The Friends of E.D. White Historic Site was formed in 1990. Its purpose is to support the home, which had almost been abandoned during the 1980s, and support the community with tourism and educational opportunities. Funding for projects is generated through membership dues, fundraisers, donations, and grant opportunities. The Friends was incorporated in 1991. In 1992, the Friends obtained its 501(c)(3) status and spearheaded a study that established the true age of the house to be c.1824. Some activities that the Friends Group has conducted over the last 20 years include Archeological Digs, Annual Art Under the Oaks Festivals, Civil War Enactments, Kids Under the Oaks Festivals, construction of a cistern and cistern building demonstrations, built a replica of an Acadian Kitchen, conducted open hearth cooking demonstrations, monthly educational activities for students and weekly boat tours and summer camp excursions in cooperation with the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. The Friends of E.D. White has also participated in the cost-sharing of site improvement projects in collaboration with the Louisiana State Museum regarding drainage, fencing, signage, and HVAC repairs.
Board of Directors for the Friends of the E.D. White Historic Site:
Malcolm Hodnett, President
Pamela Folse, Vice President
Damon Stentz, Secretary
D. Leonard Hingle, Treasurer
Allyn Rodriguez, Board Member
William McKee, Board Member
Martha Hodnett, Board Member
Staff
James Bishop, PhD, Museum Special Projects Coordinator
Rudy Soignet, Site Maintenance Repairer
To preserve, enhance, develop and promote the E.D. White Historical Site as a public educational facility for presenting the social, political, legal, cultural, economic and natural histories of South Louisiana through emphasis on the lives and times of both Governor Edward Douglas White and his son, Edward Douglass White, the Supreme Court Chief Justice of the United States.
Mission Statement : Friends of E. D. White Historic Site
What’s New
This has been an extraordinarily active year for the Friends. They have established a new website and secured $40,000 in grant funds. The Louisiana Attractions Support Grant will be used to promote the museum with four billboards, new on-site signage, pamphlets and flyers, roadside event signage, and a customized pop-up tent and tablecloth for festivals and events.
Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism Grant of will contribute to removing debris and trash on the bayou side and adding a picnic table and benches. Add a floating dock and boardwalk next to the boat dock for tourist enjoyment.
They supported programs with regular tours in partnership with Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and other local tourism initiatives.
Friends of Edward Douglas White Historic Site 