Historic Riverlands' Tours
"Where Truth is Revealed, History is Revisited,
Minds are Renewed and Hearts are Repaired"
Soul River Musical Journey
The Soul River Musical Journey takes you on an exciting exploration of African American influence in world music, from its origins on the shores of Africa during the beginning of slavery to today’s modern R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Rock n Roll. This tour guides you through time, decade by decade and genre by genre, showcasing the origins, styles, and pioneers of African American music both in the U.S. and around the world.
Join us on the Soul River Musical Journey Tour to travel through history, from the call and response of the enslaved to the diverse sounds of contemporary music. Celebrate the profound musical contributions of African Americans, tracing their journey from Africa to their significant impact on today’s music landscape.
This tour honors the rich and inspiring legacy of African American music, telling the stories behind jazz, zydeco, blues, gospel, soul, R&B, and rock.
Discover how African American music has shaped the sounds we love today in America and worldwide. The Soul River Musical Journey offers a comprehensive and captivating narrative of this rich musical heritage.
Soul River Tour Includes:
- Narrated tour
- Film presentation
- Explore music listening station
- Live musical performance
- 60 min
Historic Church Tour
Historic Church Tour is an intriguing story and experience of a black catholic church during the Jim Crow Era, that represents an important historical phenomenon in the history of churches in southern Louisiana.
The Historic Riverlands Church Tour continues where plantation tours end, exploring the struggles of formerly enslaved people in the Jim Crow South. Discover this powerful historical narrative and be inspired by the hope, strength, love, and generosity of those who made it possible.
This tour tells the story of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, which was the first African American Catholic Church in the River Parishes. It provided a sanctuary for Black parishioners to worship freely, away from segregation. It is the oldest original church building in Reserve, LA. It is also now a part of the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail.
The church’s rich history is preserved in its original 1936 building, which was relocated to its current site at Historic Riverlands in 1991.
Come immerse yourself in the Historic Riverlands experience, where truth is revealed, history is revisited, minds are renewed, and hearts are repaired.
Historic Riverlands Tour Includes:
- Narrated tour
- Film presentation
- Explore Wall of Honor and Bell Tower
- Brick making presentation (occasionally)
- 60 min
Other aspects of Historic Riverlands Tours include:
- The ringing of the church bell
- Gift Shop, Sweet Shop, Library (currently under construction)
- Gazebo available for outdoor activities
- 4 acres of property for games and activities
- Ample parking for buses
Testimonials:
This is a must-do experience. You can’t come to this area and not also visit this church. It was an impressive space to explore, and we had the best hosts and guides while we were there. It’s just impressive! It’s must-do! Fantastic!
Heather Greenwood-Davis
Tornnto, Ontario, Canada
I brought my youth group out so our kids can see where this music they love so much comes from. If you get a chance to bring a group out, whether they be young or middle-aged or old, come, learn some history, and take a step back in time right here.
Wild Wayne
Q93 - New Orleans
A moving experience everyone should have. I learned so much. Steven and Rita take you back in time, then tie the history together with the church in an honest, sincere way.
Mike Roebuck
Lafayette, LA
We danced all the way through it. It has this connection from where we come from to where we are now, and just tell us about the spirit of people.
Heather Urena
Alexandria, LA
I loved it, It was
phenomenal, eye-opening, educational, entertaining, and inspirational.
I really enjoyed it!
Johnny Green
Alabama
If you ever get a chance, you need to come out here you’re going to be moved by the music and the spirituality. This place is awesome
Tom
Delta Training Institute , Illinois
We look forward to seeing you soon