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The Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum

Discover Missouri's French roots at this immersive historical site, featuring meticulously preserved Creole architecture and captivating exhibits.

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Step back in time at the Centre for French Colonial Life and the Bolduc House Museum in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, the state's oldest permanent European settlement. Explore meticulously restored French Creole architecture and immerse yourself in the unique Franco-Spanish colonial history of the region.

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

Local tips

  • Check the schedule for living history demonstrations at the Linden House, held on Saturdays from late March through early November, for an engaging glimpse into colonial life.
  • Purchase tickets for guided tours of the Bolduc and LeMeilleur Houses at the Centre for French Colonial Life to fully appreciate their historical significance.
  • Explore the rotating exhibits at the Centre for French Colonial Life to deepen your understanding of the region's French and Spanish colonial past.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum is located at 198 Market Street in the heart of Ste. Genevieve's historic district. From most points within the downtown area, the museum is easily accessible on foot. As you walk, take in the sights of the charming French Creole architecture that characterizes the town. The museum is a short walk from the Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park Welcome Center and other historic landmarks. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Driving

    If driving, approach Ste. Genevieve via Highway 61. Once in town, follow Market Street to the museum. Free street parking is generally available near the Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum. Parking lots are also available nearby. Be aware of time limits on street parking. There are no parking fees.

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Discover more about The Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum

The Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, offers a captivating glimpse into the region's unique French Creole heritage. Ste. Genevieve, founded around 1735, stands as the first permanent European settlement in Missouri, boasting a rich history shaped by French Canadian colonists. The Centre serves as the hub for a museum campus that includes several significant historic structures. Among them is the Louis Bolduc House, a National Historic Landmark celebrated as one of the best-restored examples of French Creole vertical log construction in the United States. The Bolduc House is furnished to reflect life in the 1790s. Nearby, the Bolduc-LeMeilleur House illustrates the evolution of Creole architecture around 1820. The Centre also includes the Beauvais-Linden House and the Francois Valle II House. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the Franco-Spanish colonial era and the development of a distinctive French Creole identity. Living history demonstrations and activities take place at the Linden House on Saturdays from late March through early November, offering hands-on experiences of colonial life. The museum hosts special events and festivals throughout the year that celebrate the community’s history and culture.

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