Historic home & gardens await.

The Lafayette Museum is a living testament to Southwest Louisiana's rich history.

The Alexandre Mouton home was built around 1800 by Jean Mouton, one of the region’s earliest settlers. This historic home began as a single-room structure with a kitchen connected by a “dog-trot” walkway.
 
Over the centuries, it evolved through the hands of notable residents, each leaving an enduring mark on its legacy. In 1825, Jean’s son, Alexandre Mouton—Louisiana’s first Democratic Governor—resided here with his wife, Zelia Rousseau. The couple expanded the home in 1826, adding three rooms to accommodate their growing family. By 1836, the property changed hands to Judge Cornelius Voorhies, followed by Samuel M. and Benjamin P. Paxton. In 1849, Dr. W.G. Mills purchased the home, significantly transforming it by adding the second and third floors and a distinctive cupola. During this period, the house bore witness to personal histories etched into its windowpanes, including “Rosa Mills, 1855” and references to “Vermilionville.”
 
The home continued to change ownership, passing to Dr. William B. Erwin in 1859 and later to his daughters, one of whom resided there with her husband Isaac Satterfield. By 1890, the Erwin heirs sold the property to Dr. Percy Girard, whose family occupied it from 1920 until the late 1940s. For a time, the house served as a boarding house under tenant John Ramsey in 1913.
 
In 1954, the home found its enduring purpose when Les Vingt Quatre, a group of twenty-four visionary women dedicated to preserving Lafayette’s cultural heritage, purchased the property. They transformed it into the Lafayette Museum, a cherished institution that opened its doors to the public and continues to educate and inspire visitors today. Step inside to explore the stories of the Mouton family, early settlers, and the generations who shaped this historic home.
 
The Lafayette Museum invites you to discover the past, celebrate our community’s heritage, and connect with the vibrant history of Southwest Louisiana.

Guest Reflections

Popular Questions

FAQ

We are open from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM from Tuesday – Saturday.

For tour groups, appointments can be made from Sunday – Monday.

Adults $10.00, Students $5.00, Seniors 65+ $5.00, Military $5.00

Yes! We offer guided tours for individuals and groups  during our regular hours. Sunday and Monday tours are by appointment only between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
 
Museum Guide Sheets in English, French, and Spanish are available for self-guided tours.

Yes! The museum is filled with fascinating memorabilia of days gone by and will provide a one of a kind back drop for private events including receptions, meetings, dinners, cocktail parties, or other private functions. Your guests will be delighted by the museum’s collection of Acadiana’s rich history and culture.

The museum’s historic buildings and scenic grounds are available to rent for professional photo sessions, including bridal, family, and portrait photography.

Please call (337) 234-2208 regarding availability or other questions.

Scenes from the historic home

What's New?

Cajun & Creole Foodways

On Sunday, January 18, Dr. Nathan Rabalais delivered a lecture titled “Cajun and Creole Foodways” at the Lafayette Museum. Attendees participated in a discussion focused on the origins and identities of Cajun and Creole cuisines, as well as the impact of international cultures on the culinary traditions enjoyed throughout Louisiana today.

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Museum Events


The Lafayette Museum hosts a variety of engaging events throughout the year, including several thought-provoking speaker series, a festive Christmas party, captivating special exhibits, and the lively Vignettes fundraiser. We will post more information throughout the year and hope to see you at these enjoyable occasions!
 

2025-2026
Calendar

 

Events

December 4, 2025
Christmas Party

January 6, 2026
Mardi Gras Costumes Exhibit

March 26, 2026
Vignettes

Lecture Series

September 14, 2025
A Legacy of Spirit and Education:
A History of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Grand Coteau
Caroline Richard, Archivist

October 19, 2025
The Legacy of Galvez
Los Granaderos y Damas de Gálvez
Robert Gray Freeland, Governor Emeritus

November 16, 2025
You Are My Sunshine:
Jimmie Davis and The Biography of a Song
Robert Mann, Professor Emeritus, LSU
Manship School of Mass Communication

January 18, 2026
Reexamining Cajun and Creole Foodways:
History, Marketing and Tradition
Nathan Rabalais, PhD., ULL Department of Modern Languages

Special Museum Exhibit March 1-15, 2026

March 15, 2026
The Art of the Icon
Faye Drobnic, Artist and Teacher

April 12, 2026
Researching Local History:
Lebanese Acadiana as a Case Study
Benjamin Morris, PhD, Poet,Writer, and Researcher
Barbara Abdalla Black, Former Retailer

Private Events


If you’re planning a meeting, corporate event, or special celebration, consider the Lafayette Museum—a historic and elegant venue tucked away in the heart of the city. Offering a unique blend of character and charm, the museum provides a distinctive setting for private gatherings of all kinds. Step into a space steeped in history, where antique furnishings and rare memorabilia bring Acadiana’s vibrant past to life. Whether you’re planning a reception, dinner, cocktail party, or business function, the museum offers a truly unique atmosphere that will captivate your guests.

Our experienced team is here to help you coordinate every detail, ensuring a seamless and exceptional event from start to finish.

Get in touch with us

Need more information on our historic home? Send us a quick message and we’ll respond to you directly.

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