About Us

Mission Statement

The Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center showcases and reflects the diverse culture and history of the Opelousas area from earliest peoples to the present.

The Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center (OMIC) displays artifacts and exhibits detailing the history of Opelousas and its people. The museum provides a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for residents and tourists of all ages. Permanent and traveling exhibits spark curiosity and stimulate rich conversations about connections between people. OMIC celebrates history, culture, and the arts. Most of all, the OMIC helps visitors connect with the past to better comprehend the present.

Exhibits include industry, festivals, the Civil War and most recently, Free People of Color in St. Landry Parish.

Vision Statement

The Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center displays artifacts and exhibits that explore the history of Opelousas inhabitants including Native Americans and those of African and European descent. The museum strives to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for residents and tourists of all ages. Permanent and traveling exhibits are designed to spark interest, curiosity and stimulate rich conversations about connections between people. Exhibitions and activities celebrate history, culture and the arts. Most of all, the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center strives to help visitors connect with the past in order to better comprehend the present in light of its rich culture.

The Collection

Our collection includes artifacts pertaining to the Attakappa-Ishak tribe, textiles, musical instruments, photographs, Civil War-era weapons and currency, Olympics memorabilia, photographs, paintings, historical dolls and more. All items on display relate to the history of St. Landry Parish. Visitors can expect to learn about the founding of Opelousas, the development of Zydeco and local festival culture, Louisiana cuisine, the Civil War, and local celebrities such as Olympic gold medalist Rodney Milburn.

Donations

The Opelousas Museum accepts donations from repositories and individuals. The museum does not accept long-term loans. Potential donations are evaluated for:

  • relevance to the History of St. Landry Parish
  • condition
  • the museum’s capacity to care for the item
  • documentation of the ownership and place of origin (when available)
  • appropriateness to the museum’s mission.

For questions or to donate items, contact our curator/archivist at museumasst@cityofopelousas.com

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Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is a distinguished group of community leaders who volunteer their time, professional counsel, and support for the Opelousas Museum.

Simmons Sandoz

President

Jennifer Thomas

Vice President

Jawana D’Avy

Natalie Bias

Perry Fontenot III

Team Members

Patrice Melnick

Museum Director

Patrice Melnick has served as museum director since Fall, 2021. She writes grants and press releases, develops exhibits and through audience development strives for inclusivity. Melnick’s professional background includes English and Creative Writing professor at Xavier; gift shop proprietor; English teacher in the Peace Corps and deckhand on commercial fishing boats in Alaska. She is founder of the Festival of Words, a rural, literary arts organization. Melnick holds a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Austin, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Publications include a poetry chapbook, The City of Hey Baby (Finishing Line Press).
She lives in Grand Coteau with her patient husband Olan Thibodeaux.

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