Artisans at Vermilionville

Vermilionville’s success as an attraction, and as an accurate and engaging custodian of the area’s history, depends on the people who make it part of their lives by working there. The site employs a number of artisans who provide on-site, on-the-spot demonstrations of essential crafts practiced, as nearly as possible, in the ways Acadian, Creole and Native American populations would have done. Woodcarving, fiber and textile work, trapping, cooking, and music are just some of the folkways preserved and on display at Vermilionville. The artisans of Vermilionville have followed different paths to the site. Some learned French from birth, and took up their crafts as soon as they could hold the tools; others came to these practices as adults, learning French as a second language and building a career as an artisan out of a latent hobby or interest. What they all share is an enthusiasm for ensuring the survival of old techniques and old knowledge, as well as a passion for teaching visitors about their work.

When you visit Vermilionville, you’ll have the chance to explore the preserved original buildings, none newer than 1890, that house these artisans. Ask questions (in English or French!) and watch them work, knowing that you’re watching the extraordinary and unusual survival of old folkways into the modern world. As a bonus, many of the crafts they produce are for sale in La Boutique, the Vermilionville gift shop. Rarely is the phrase “a piece of history” so perfectly accurate, but when you buy one of their works, you’re making your house home to a small but important piece of Louisiana history. (And they look pretty cool, too.)

Learn more about the artisans who work at Vermilionville and plan your visit at vermilionville.org.