Small-Group Whitney Plantation, Museum of Slavery and St. Joseph Plantation Tour

The ‘Small-Group Whitney Plantation, Museum of Slavery and St. Joseph Plantation Tour’ invites visitors to explore Louisiana’s complex history of slavery and plantation life. Participants explore powerful slave narratives, memorial artwork, and authentically restored buildings at the Whitney Plantation, offering a sobering yet meaningful experience. The tour also provides insights into the working sugar plantation at St. Joseph, including its connection to the acclaimed film ’12 Years A Slave’. With a focus on delivering a deeper understanding of this crucial chapter in American history, the tour cultivates a thought-provoking and educational journey for all who embark on it.

Key Points

• This small-group tour explores the history of slavery in Louisiana, visiting the Whitney Plantation (Museum of Slavery) and the St. Joseph Plantation.
• The tour provides a self-guided experience at the Whitney Plantation, immersing visitors in the powerful slave narratives and memorial artwork.
• At the St. Joseph Plantation, the tour offers a guided exploration of an authentically preserved 19th-century sugar plantation, with connections to the film "12 Years a Slave".
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off from select locations in New Orleans, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s activities.
• The tour lasts around 6 hours, with a minimum number of travelers required, and a flexible cancellation policy.

Tour Overview

This small-group tour from New Orleans delves into the history of slavery and plantations in Louisiana, driving past Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River on the way to the Whitney Plantation (Louisiana Museum of Slavery) and St. Joseph Plantation.

At the Whitney Plantation, guests embark on a self-guided tour, exploring authentically restored buildings and memorial artwork to learn about the daily lives of enslaved people.

The tour then continues to St. Joseph Plantation, where a guided tour, often led by a member of the owning family, provides insights into the working sugar plantation and its connection to the film ’12 Years A Slave’.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as live commentary throughout.

Whitney Plantation Experience

Visitors embark on a self-guided tour of the authentically restored buildings and memorial artwork at the Whitney Plantation, the Louisiana Museum of Slavery, to gain a deeper understanding of the daily lives of enslaved people.

They’ll listen to powerful slave narratives that bring history to life and learn about the brutal realities of plantation life. The experience is both somber and enlightening, allowing guests to:

• Explore the restored structures, including slave cabins, a school, and a church
• Reflect on the memorial sculptures and artwork that honor the enslaved
• Gain a profound appreciation for the resilience and humanity of the people who endured slavery

Slave Narratives at Whitney

As visitors explore the restored buildings and memorial artwork at the Whitney Plantation, they’ll be immersed in the powerful slave narratives that bring the harsh realities of plantation life into sharp focus.

Recorded slave accounts are displayed throughout the museum, offering a first-hand perspective of the inhumane treatment and daily struggles endured by the enslaved.

From heartbreaking personal stories to accounts of brutal punishments, these narratives provide a sobering glimpse into the lives of the men, women, and children who toiled under the oppressive yoke of slavery.

St. Joseph Plantation Tour

The guided tour of St. Joseph Plantation often features a member of the owning family sharing insights into the working sugar plantation that dates back to 1877.

Visitors can:

• Learn about the making of the film ’12 Years A Slave’, which was partially filmed on the plantation’s grounds.
• Explore the authentically preserved buildings and structures that provide a glimpse into the lives of those who toiled on the plantation.
• Gain an understanding of the crucial role sugar production played in the local economy and the lives of both the owners and the enslaved people who labored there.

The St. Joseph Plantation tour provides a unique opportunity to engage with the complex history of the American South.

Filming ’12 Years A Slave’

On the picturesque grounds of St. Joseph Plantation, director Steve McQueen brought to life the harrowing story of ’12 Years A Slave,’ drawing from the 1853 memoir of the same name.

The plantation’s historic buildings and landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for this powerful film about the life of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery.

During the guided tour, visitors learn about the making of the film and the integral role this plantation played in its production.

Exploring the very site where such brutal injustices occurred offers a sobering, yet important, glimpse into the realities of slavery in antebellum Louisiana.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

For convenience, the tour includes pickup and drop-off service from hotels, bed and breakfasts, and select Airbnbs within New Orleans, but excludes locations such as the airport, New Orleans East, Slidell, or the North Shore.

This ensures a seamless start and end to the day’s activities.

The tour duration is around 6 hours, providing ample time to explore the historical sites in-depth.

However, please note that a minimum number of travelers is required, and the tour is subject to cancellation if this threshold isn’t met.

Guests are advised to review the cancellation policy carefully to avoid any inconveniences.

Tour Duration and Logistics

The tour’s duration spans around 6 hours, providing ample time for in-depth exploration of the historical sites.

Pickup is available from hotels, B&Bs, or select Airbnbs within New Orleans, excluding the airport, New Orleans East, Slidell, or North Shore areas.

This small-group tour requires a minimum number of travelers, and is subject to cancellation if the minimum isn’t met.

Guests can expect live commentary from the knowledgeable guide throughout the journey.

While meals aren’t included, snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

The tour’s cancellation policy offers a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility for participants.

Cancellation Policy

The tour’s cancellation policy offers guests a full refund if they cancel their reservation 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for participants. This ensures that guests can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they won’t lose their money if unexpected circumstances arise.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour aren’t eligible for a refund.

The tour has a minimum number of travelers required, and is subject to cancellation if this minimum isn’t met.

Prompt cancellation allows the tour operator to offer the spot to another interested party, maintaining efficient operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, as it includes transportation and accommodations for visitors with mobility restrictions. Both plantations have facilities and pathways designed to accommodate guests in wheelchairs.

Can I Bring My Own Lunch on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own lunch on the tour. The tour does not include a meal, so you’re welcome to pack your own food to enjoy during the day.

Are Audio Guides Available During the Tours?

No, audio guides are not available during the tours. The Whitney Plantation offers a self-guided tour, while the St. Joseph Plantation tour is typically led by a member of the owning family, providing live commentary.

How Many Stops Are Included in the Tour?

The tour includes two stops: the Whitney Plantation (Louisiana Museum of Slavery) and the St. Joseph Plantation. Visitors can explore the history and daily life of enslaved people at these authentically restored plantation sites.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Documents or Identification?

No specific documents or identification are required for this tour. Participants should bring themselves and a willingness to learn about the history of slavery in Louisiana. The tour company will provide all necessary information.

Recap

This tour provides a powerful and sobering exploration of Louisiana’s history of slavery.

Visitors explore the stories of enslaved people through impactful exhibits and authentically restored buildings at the Whitney Plantation.

The experience also offers insights into the working sugar plantation at St. Joseph, including its connection to the film ’12 Years A Slave’.

The tour cultivates a deeper understanding of this complex and crucial chapter in American history.