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The LSU Rural Life Museum is proud to present its 2026 theme, Community: The Fabric of our Nation.
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May Community Days
Plein Air Painting
Saturday, May 16th- 10:00am - 2:00pm
Join the LSU Rural Life Museum on Saturday, May 16th as Baton Rouge Plein Air demonstrates the art of plein air throughout the historic grounds. Ask questions, bring your own set up, and check out the new temporary exhibit showcasing plein air. Included with purchase of general museum admission- free for museum members.
Gulf Coast Blacksmith Association
Saturday, May 23rd
The Gulf Coast Blacksmith Association visits the LSU Rural Life Museum on Saturday, May 23rd! Watch blacksmiths demonstrate forging techniques in our historic blacksmiths shop, check out their unique creations, and learn all about this traditional craft! Included with purchase of general museum admission- free for museum members.
LSU Rural Life Apprentice Program
Monday, June 1st - Friday, June 5th
8:00am- 12:30pm
The LSU Rural Apprentice Program is our hands-on summer program where campers step
back in time to explore Louisiana history, culture, and traditional skills. Guided
by craftspeople and museum professionals, campers will practice historic trades, agricultural
practices, and daily life from the past.
In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, we're excited to feature new and thematic
activities for campers to bring America's history to life in fun and meaningful ways!
Forge a fork, participate in Spanish-Louisiana marching drills, and try your hand
at baking an election cake. Practice your penmanship with the very same paper and
ink made the previous day.
Age Group: 4th-8th graders for the 2026-2027 school year
Cost: $125 for museum members, $150 for non-members
Registration: In order to register, please fill out this form. Once completed, please email the form to rlm@lsu.edu, and a museum staff member will reach out with payment directions to confirm your registration. Spots are limited to 50 participants. Registration will close on May 24th.
Fiddlin' with the Finest!
A Celebration of Louisiana Fiddling
Saturday, June 13th- 2:00pm
Celebrate the continuing legacy of Louisiana folk fiddling at the LSU Rural Life Museum for Fiddlin' with the Finest! A discussion with three past Louisiana State Fiddle Champions on the importance of this tradition will include live music. The performance of various regional fiddle styles will be accompanied by demonstrations of fiddle stick playing and twin fiddling. A Q&A session on participating in fiddle competitions will follow. Fiddlers of all skill levels are invited to bring their instruments for a jam session with some of Louisiana’s finest fiddlers! Everyone young and old is invited to this free event!
Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Shane Rasmussen, NSU Professor of English and Director of the Louisiana Folklife
Center
Clancey Stewart, 2018 Louisiana State Fiddle Champion and fiddle instructor
Joe Suchanek, 2024 Louisiana State Fiddle Champion and guitarist
Gina Forsyth, Award Winning Singer and Songwriter
Presenting Partners:
Louisiana Folklife Center
Natchitoches Louisiana: Convention and Visitor Bureau
Natchitoches: Where History Lives
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Inc.
City of Natchitoches Louisiana
Cane River National Heritage Area
Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
Shreveport Regional Arts Council
Antique Engines Showcase
Saturday, July 25th
10:00am- 4:30pm
Spark your creativity, crank machinery, and witness history come to life at the LSU Rural Life Museum for the 2nd Antique Engines Showcase. This special event celebrates the early mechanical power that shaped rural Louisiana.
Features:
Antique tractors, engines, and cars
Rope-making and rural machinery demos
Antique water pump & sugarcane grinder
and more!
Included with general museum admission- free for museum members