A new exhibition is opening up at the Old State Capitol in Louisiana called “A More Perfect Union”. The subject is Reconstruction. Mary Durusau, the museum director, says that at the end of the Civil War, Louisiana was ahead of other Southern states during Reconstruction. Many areas of Louisiana were conquered by 1862 and 1863 and Unionist forces had already introduced voting for Black men and education for Black children before the end of the war. By 1868 however, white supremacist forces were armed and organized and a decade long struggle began over voting rights for Blacks.
The museum devoted three years of work to put the exhibit together. The museum was assisted by scholars from Southern University, Louisiana State University, and Stony Brook State University of New York. The actual Capitol was the place where the vote on secession was taken and there are other exhibits.
The museum is free to visit.
100 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: (225) 342-0500Hours
- Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm
- Saturday 9am – 3pm
- Closed Sunday
A news program did a video on the opening which has already taken place.
Follow Reconstruction Blog on Social Media: