Business needs prompted a “hybrid” archaeology project in Baton Rouge that can be described as “sweet” in multiple ways.

Julie Doucet, archaeological consultant for the LSU Rural Life Museum, shared her experience of “Searching for the Sweet Life” at Chatsworth Plantation as the project’s director of laboratory processing and database manager.  

Doucet spoke of the project at ULM to students and faculty last Thursday.

Doucet relayed the history of sugarcane in the world and in Louisiana, which provided background information on the plantation and its functions.

The excavation and research project at Chatsworth Plantation was prompted by federal requirements for preserving and recording historical properties. 

“This time in Louisiana history was so significant. It shaped what we know now,” Doucet said.

Ashley Waguespack, a freshman biology major, attended the presentation to receive class credit.

“It’s really important to preserve history. You don’t want to lose all of that stuff,” Waguespack said.