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The Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum

Discover French Creole history and architecture at the Centre for French Colonial Life and the Bolduc House Museum in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.

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Explore the French colonial history of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, at the Centre for French Colonial Life and the Bolduc House Museum. Discover well-preserved historic homes, artifacts, and exhibits that showcase the unique French Creole culture of the region.

A brief summary to The Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets for the Bolduc and LeMeilleur House tours at the Centre for French Colonial Life to begin your historical exploration.
  • Visit on a Saturday between late March and early November to experience living history demonstrations at the Linden House.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum, Bolduc House, and LeMeilleur House.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum is located at 198 Market Street in Ste. Genevieve. From most points in the downtown area, it's easily accessible on foot. From the Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park visitor center, head west on Merchant Street, then turn left onto Main Street. Walk south for two blocks, then turn right onto Market Street. The museum will be on your left. No costs involved.

  • Driving

    If driving from outside of Ste. Genevieve, follow Highway 61 into town. Turn onto Market Street and proceed to 198 Market Street. Parking is available on the street. Be aware of parking regulations. Parking is free.

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The Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, offers an immersive journey into the region's French colonial past. Ste. Genevieve, founded around 1735 by French Canadian colonists, stands as the first permanent European settlement in Missouri. The museum campus, operated by French Colonial America, features several historic structures, including the Louis Bolduc House, a National Historic Landmark, and the LeMeilleur House. The Centre for French Colonial Life serves as the visitor center and exhibit facility, hosting special exhibits that explore the Franco-Spanish colonial era and the development of a unique French Creole identity. Current exhibits include displays on the Ste. Genevieve militia and Creole frontier architecture. Tickets for guided tours of the Bolduc and LeMeilleur Houses can be purchased here. The Louis Bolduc House, constructed in 1792, exemplifies French Creole vertical log construction. Restored to its 1790s appearance, the house features period furnishings that illustrate daily life on the French colonial frontier. The neighboring LeMeilleur House, built around 1820, showcases the next generation of French Creole architecture. Living history demonstrations take place at the Linden House on Saturdays, from late March through early November. Visitors can explore the distinctive architectural style, immerse themselves in colonial life, and gain insight into historical preservation. The Bolduc-LeMeilleur House demonstrates how American influences impacted the town.

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