River Road African American Museum & Gallery

It was our first stop on our Southern Civil Rights Trip and I was filled with eager anticipation to learn! As soon as we got off the bus, Elaine welcomed us and she had on the most beautiful dress! She floated over to the first building we would sit in and showed us to our seats. We were then greeted by Darryl Hambrick, one of the founders of this museum. I was amazed when he held up a picture of Martin Luther King and pointed to his dad nearby in the photograph! Already, I felt there was a special connection to history and stories he could share with us. The River Road African American Museum is filled with so many interesting and historical items to learn from and look at!! Darryl was so gracious in explaining many things and answering any questions we had. He explained and has us think about the mental health of both the enslaver and the enslaved. He brought understanding to the long standing phrase "keep out of my kitchen" and how it deals with the matter of life and death and not just losing a job. He also told us stories about how enslavers would use their enslaved as guinea pigs for medical operations. It was awful and yet a part of history that needed to be shared. Donaldsonville was the place where the first successful c-section was performed. One of the items that caught my eye were a pair of shackles framed in a box. I have always read and watched movies about the enslaved being bound up by these horrid items but I have never seen them in person. I almost felt it was irreverent to stare at the shackles but also to not even acknowledge that they existed. We learned so much at this museum that we felt even though it was day 1, we could go home full with new knowledge! Nearby the museum, there are other parts to tour, such as the Church of the Ascension (beautiful building with lots of history), the school with a special garden, and a very historical Julien sugarcane planting machine. Our visit to Donaldsonville was rich with experiences we will not forget and stories that were so special and touching. There is a lot of pain that occurred here and in history that needs to be addressed and this is a good place to start learning.

Review 1200.This is an amazing place! I highly recommend this to anyone remotely interested in the history of people of color in this state. Located out in Donaldsonville, LA in Ascension Parish, the ambassador working comes from a long line of people who have lived in the area for generations, brought here against their will and who have stayed because of the history they have created here. Admission is $5 cash only. The success of the plantations in Louisiana were because of the enslaved. Literal fortune was earned on the literal back of those who had no actual voice, who had no choice. Here they focus on the local plantations in this parish and the lives they affected. It highlights local artists and promotes the artwork.I found out about this from the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail on the state of Louisiana website. Each time I come to a place on that list, I am more amazed. I promise that this is well worth the trip out. Inside these walls tells the stories of a people who have had to overcome so very much. If you are not going to one of the plantations on the Heritage Trail, but going to others, I definitely recommend a visit here to see the other side.

Visited for the first time in 2006. Great museum in a very small town. It provides a glimpse of what life was like in Donaldsonville, LA for African Americans. The exhibits highlight folk artists and Louisiana African American politicians.

I know you think are too far away to come visit just any time but I think you would get a lot out of it. The Museum is just southwest of Baton Rouge and is near a lot of the big, popular plantation houses. Please don't go to Oak Alley without planning to go just a little farther to learn about the people that were necessary for the success of the plantations. I met the Executive Director, Kathe Hambrick Jackson and was very impressed. She is obviously well trained as an historian. It's just a small house museum but has big plans, even a walking tour of some very interesting buildings. I was also impressed with their choice to display work by contemporary artists. www.africanamericanmuseum.org

We went here after the Laura Plantation. Was a glimpse into the lives of the African American slaves, which seems to be brushed over by the plantations & other tours. Only $5

After visiting Oak Alley, my friends and I headed up the River Road to the River Road African American Museum in Donaldsonville. The door was locked when we arrived, so we called the phone number listed on a note taped to the door. The founder of the museum, Kathe, answered and showed up a few minutes later to let us in and show us around. It's a four-room museum in a house, but it is packed with a lot of information about African Americans who have lived in the River Road area over the last 200 years or so. We watched some of the videos and looked at the exhibits, and Kathe chatted with us for awhile, which made it an especially interesting stop. She is very passionate and we all really enjoyed speaking with her! There's a suggested donation of $5, but we didn't feel any pressure to put money in the box and ended up giving more than was requested. I definitely recommend this museum for anyone who is exploring the River Road area.

Too bad the place was closed today July 7 2023 Friday. And also noted on door the policy still needed face masks or no service. Interesting history and sad that was closed. But I saved $50, by just sightseeing the area of Donaldsonville LA

A great wealth of knowledge and true history tucked away along the river. The door was locked but a wonderful lady ,Melanie, welcomed me in. She is a treasure to speak with and enhanced the experience tenfold.The museum is an interesting mix including multiple facets of African American culture. The people brought here to be slaves had such rich harmonious lives. They were stolen and brought to develop a land stolen from others. To serve an arrogant, exploitative, and self righteous lot. We should all know the story but how often do we truly take it to heart. Yes it is a time long past but the behavior and slavery is still rampant today. There is an awesome room with some interesting music facts, instruments, and pictures. After hearing all the different tales one can decide for themselves where it all started. Don't cruise the river road without stopping here. A hidden gem. Thanks Melanie!

I have lived in south Louisiana for 45 years and this is the most interesting museum system I have ever seen. The director is spot on with her information and involvement. She has moved buildings to bring this collection of artifacts together. These group of buildings, spaces and information is well worth the trip to Donaldsonville and I hope you are lucky enough to meet her and her brother!