Rayne Historic Preservation Commission
The Rayne Historic Preservation Commission is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Rayne, Louisiana. We work to maintain the integrity of historic sites, educate the community, and support thoughtful development that honors our city's unique past. Through advocacy, documentation, and collaboration, we ensure that Rayne’s story continues to be shared, celebrated, and preserved for generations to come.
Bernard-Bertrand Cultural Center provided activities, displays, exhibits
About the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission
The Rayne Historic Preservation Commission, established in 2024, is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Rayne, Louisiana. We work to maintain the integrity of historic sites, educate the community, and support thoughtful development that honors our city's unique past. Through advocacy, documentation, and collaboration, we ensure that Rayne’s story continues to be shared, celebrated, and preserved for generations to come.
The Commission serves in an advisory capacity, recommending landmark and historic district designations, maintaining an up-to-date inventory of historic properties within the city, and guiding preservation efforts in collaboration with city leadership.
Our home, the Bernard Bertrand Cultural Center, is located at 1107 The Boulevard, Rayne, Louisiana 70578. We welcome the public every first Saturday of the month, unless otherwise specified. Inquiries can be directed to Raynepreserve1@yahoo.com. Visit our Facebook page for updates, events, and preservation resources: Rayne Preservation Commission
Commission Members
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Chairperson – Denise A. Underwood
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Vice Chairperson – Lisa Soileaux
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Secretary – Francis Bihm
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Treasurer – Yvonne Charles
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Charter Members – Bethalun Bernard, Dylan Bertrand, Joann Colligan, Robert Credeur, Anne Petitjean, Marisha Senegal-Gonzales, and Daniel Simoneaux,
G- Grants committee (applying for grants, locate revenue sources) Joann Colligan, (Stephen Raymond), Yvonne Charles
R- Research and Development (Identify projects, sponsors-local & statewide, recognition submissions i.e. Golden Hammer Award quarterly, Signage)
Daniel Simoneaux, Lisa Soileau
E- Events (Plan and Coordinate events i.e. exhibits, website, social media, advertising, Tourism, etc.) Marisha Senegal-Gonzales, Frances Bihm, Bethalun Bernard
A- Applications (NR packets assistance, reviews, and Certificate of Appropriateness) Denise Underwood, Bethalun Bernard
T- Training (School field trips, nursing homes field trips, volunteer list, commission training, work with RHDA to cultivate French Cajun & Creole cultures) Marisha Senegal-Gonzales, Dylan Bertrand
Mission
The mission of the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission is to promote the preservation of the city's historic resources through the designation of individual properties and communities that have architectural, historical, or cultural value and should, therefore, be preserved for the benefit of the city’s people.
Purpose
The Historic Preservation Commission serves in an advisory capacity, recommending landmark and historic district designations, preparing and maintaining an inventory of all properties within its jurisdiction, and recommending specific places, districts, districts, sites, buildings, and other properties to be designated as historic to the Mayor and the City Council.
The Rayne Historic Preservation Commission (RHPC) is a 12-member board appointed by the Mayor and City Council to "promote, enhance, and preserve the character of the Rayne Historic Districts." The RHPC hears and recommends to the Mayor and the City Council requests for Certificates of Appropriateness that follow Design Standards for Historic Districts and Landmarks.
Got Talent?
A new group of artists are needed for a new “local artists” exhibit at the Bernard-Bertrand Cultural Center. Local amateurs, new or experienced artists are asked to participate — doesn’t matter the level of expertise or age. Let us display Rayne's talent. Give us a call at 337-582-7787.
RAYNE - In addition to observe the first anniversary of the rededication of the Bunche Library of Rayne, the nation’s only public Bunche Library, the annual Juneteenth Day celebration was also held at the Rayne location, joining the nation in the annual observance.The Ladies Auxiliary of Court 75 of Our Mother of Mercy, friends and volunteers hosted the free event on Thursday, June 19, beginning at 10 a.m. Free snacks, drinks, music and fun for the entire family was enjoyed during this special observance. Youngsters also enjoyed a book scavenger hunt in the library with the many books available.All in attendance were also provided with a bagged lunch and refreshments for a complete day of events. In addition, the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission provided a free tour of the historic Bernard-Bertrand House, including a special exhibit of African-American Rayne leaders, among other Frog Festival displays and history/music exhibits.
Scotland Visitor -
Danielle Cormier, a grad student visiting from Scotland, was a special guest of the Bernard-Bertrand House on Thursday, July 10, as she attained information and pictures of the cultures in Acadiana. She was welcomed by Chairman Denise Underwood of the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission.
Glenn Hunter displayed 25 works of art during the month of May at the Bernard-Bertrand House, Rayne’s Cultural Center. The exhibit room of the Bernard-Bertrand House was filled with his art work of many genres created with multiple mediums. (Acadian-Tribune Photo by Lisa Soileaux)
The Rayne Rotary Club welcomed youngsters on 1st Saturday in May at the Bunche Library, a monthly event held for Rayne youth at the historic location. In addition to reading and crafts, the children were also busy with frog visits by the Frog Jockey contestants, just in time for the 2025 Frog Festival. Thanks are expressed by the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission to the Rotary Club of Rayne and all who contributed to the fun and learning event for the youth of Rayne.
