The only extant structure built by Rosette Rochon, the Musee stands at 1515 Pauger Street in Faubourg Marigny on the eastern edge of the world famous French Quarter. The house dates from about 1815 and has survived as a fine and rare early example of a Creole cottage, the most prent form of domestic housing in antebellum New Orleans.
As a historic house museum, the Musee Rosette Rochon seeks to honor the accomplishments of New Orleans Free People of Color, the most successful such population in the United States prior to the Civil War, by depicting the peoples long-lost lifestyle of grace and dignity.
Rosette, Rochon, free woman of color, was born a decade before the American Revolution in about 1767 in Mobile, Alabama. She died in New Orleans during the Civil War at a very advanced age in 1863.
Demoiselle Rochon grew to be a successful entrepreneur, a landowner, a grocer and a financier. As one the earliest investors in the Marginy suburb she made a contribution of unquestioned importance to the neighborhood, the city, and Creole culture. Her story along with that of other New Orleanians of African descent of the time, represents a vital yet little-known part of the history of women, Black people, the South and the nation
The Musee is a work in progress. The long-range goal of this non-profit corporation, its board and it's director, Don Richmond, is to authentically restore and furnish the home and install engaging education displays.
For More Information: Call (504) 947-ROSE