Rachel Cherry, the Executive Director of Southdown Plantation House/The Terrebonne Historical and Cultural Society, has been a writer and historian in the coastal parishes of south Louisiana for more than eight years. Since relocating to Houma, she has written two books about the history of the area and is working to publish a series of historical fiction novels based on the Minor family of Southdown Plantation.
An avid reader, gardener, cook and artist, Ms. Cherry says coming to Houma is one of great excitement and opportunity. "The Victorian Plantation is just a piece of the thrill working at this position," she stated. "The people I've met and worked with are very entertaining, knowledgeable and friendly. The community is filled with robust characters and events."
Originally a native of Monroe, Michigan, Ms. Cherry was involved in the local War of 1812 history of the area and co-authored a book about the Battle of the River Raisin. She has been an historian for more than 20 years focusing on the lesser known stories of the people who founded this country and their contributions to society that are lesser known to the general public. "History is just that - his story," she stated. "It isn't just the famous people in the history books that helped shaped this nation, but the individual struggles and accomplishments of the everyday man."
When she is not working at her passion, the 157 year old plantation, she enjoys travelling to historic sites and camping in the woods of north Louisiana.
