit and signing books about her acclaimed art work.

Admission for the 15th annual Spring Heritage Day is $5 for all attending. A tour of the plantation house is also available for an additional $5. Students will also have an opportunity to learn about the history of Destrehan Plantation and the major role the site played in the history of our state and the U.S.

This event is open to the general public. This event is sponsored by the River Road Historical Society, Azby Foundation, River Region Arts & Humanities Council and Shell Chemical, St. Charles Art Guild and Louisiana Extension Service of LSU Ag Center. All Schools must pre-register for this event. Registration is limited so make large group reservations as soon as possible. For more information or to register call Anglea Matherne, Heritage Education Coordinator at Destrehan Plantation 985-764-2894 or email destrehaeitage@aol.com