Acadian Village
Subject: History
200 Greenleaf Drive
Lafayette, LA 70506
(800) 962-9133 | General Information
(337) 981-2364 | Reservations
(337) 988-4554 | Fax
What you need to know!
(337) 981-2364 | General Information & Reservations
(337) 988-4554 | Fax
Bookings: jeanne@acadianvillage.org General
Public Hours and Admission Rates: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00am- 4:00pm; $8.00 Adults, $7.00 Seniors, $6.00 Students, Military free with ID; Group Rates available
School Tour Hours and Admission Rates: Monday-Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm; $7.00 Adult Chaperones, $6.00 Students tour of village, Free for Teachers
- Student to Chaperone Ratio Requested: None
- Advance Time Needed to Make Reservations: Two weeks
- Number of Students per Visit: No limit
- Suggested Length of Time for Visit: 90 minutes
- Handicapped Accessible: Paved walkways
- Grade Level Appropriate: 1st – 12th
- Lunch Facilities: Picnic area is on-site; Brown bag lunches available for $6 each.
- Gift Shop: Yes
- Bus parking available
Tell Us About It!
Ten acres are dotted with examples of Acadian architecture at this folk life museum in Lafayette. Eight authentic, furnished 19th century homes are connected by pathways to a replica 19th century chapel, blacksmith shop, and general store. It is a quaint scene for visitors interested in learning about Acadian culture in southwest Louisiana. Acadian history is further explained in the Acadian Village Art Gallery where a collection paintings, jewelry, and photographs composed by local artisans are on display. Visitors will also enjoy the beautiful woodlands and gardens surrounding the Village buildings.
What Can We See and Do There?
Students are greeted by Acadian Village staff at the beginning of their visit with a brief summary about the exhibits. Teachers can choose a self-guided tour or a rotation of activities led by local artisans, musicians, and storytellers. Teachers receive a self-guided tour sheet to take students on their journey through the Village. The guided rotation program discusses the roles played by the Acadian and Native American cultures in Louisiana’s history and how each ethnic group integrated and continued their unique traditions. Topics addressed on the walking tour include Acadian architectural style, language, food, textiles, agriculture, and hunting. At Acadian Village, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are trained and employed on the grounds in grounds maintenance, daily operations, and event setup. As the fundraising arm of LARC, this folk life museum serves not only as an educational and cultural center for Acadian history, but also as a facility for training and employing intellectually and developmentally challenged citizens.
How Do We Get There?
From I-10, take Ambassador Caffery Road exit. Travel on Ambassador Caffery Road, turn right on Ridge Road, turn left at roundabout on Rue de Belier, and turn right ¼ mile down into LARC’s Acadian Village. Village will be on right.
Bad Weather! Now What Do We Do?
Contact Acadian Village to reschedule field trips in cases of severe weather.
Louisiana State Educational Benchmarks and Standards
- K- 4th grades: G-1A-E1-2; G-1B-E1-4; G-1D-E1-2; H-1A-E1-2; H-1B-E1-2; H-1C-E1-4; H-1D-E1,3
- 5th – 8th grades: G-1A-M1; G-1B-M1-4; G-1C-M4; M-1D-M2-3; H-1A-M1-3, 5; H-1B-M9; H-1D-M1-6
- 9th – 12th grades: G-1B-H1-2, 4; G-1C-H2; G-1D-H3-4; H-1A-H1-4, 6; H-1B-H1; H-1C-H9
What Can We Do In Class Before Our Field Trip?
It takes a village, people working together, to make a successful community. Younger students can plan their own village in class. Ask kids to include housing, schools, a doctor’s office, and other important services for their village. Older students can study pictures of Acadian houses and try to draw one that includes distinguishing French characteristics. Read Evangeline by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Check out the website for pictures and information about each of the buildings.
S-T-R-E-T-C-H Out Your Field Trip Benefits
Play the game, “I Am Going on a Journey” back in class. Each student must recite this opening phrase and end by stating what he or she would bring to the new settlement in south Louisiana. Hand out spoons and washboards to students and let students practice counting rhythms. Then turn up the Cajun music as students keep time.
INSTRUCTIONAL CONCEPTS
Louisiana history, American history, Acadian settlement, Native American history, architecture, folkways, language, crafts