Want to help us in preserving the history and heritage of Gretna, Louisiana?
About Gretna
Gretna’s rich history began along the Mississippi River in McDonoghville, Mechanikham, and Gretna. These historic communities, alongside newer neighborhoods throughout the City, form the basis for Gretna’s identity, visual character, and architectural heritage.
Gretna Historical Society was founded in Gretna, Louisiana in 1969. We are a non-profit organization with the purpose of preserving and promoting the history of Gretna.
About USOur memberships provide wonderful benefits and supports our goal to preserve and conserve our local history.
Become a MemberCheck out our past and present projects to help preserve the history of Gretna.
View our ProjectsGretna Historical Venues
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08. Jefferson Memorial Arch
The Jefferson Memorial Arch was built in 1923 and is located in the newly created Memorial Gardens on the Commons…
12. St. Joseph's Church and Shrine on the Westbank
Erected in 1926, this was the third church building erected on the site at 610 Sixth Street. Beautiful historic St.…
14. McDonoghville Cemetery
The McDonoghville Cemetery, originally known as the McDonogh Cemetery, is located on the site of the old John McDonogh plantation…
02. William D. White House
This 1845 historic Creole cottage was the home of village blacksmith, William D. White, his wife and nine children. The…
01. Louisiana State Fire Museum
The Louisiana State Fire Museum is home of the David Crockett Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, organized in 1841 and…
05. Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop
The Gretna Green Blacksmith Shop commemorates all blacksmith shops that were active during the 1800s. The Blacksmith Shop, prior to the Covid-19…
07. Gretna City Hall (Old Jefferson Parish Courthouse)
Gretna City Hall is the grandest structure of its age in all of Jefferson Parish today and reflects a picture…
15. German-American Cultural Center
Established to honor the German immigrants who founded Gretna, Louisiana, in 1836, the German-American Cultural Center has a free museum…
06. Southern-Pacific Freight Depot
The Southern Pacific Freight Depot was built in 1906 in a unique style not typically found in Louisiana. Located on…
03. Kitty Strehle House
Claudius Strehle, a tailor, came to America in 1832 from near Gocklingen, Germany. In 1838, Catherina Nousz joined him and…
18. Texas-Pacific Depot
The Texas Pacific Railroad Station, listed on the National Register of Historical Places is located at 139 3rd Street, behind…
10. Heritage House Welcome Center
Heritage House Information & Welcome Center was once the home of businessman John Linden. The beautifully restored 1840 Center Hall…
17. Illinois Central Caboose
Built in 1951 by the Illinois Central Railroad company, in 1986 the little red caboose was relocated to its present…
16. Gretna Trolley #1
While driving around Gretna, you may see the delightful trolley on the roadways. A blast from the past, the trolley…
11. Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts
The Cultural Center, once the Gretna Post Office on Huey P. Long Avenue and 4th Street is a handsome example…
04. Ignatius Strehle House
This 1860 Creole cottage with chambered Greek Revival columns was originally constructed of barge board by Ignatius and Catherine Strehle.…
13. Hook & Ladder Cemetery
The Hook and Ladder Cemetery was founded on Feb.15, 1858 when three lots of ground, #1, #2 and #3 on…
09. Gretna Marketplace
Originally a downtown Gretna parking lot, in the early 1990s, the Marketplace pavilion was constructed under the direction of former…
GHS Announcements
In the news
What our visitors saying about their experience
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My kids want to visit Gretna now ! Tour guide Mehar was funny, engaging, and full of fun great facts about the Hook and Ladder Cemetery.
Hannah Hunter -
Cannot say enough about the Gretna Green Blacksmith experience: fun, informative, never dull, fast paced and just give an amazing perspective on the blacksmith process.
Ruth Lawson -
Loved the small tour size (5 people) ! This was one of the main reasons I chose a Museum Pleu Tour.
Teresa Barrett
Your ticket for the: Welcome to the Gretna Historical Society – Gretna, Louisiana
TitleWelcome to the Gretna Historical Society – Gretna, Louisiana
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