To the visitors, friends and supporters of the River Road African American Museum,

From our humble beginnings at the Tezcuco Plantation in March of 1994 to our new beginning
at the Brazier House in the beautiful downtown historic district of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, we look forward to continued success in preserving the legacy of the people who live along the Mississippi River. Over the past ten years the volunteers, board of directors and I have worked together to support the mission of the museum.

The success of the River Road African Museum can be attributed to the fact that its exhibits are about people, not just things. I now understand the impact a museum can have on a community. Museums should preserve the cultural heritage. Museums should educate. Museums should contribute to the quality of life of the people who live in the communities they serve. Museums should contribute to the economic development of the cities and the states in which they reside. The River Road African American Museum has been recognized for its contributions in each of these areas.

As I look back, I reflect upon the comments and reactions from children and tourists alike.
The River Road African American Museum gives people the courage to ask, “Why?” Hundreds of children have said to us, “That’s very interesting.” With smiles on their faces, senior citizens
say, “I remember that.” Tourists from other states and other countries say, “I didn’t know that.” Many visitors have said to us at the end of a tour, “Thank you for being here.”

As the museum director, I would like to thank all of you for supporting my vision to build a premiere institution which will educate visitors from around the world about Louisiana’s rich heritage and culture.

Sincerely,

Kathe Hambrick
Founder and Museum Director