Mardi Gras Celebrations
As part of the 2025 Mardi Gras events held in February and March at the Bertrand-Bertrand Cultural Center by the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission was the special historical showing of the film, “Dance For A Chicken,” by Pat Mire, presented by the Rayne Historical District Association chaired by Martha Royer. Among those in attendance for the special event were, front row, from left, Jeanette Leger, Maddie Besse, Ann Petitjean, JoAnn Colligan, Marie Broussard, Fran Bihm; second row, Elaine MIller, Dee Rogers, Eurella Cahanin, Gene Royer, Stephen Raymond; back row, Jackie Comeaux and Martha Royer in a special costume for the presentation, Linda Alleman and Bonnie Venable.
Bunche Library Visits
The National Association of University Women hosted the monthly March 1st Saturday program at the Bunche Library for youth of the community. Among the hosts and those in attendance were, seated from left, Kerry Brunco, guest speaker Dr. Dwayne Kincade of SWLA; standing, NAUW President Millerson Wilridge, Kaden Martin, Hilda Wiltz, Beth Bernard and Kim Wilridge.
Flag Presentation
The local WoodmenLife Chapter 31 presented a new U.S. Flag to the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission for the Bernard-Bertrand Cultural Center, one of many flags on display at Rayne's Cultural Center. Among the Commission members in attendance for the presentation were, from left, Fran Bihm, WoodmenLife member Eurella Cahanin, Lisa Soileaux, Yvonne Charles, Ann Petitjean, Denise Underwood and JoAnn Colligan.
Monetary Donation
The local WoodmenLife Chapter 31 recently presented funds to the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission to assist with the new art and crafts classes now being held at the Bernard-Bertrand House, Rayne's Cultural Center. Upcoming events are now being planned for both youth and adults.
Mayor and City Council Visit
Following a City Council meeting, Mayor Chuck Robichaux and members of the Rayne City Council visited the Bernard-Bertrand Cultural Center to observe displays and exhibits presently on display in the art room, exhibit room, and the historic slide presentation of the theater room., and the many local musicians highlighted in the music room.
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY with local artists and lots of visitors from far and wide.
The ribbon cutting ceremony and open house of the Bernard-Bertrand House (Rayne's Cultural Center) was held Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, for all to see what Rayne has to offer, including numerous rooms of Rayne's music legends, local artists, special exhibits and much more at the home of Rayne's first mayor. The mission of the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission is to promote the preservation of the city’s historic resources through the designation of individual properties and communities that have architectural, historical, or cultural value and should therefore be preserved for the benefit of the city’s people. The Bernard-Bertrand Cultural Center is open the first Saturday of every month for all to visit.
MORE LOCAL ART
‘Native American Month’ observed at Rayne
Library by Historic Preservation Commission
A special Native American art exhibit was provided by the family of the late Barabara “Bhi” Helen Carmouche Wooley, a talented artist of Rayne, for “Native American Month” at the Rayne Library during the month of November of 2024. Assisting with the display is Commission member Yvonne Charles.
TOUR OF HOMES
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The Rayne Historic Preservation Commission provided a Black History Month display at the Bernard-Bertrand Cultural Center including a number of African-American community leaders. The Commission also provided table displays during the Martin Luther King Jr. Cay Celebration held at the Rayne Civic Center, one of many city-wide events the Commission takes part in.
SOME MEMBERS OF THE RAYNE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Some of the members of the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission in attendance for its monthly meeting making plans for the 2025 year were, front row, from left, treasurer Yvonne Charles, secretary Fran Bihm, vice chair Lisa Soileaux, chair Denise Underwood; second row, Taiya Babineaux, Beth Bernard; back row, Dylan Bertrand, volunteer Martha Royer, Robert Credeur and Marisha Senegal-Gonzales.
SOUTH RAYNE CHRISTMAS
Most of the students at South Rayne Elementary created and donated homemade ornaments for one of the many Christmas trees that were on display at the Bernard-Bertrand Cultural Center
On Display
Chairman Denise Underwood and Vice Chair Lisa Soileaux of the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission recently installed the latest display added to the music room of Rayne's Cultural Center now on display at the Bernard-Bertrand Cultural Center, a Grammy replica displayed with a photo of Jo-El Sonnier when he received the prestigious music award in 2015. Come on over and enjoy all the many local artists who have donated their talents to the music world the 1st Saturday of every month!
Every First Saturday of the month, there is a new display for everyone to enjoy.
FROG FESTIVAL THEME
In observance of 2025 Rayne Frog Festival, the 1st Saturday in May at the Bernard-Bertrand House held its first-ever art class for Rayne 4th and 5th graders as they each completed a frog painting and a special frog-painted rock to bring home. Plans are being made for another art event for Rayne youth in the fall.
