Explore Baton Rouge: Things to Do at Rural Life Museum

Events

 

 

2025 theme womens work history through her story

The LSU Rural Life Museum is proud to present its 2025 theme,
"Women's Work: History Through Her Story." 

This year-long exploration celebrates the impactful contributions of women to Louisianaโ€™s history and culture, spanning traditional roles in the home, political movements, wartime efforts, activism, cultural heritage, and the workforce.

Programming will include the annual Ione E. Burden Symposium, performances, author talks, exhibitions, and hands-on demonstrations.

Through these events, we will shine a light on the resilience, artistry, and leadership of Louisiana women, offering a deeper understanding of how their work has shaped society, influenced change, and left a lasting legacy.

 


 


Girls in the Boat - Staged Reading


๐Ÿ“… Saturday, September 27, 2025 โ€“ Evening Performance
๐Ÿ“… Sunday, September 28, 2025 โ€“ Matinee Performance

Oars hit the water, voices rise, and history comes alive in this staged reading inspired by the true stories of the U.S. womenโ€™s Olympic rowing team. Girls in the Boat, presented by Red Magnolia Theatre Company and performed by a talented cast of high school actors, tells the inspiring story of young women who challenged gender norms and fought for their place in competitive rowing.

Audiences will be moved by themes of resilience, equality, and breaking barriers in sports, brought to life through passionate performances.

๐ŸŸฃ Admission & Tickets: Link coming soon.

 

 

girls in the boat staged reading sept 27 & 28

 


 

harvest days october 4&5 10 am-4:30 pm

Harvests Days


๐Ÿ“… Saturday & Sunday, October 4โ€“5, 2025
 ๐Ÿ•™ 10:00 AM โ€“ 4:30 PM

Step back in time and celebrate the harvest season at the LSU Rural Life Museumโ€™s annual Harvest Days. Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of 19th-century rural Louisiana with live demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills. Watch artisans at work as they prepare food over open-hearth fires, weave baskets, carve wood, work leather, and more. Wander the museum grounds, meet skilled craftspeople, and immerse yourself in the heritage of Louisianaโ€™s rural past.

๐ŸŸฃ Admission:

Ages 0โ€“3: Free
Ages 4โ€“11: $10
Ages 12+: $12

Purchase Tickets Here!

 


 

Author Talk: Dr. Kodi Roberts

๐Ÿ“… Tuesday, October 7, 2025
๐Ÿ•  Doors Open: 5:30 PM | Talk Begins: 6:00 PM
 
Explore the rich and complex history of Voodoo in New Orleans with Dr. Kodi Roberts, author of Voodoo & Power: The Politics of Religion in New Orleans 1881โ€“1940.

Dr. Roberts will delve into the political, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of Voodoo, including the life and legacy of the legendary Marie Laveau. This engaging evening talk will offer new insights into one of Louisianaโ€™s most enduring traditions.

๐ŸŸฃ Admission: Free and open to the public, thanks to the generous support of the Josef Sternberg Memorial Foundation.

Plan your Visit!

Become a Member!

author talk kodi roberts october 7, 6 pm

 


 

haints haunts and halloween october 26 2-4:30 pm

Haints, Haunts, & Halloween

๐Ÿ“… Sunday, October 26, 2025
 ๐Ÿ•‘ 2:00 PM โ€“ 4:30 PM

Step into the charm of an old-fashioned country fair at the LSU Rural Life Museumโ€™s Haints, Haunts & Halloween! This safe and family-friendly celebration is the perfect way to enjoy Halloween with a nostalgic twist. Enjoy storytelling, a cake walk, games, and trick-or-treating across the museum grounds. Costumes are encouraged, and families of all ages are welcome to join in the fun.

๐ŸŸฃ Admission:

Ages 0โ€“3: Free
Ages 4โ€“11: $6
Ages 12+: $12
 

Purchase Tickets Here!

 


 

Author Talk: Dr. Daniel Usner 


๐Ÿ“… Wednesday, November 12, 2025
๐Ÿ•‘ Doors open: 11:30 AM | Talk Begins: 12 PM

Join us for a thought-provoking lunchtime program with Dr. Daniel Usner, author of Native American Women and the Burdens of Southern History.

Dr. Usner will shed light on the resilience, leadership, and cultural influence of Indigenous women in the American South, offering a deeper understanding of their historical significance and ongoing legacy.

๐ŸŸฃ Admission: Free and open to the public, thanks to the generous support of the Josef Sternberg Memorial Foundation.

Plan your visit!

Become a member!

author talk daniel usner

 


 

A Rural Life Christmas

๐Ÿ“… Sunday, December 7, 2025

 ๐Ÿ•š Daytime Portion: 11:00 AM โ€“ 5:00 PM

 ๐ŸŒ™ Evening Portion: 5:00 PM โ€“ 7:00 PM

Celebrate the season at the LSU Rural Life Museumโ€™s 19th-century Louisiana Christmas event. Enjoy live music, skilled artisans, storytellers, and costumed re-enactors bringing holiday traditions to life.

Families can meet Papa Noรซl, explore festive activities, and immerse themselves in the joyful spirit of the season.

๐Ÿ•š Daytime Portion Admission:

Ages 0โ€“3: Free
Ages 4โ€“11: $6
Ages 12+: $12

Purchase Tickets Here!

๐ŸŒ™ Evening Portion Admission:

Ticket link coming soon!

           

 

 

 

LSU Rural Life Museum Christmas event called "A Rural Life Christmas" taking place on December 7th, 2025. The daytime portion is from 11 AM to 5PM and the evening portion is from 5 PM to 7 PM