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Our Organization
The Terrebonne Historical & Cultural Society (THACS) was founded in 1972 by a group of citizens interested in preserving the history and culture of Terrebonne Parish and Southdown Plantation. THACS was incorporated as a non-profit corporation on March 12, 1973.
The original incorporators of the Society were:
Mr. Gerald J. Bridges, Sr.
Mrs. Jules S. Dupont
Mr. William L. Manning
Mrs. Andrew McCollam, Sr.
Mrs. M.L. Shaffer, Sr.
Mr. M.L. Shaffer, Jr.
Mrs. Frank W. Wurzlow, Jr. (first President)
In February 1974, Southdown was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and on June 10, 1974, THACS was granted tax-exempt status. On July 31, 1975, Valhi, Inc donated to THACS the Southdown Plantation House, Servants Quarters building, and 4.46 acres of land. Following renovations and repairs, THACS publicly opened the property as Southdown Plantation House/The Terrebonne Museum and expanded the scope of exhibits to cover a variety of topics.Also, in 1999, an 1880s workers cabin from Hollywood Plantation was donated to THACS by Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Barrilleaux and moved to the museum grounds. It has been restored and houses an exhibit about “Life and Labor on a Sugar Plantation in 1885.”
Our Structure
THACS is administered by a Board of Directors, elected from the general membership of the Society. Numerous volunteers, plus 4 paid staff, oversee the daily operation of the museum and gift shop. THACS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and receives no public funding from the parish, state, or federal government. All funds come from admission fees, grants, donations, and membership fees.
We offer Tours of the Museum and a Gift Shop.
These are in a separate building from the museum and along with the restrooms are handicap/wheelchair accessible.
The first story of the museum is also handicap/wheelchair accessible. There is a photo tour book available for the second story.
Our Board of Directors
David Ellender, President
Debbie Robichaux, Treasurer
Angel Luke, Secretary
Liz Bass
Tommy Luke
Amy Champagne
D. Leonard Hingle
Sally Ellender
Yvonne Hawthorne
Jamie LeBlanc
Holly Champagne
Barbara Jakob
Todd LeBlanc
Dawn Pierron
Debbie Picou
Executive Director: Nicole Chiasson
Assistant Director: Dina Toups
Volunteer or Donate Today
If you would like to make a donation to our museum, or volunteer your time, please visit the Support Us page or give us a call at 985-851-0154.
All museum programs are supported by the Terrebonne Historical & Cultural Society, Inc.