Cane River Creole National Historical Park Hosts Community Open House

NATCHITOCHES, La. - Cane River Creole National Historical Park and Cane River National Heritage Area will host an open house on June 18 for visitors to explore interactive exhibits, stories and artifacts. The open house will feature brief remarks introducing the renovated depot space, followed by a reservation-only behind-the-scenes tour of the park's curation facility.

The Texas and Pacific Railway depot serves as the park's visitor center with exhibits that explore history, personal stories and lived experiences connected to the depot and Oakland Plantation and Magnolia Plantation. Visitors may explore the exhibits through a self-guided experience.

"For decades, the Natchitoches community worked to preserve and rehabilitate the depot as a museum that tells the full story of its people," said Interpretation Manager Barbara Justice. "Here, visitors encounter the history, resilience and defining moments that shaped the depot and surrounding community. As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of American independence, the depot stands as a reminder that the American story has always been shaped by ordinary people facing extraordinary moments."

The museum collection provides a tangible connection to the people who lived and worked at Oakland Plantation and Magnolia Plantation. The people who shaped these historic sites made, used, modified or preserved each artifact, creating a meaningful link between past and present.

Access to the museum collection is available through the guided tour. Tour participants will have an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Cane River region by seeing artifacts and archives from the local area. Museum staff will also demonstrate how museum collections and archival materials are preserved. You can sign up for the tour of the park's curation facility online at https://nps-curatorial-facility-tours.cheddarup.com.

The Depot is located at 1927 Remembrance Way, Natchitoches, LA, 71457. The Curation Facility is adjacently located at 720 6th St.

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.