Mossville Heritage Museum | Peoria

The Mossville Heritage Museum is not a traditional standalone museum but rather a cultural and historical preservation effort centered around the African American community of Mossville, Louisiana. This effort is primarily presented through the Mossville History Project, which focuses on preserving and sharing the story of Mossville, a unique and historically significant settlement.

Background on Mossville

Mossville, located near Lake Charles in southwestern Louisiana, was founded in the late 1700s by formerly enslaved people and free people of color. It became one of the oldest African American communities in the United States, with deep roots and rich cultural traditions. Over the centuries, Mossville developed a strong community identity, with families passing down stories, traditions, and a shared history of resilience despite systemic challenges.

Impact of Industrialization

Starting in the mid-20th century, Mossville’s landscape changed dramatically as the petrochemical industry expanded in the area. Major companies, such as Sasol and other industrial plants, established operations nearby, which led to environmental pollution, health hazards, and significant social disruption. Over time, many Mossville residents accepted voluntary buyout offers to relocate, leading to the gradual disappearance of the community.

Despite this, some residents resisted leaving, holding on to the legacy and history of their town. The environmental and social struggles Mossville faced have also become a symbol of environmental justice issues faced by marginalized communities.

Mossville History Project and Heritage Preservation

In response to the community’s displacement and to ensure its history is not lost, the Mossville History Project was initiated as a collaborative effort involving historians, former residents, researchers, and institutions such as the Imperial Calcasieu Museum and Louisiana State University.

Key Components:

Exhibit at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum
The centerpiece of the preservation effort is an exhibit housed in the Imperial Calcasieu Museum’s Annex Gallery in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This exhibit showcases a rich collection of:

Artifacts from Mossville residents, including personal items, household objects, and tools.

Photographs documenting the daily life, celebrations, and community events in Mossville.

Oral histories recorded from over 60 former residents, sharing first-person accounts of life in Mossville, from childhood memories to reflections on industrialization’s impact.

Documents and maps that trace the geographic and social changes the community underwent.

Oral History Collection
Partnering with the T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History at Louisiana State University, the project gathered extensive audio recordings—over 90 hours—of interviews. These oral histories provide invaluable insights into:

The founding and early history of Mossville.

Community traditions, schooling, churches, and social life.

The effects of environmental degradation and industrial expansion.

Personal stories of resilience and community identity.

Documentary Film: Mossville: When Great Trees Fall
Directed by Alexander Glustrom and released in 2019, this critically acclaimed documentary film highlights the personal and communal impact of industrial pollution in Mossville. The film follows Stacey Ryan, one of the few residents who chose to stay in Mossville, chronicling the environmental struggles and the fight for justice and recognition faced by the community. The film has been showcased in numerous festivals and has brought national attention to Mossville’s story.

Visiting the Exhibit

Location: Imperial Calcasieu Museum, Annex Gallery, Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Hours:

Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The exhibit is open to the public and offers an educational experience that highlights the culture, history, and environmental justice struggles of Mossville.

Significance

The Mossville Heritage Museum, through the History Project and its exhibit, plays a critical role in preserving and honoring the legacy of one of Louisiana’s oldest African American communities. It serves as a testament to the community’s endurance, cultural richness, and the challenges faced by minority communities living near heavy industry. This effort also raises awareness about environmental justice, historical preservation, and the importance of documenting marginalized histories before they disappear.