NEW ROADS — The Pointe Coupee Historical Society turned an old high school into an educational space for generations to come.

More than a century after it opened, the Old Poydras High School, named for Julien Poydras, still educates those who pass through its doors. Only instead of traditional school students, this old school now teaches parish history and culture to anyone who walks its halls as the Julien Poydras Museum and Arts Center.

"It's very important that the kids know what their parish provides for the state of Louisiana," Pointe Coupee Historical Society Executive Director Mindy LaCour said.

LaCour said the Historical Society is able to keep the building open thanks to generous donors, society members, grant dollars and building tenants who pay rent.

Within the hallways and classrooms, visitors can find history throughout the auditorium, museum and art center. The exhibits highlight the people, agriculture and industry that makes the area so unique. In the art center, the space hosts a rotation of local artists, bringing in new works every few months. The auditorium is used for community events.

LaCour said the Historical Society wants visitors to leave the museum and arts center with an appreciation for New Roads and the surrounding area's roots.

"A deeper knowledge of what this parish is all about, about the history of the parish, all the agriculture, the art, the artists that we have here," LaCour said.

More information on the Pointe Coupee Historical Society can be found here.