Join members of the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches (APHN) for three exciting days of historic property tours! Get an up close and personal view of the area’s most captivating historic properties and hear special presentations from expert guest speakers, all while supporting the abundant history of the Cane River region.
FRIDAY:
Friday evening is the crowd favorite Candlelight Tour, featuring a special look around Northwestern State University’s campus. Buildings on tour include the President’s Home, Russell Hall, Varnado Hall, and Nelson Hall (NCPTT). Two performances will be held of “Cane River Ladies” play by Dr. Vicki Parrish in the Varnado Hall Ballroom at 7:30 and 8:30 pm.
The Natchitoches Historic Foundation will hold its annual American Cemetery and Mourning Tour on Friday Oct. 12 from 5:30-8 pm (last tour begins at 7:30 pm). Tour one of the oldest cemeteries in the vast Louisiana Purchase. Traditions and customs of mourning will be shared by docents through memorabilia and displays. Learn about burial practices and headstone design. Completing the comprehensive tour, visitors will partake of a “funeral repast” including wine and food historically offered to mourners after a funeral. NHF members will portray persons of local, state, and national interest interred here including: Louis Juchereau de St. Denis and his wife Manuela, Claude Thomas Pierre Metoyer, Susan Harling, John Gideon Lewis, Dr. John Sibley, and Cammie Henry. Tickets are $20 for adults (children 13 and under are free). For more information go online to natchitocheshf.com or call 318-471-7489.
SATURDAY:
Saturday, tour several lovely Natchitoches landmarks including Lemee House, Prudhomme-Rouquier House, Hill Haven, and more. Saturday also boasts a full schedule of expert guest speakers at Lemee House and the Barn at Melrose Plantation.
Both Saturday and Sunday offer visitors the option to tour the Cane River area’s most impressive plantations, including Melrose, Cherokee, Oakland, and more.
For more details on all of the amazing tour sites, special weekend programming, or to purchase tickets go online to http://www.melroseplantation.org/fall-tour-destinations.
