The Friends of Magnolia Mound Museum
High above the Mississippi River on a natural ridge stands the historic structure of Magnolia Mound Museum and historic site, one of the few surviving French Creole homes and the oldest documented structure in Baton Rouge. The museum, a nationally accredited historic site, sits on sixteen acres shaded with ancient live oaks and magnolias.
By the 1960s the historic house was empty, in great need of repair and threatened with demolition. Preservationists, led by the Foundation for Historical Louisiana, spearheaded the restoration efforts and saving of the site.
The Baton Rouge Recreation and Parks Commisson for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC) purchased the property in 1966.
After the rescue of the site, the Friends of Magnolia Mound, a non-profit organization, joined BREC in restoring the house and its landscape. The Friends helped inspire the Museum’s mission to focus on education through the highest standards in accuracy and restoration.
In 1975 the museum was opened to the public.
For more than 50 years, the Friends and BREC have worked together in a successful private-public partnership that welcomes more than 15,000 visitors each year. The museum’s mission is to interpret and preserve the history of Magnolia Mound Museum and historic site. Our goal is to educate and engage the community, school groups, and tourists by providing a complete story of the plantation system. The museum's dedicated team is committed to ensuring that this significant piece of history remains accessible and relevant for generations to come.
The site features:
- The Historic House Museum
- Open-hearth reproduction kitchen
- Kitchen Garden
- Privy
- Pigeonnier (Dovecote)
- Quarter house
- Manager's house
The Friends' Mission
The Friends of Magnolia Mound Museum' mission is to assist in the preservation and interpretation of the historic house and site as a demonstration of early plantation life in south Louisiana, for the education of present and future generations, and to procure and manage the collection.
The Friends organization that supports Magnolia Mound works hand in hand with the Museum Director and staff to help carry out the site’s master plan. This includes preserving historic structures, enhancing the landscape, and planning for future improvements.
While BREC owns and operates Magnolia Mound Museum, the Friends own and maintain the museum’s collection of antique furniture, decorative arts, and artifacts. These carefully selected pieces bring the interiors of the house and outbuildings to life, enriching the Museum’s educational mission.
The Friends also provide financial support, assist with organizing educational programs, and help care for the historic kitchen garden—a living part of the visitor experience.
The Friends rely entirely on generous donations to continue this work. Your support helps preserve and interpret this important piece of Louisiana history for future generations.
Friends Board of Directors 2025
Susan Eaton -President
Donna Wrigth - President elect
Karen Zobrist - Past President
Carey Coxe - Treasurer / Secretary
John Turner - Board Member-at-Large
Sandy Arst
Mary Boston
Chet Coles
Diane Finley
Ethan Melancon
Teresa Meyer
Lou Duplantier
Sean Duplantier
Adelaide Russo
Larry Ruth
Barbara SoRelle Bacot
Cheryl Stromeyer
Liz Treppendahl
Catherine White