About THACS

The Terrebonne Historical & Cultural Society (THACS) was founded in 1972 by a group of citizens interested in preserving the history and culture of Terrebonne Parish and Southdown Plantation. THACS was incorporated as a non-profit corporation on March 12, 1973.

The original incorporators of the Society were:

  • Mr. Gerald J. Bridges, Sr.
  • Mrs. Jules S. Dupont
  • Mr. William L. Manning
  • Mrs. Andrew McCollam, Sr.
  • Mrs. M.L. Shaffer, Sr.
  • Mr. M.L. Shaffer, Jr.
  • Mrs. Frank W. Wurzlow, Jr. (first President)

In February 1974, Southdown was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and on June 10, 1974, THACS was granted tax-exempt status. On July 31, 1975, Valhi, Inc donated to THACS the Southdown Plantation House, Servants Quarters building, and 4.46 acres of land. Following renovations and repairs, THACS publicly opened the property as Southdown Plantation House/The Terrebonne Museum and expanded the scope of exhibits to cover a variety of topics. Click here to learn about the exhibit rooms. Also, in 1999, an 1880s workers cabin from Hollywood Plantation was donated to THACS by Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Barrilleaux and moved to the museum grounds. It is currently being restored and will house an exhibit about "Life and Labor on a Sugar Plantation in 1885."

THACS is administered by a 21-member Board of Directors, elected from the general membership of the Society. Numerous volunteers, plus 2 paid staff, oversee the daily operation of the museum and gift shop. THACS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and receives no public funding from the parish, state, or federal government. All funds come from admission fees, grants, donations, and membership fees.

Terrebonne Historical & Cultural Society Board of Directors

  • Mr. Paul Labat, President
  • Mr. Steve Braud, Vice President
  • Ms. Dale Norred, Treasurer
  • Mrs. Katie Portier, Secretary
  • Mrs. Lynn Cinnater
  • Mr. Gerald Collins
  • Mr. David Ellender
  • Ms. Angel Garner
  • Mr. Ronald Lambert
  • Ms. Schira Ott
  • Ms. Dawn Perrion
  • Ms. Lisa Schilling
  • Ms. Jody Waggenspack
  • Ms. Melanie Whipple

Executive Director: Rachel Cherry
Administrative Assistant: Natalie Worsham
 

See the column on the right for how to become a THACS Member and much more!

THACS programs are supported by the Terrebonne Historical & Cultural Society, corporate community partners and by a grant from the Louisiana Division of Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Houma Regional Arts Council.

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