With Mardi Gras parties mostly on hold this coming season, the West Baton Rouge Museum is doing its own small part to keep the magic (and the history) of krewes alive with Queen Zulu: Rose Roche of Port Allen. Elaborate and extravagant costumes, vintage painted coconuts (an iconic symbol of this traditionally African American krewe), costume design sketches by Anthony and Shirley Combo, and a sweeping display of photographs commemorating Rose Roche, the first elected Queen of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club to not be from New Orleans, will be showcased at the museum beginning Saturday, January 2. Stop by for an opportunity to reflect on parties past while learning about the hierarchy, regalia, ball, promenade and parade of one of Louisiana’s most famous cultural entities.

Queen Zulu: Rose Roche of Port Allen will run from January 2 to February 28.