African-American museum to open in February

The first museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of black communities in Terrebonne, Lafourche and St. Mary parishes will open in February.

The Finding Our Roots African American Museum, 918 Roussell St., Houma, will have a dedication ceremony at 9 a.m. Feb. 4, followed by a book fair and entertainment. The museum will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

"All that labor is finally paying off," said Finding Our Roots vice-president and former parish councilman Alvin Tillman. "This really was a vision I had and that Margie Scoby had. Those two visions connected together last year. From there, we got together and started making things happen."

Scoby is Finding Our Roots president and a local historian. 

Located at the corner of Roussell and Academy Streets, the museum is housed in the white wooden schoolhouse formerly known as "The Academy," which enrolled black students during segregation. Its galleries will focus on topics such as the Reconstruction era, slavery, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement. There will be guided tours, educational opportunities for students and special events and exhibitions. 

Admission will require a pass. Passes will be available for a one-time visit for $7 or via a museum membership, which grants four visits for $40.