Preserving Our History

 The neighborhood organization, True Friends Society of Lafayette was a group founded in Freetown area of Lafayette (circa the 1880s) whose original goal was to protect its citizens  of color from vigilante groups and violent attacks against its Black residents. It also provided civic aid for insurance, burials and other social services not afforded to persons of color, at that time. It acted as a pillar of hope to its neighbors. 

True Friends Society and Good Hope Society created safe spaces of worship, commerce, entertainment and other collaborative opportunities for its neighborhood benefit. 

The vision of Maison Creole de Freetown cultural center is to carry out the 100+ year mission of True Friends and to serve as a repository for the documentation and preservation of diverse histories and culture. It provides an active space for educational and creative support that encourages more community engagement. MCDF is managed by True Friends Society and it continues its legacy of supporting residents and promoting neighborhood growth.