WHO WE ARE

About the museum

Run by the River Road Historical Society since 1968 — here's how to reach us, get involved, and see more of the plantation.

Home / About the Museum

The people and places

The stories we care for.

The Destrehan family

Jean Noel Destrehan and his descendants ran the plantation from 1787 until it was sold in 1910. The main house still holds the family's portraits and personal documents, including the Jefferson Room's letter signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

The enslaved community

Every guided tour includes an inventory naming the men and women enslaved at Destrehan, and a walk through an original enslaved cabin. Their labor built and ran the plantation for well over a century. Robin de Logny held about 59 enslaved workers for indigo production; under Jean Noel Destrehan's sugar operation that grew toward 100, and by the Civil War over 200 enslaved people lived on the plantation.

On the grounds

Exhibits that make the estate tangible.

The Jefferson Room

An authentic document signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

Herbert J. Harvey Jr. Legacy Room

Original artifacts and documents from the family's later generations.

Miller-Haydel Museum

Two exhibits: the 1811 German Coast Uprising, and the Rost Home Colony.

Louisiana Farm Barn

A sugar and textile museum housed in a working plantation barn.

Helvetia Slave Cabins

Original cabins from Helvetia Plantation. One side depicts enslaved living quarters; the other shows the cooper workshop of Essex, an enslaved barrel maker on the plantation in the early 1800s.

Outdoor Kitchen

Rebuilt on its original footprint, showing how meal preparation worked for plantation families.

The Well & Laundry Building

An original well beside the 1826 laundry building, illustrating the labor-intensive wash-day process of the 19th century.

On screen

Destrehan welcomes location scouts for commercial, television, and film productions. These are editorial production credits, not endorsements.

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2013

12 Years a Slave

The historic Mule Barn, known as "Epp's Barn" in the film, was transformed into a cotton plantation barn.

2015

NCIS: New Orleans

The dining room became a hotel lobby; the front lawn was the setting for a pivotal wedding scene.

2015

Flip My Food (Cooking Channel)

Season 2, Episode 4: Chef Jeff recreates Southern dishes on-site with a descendant of the Destrehan family.

2013

Four Weddings (TLC)

A real Destrehan wedding, under the oldest live oak and in the Mule Barn, was the show's winning ceremony.

2013

Ravenswood

Season 1, Episode 5 used the plantation grounds as a backdrop for this TV thriller.

1994

Interview with the Vampire

Key scenes were shot inside the plantation's parlors and a bedroom, set-dressed for the film.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations aren't required but are recommended for larger groups or during peak season. Walk-ins are welcome during regular tour hours.

My tour time doesn't work anymore — do I need to rebook?

No — your ticket is valid all day, so you can join any available tour once you arrive.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes, personal photography is allowed, except in one designated room. Flash photography and video recording aren't permitted inside the house.

Is the site pet friendly?

Pets aren't allowed on the property, except for service animals.

How do I use a Groupon voucher?

Buy tickets online, choose your date and guest count, then enter your Groupon code under "add promo or discount code" at checkout.

How long does the tour last?

The guided house tour runs about 45 minutes to an hour. The grounds are self-guided, so you can explore at your own pace afterward.

Does the tour involve a lot of walking? Is there anywhere to sit?

The house tour is walking-based, with seating available in one room. The grounds are self-guided, so you can take breaks as needed.

Can I book a family photo session on the grounds?

Yes — the cost is the standard admission fee for each adult or child, and the photographer is admitted free.

Get involved

Volunteer

Help keep the site welcoming and its stories accessible — as a guide, in the gift shop, or behind the scenes at events.

See Volunteer Roles →

Donate

Since 1968, the River Road Historical Society has preserved this site and funded new exhibits and education programs.

Support the Society →

Gift shop

Apparel, drinkware, and collectibles, plus Louisiana-made cane syrup, indigo soap, and history books — including limited-edition Fall Festival merchandise. Open daily, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.