Explore Baton Rouge: Things to Do at Rural Life Museum

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 Louisiana’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.

Author Talk:

Katy Simpson Smith on We Have Raised All of You: Motherhood in the South, 1750-1835

May 15, 2025 | 12:00 PM

Admission: Free and open to the public, includes access to the Women's Work Exhibit

Join us for an engaging author talk with Katy Simpson Smith, acclaimed historian and novelist, as she discusses her book We Have Raised All of You: Motherhood in the South, 1750-1835. Through extensive historical research, Smith explores the experiences of mothers—enslaved and free, Native and immigrant—who shaped the early South in profound ways.

A Mississippi native, Smith holds a PhD in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars. She is the author of several celebrated novels, including The Story of Land and Sea, Free Men, The Everlasting, and The Weeds, and her work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Paris Review, The Los Angeles Review of Books, Oxford American, Granta, and more. She currently resides in New Orleans.

📲 RSVP here!

👉 Can’t make it in person? Join us on Zoom: 🔗
Meeting ID: 459 215 2117

Apprentice Program Summer Camp 2025

June 2-6, 2025 | 8 AM-12:30 PM

Experience a week like no other as we transport campers back in time to the enchanting world of 19th-century Louisiana! Our immersive summer day camp offers a hands-on exploration of traditional trades and skills, led by expert artisans.

From blacksmithing to candle-making, quill pen calligraphy to weaving and woodworking, each day brings new adventures and discoveries. Campers will learn valuable skills while uncovering the fascinating stories of our rural heritage.

Ages: 4th-8th graders for the 2025-2026 school year

Camp Cost: $150 per camper

Secure your spot today by registering at the link below and embark on a journey through time with us!

Want to volunteer to be a Camp Counselor? Sign Up Here!

apprentice program

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