Interactive displays take a meandering, walk-through approach showing how the area began with fishing, oystering, and shrimping, and went on to become a center for water-based recreation and the onshore and offshore oil and gas industry -- a shining example of how industry and the environment can co-exist.

The Wetlands Wall

A favorite of most visitors is the "wetlands wall," a 46-ft long curving mural showing the eco-line, like a time-line, of Terrebonne Parish. The mural, designed by internationally acclaimed artist Robert Dafford, runs from the Gulf of Mexico's deep water and barrier islands through the saltwater marshes, estuary system, freshwater lakes and finally the "high country" -- still only eight or nine feet above sea level.

Life-sized renderings of plants that typically inhabit frontlands, backlands, swamps, freshwater, brackish, intermediate and saltwater marshes, flotant, estuaries and barrier islands are enlivened with depictions of the bird and animal life in each eco-zone.

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Permanent Exhibits

The permanent exhibits in the museum highlights the economic, social and natural history of Terrebonne Parish and were designed by a multi-talented group of local scholars and creative people led by documentary film-maker, author, and storyteller Glen Pitre.

Eye-catching displays and interactive panels introduce visitors to the industries, traditions and personal stories that collectively comprise our unique culture. Through the magic of interactive modules, visitors of all ages can drive a shrimp boat out into the Gulf, practice their oyster-tonging technique and hear interesting stores and reminiscences told by those who have dedicated their lives to harvesting and distributing our submerged bounty.

Another section of the exhibit houses informatino about fur and alligator harvesting in the region as well as a large interactive alligator. The exhibits end with two unique displays.

One deals with hurricanes and their impact upon the region. Visitors can view video clippings from several of the major hurricanes that have left their mark on the parish. The other deals with a look at two of South Louisiana's more recent and economically central water-based industries - those revolving around the collection and distribution of oil and gas.