Over the years, many individuals have helped shape Oak Alley, each leaving a lasting legacy for generations of visitors to discover.
Today, most of those individuals are gone, leaving behind only fragments of their stories—yellowed documents preserved in parish archives, memories passed from one generation to the next, an occasional letter, a faded photograph, and, most importantly, Oak Alley itself.
Throughout its history, Oak Alley has borne witness to countless events and the lives of those who gave it a second chance at survival in its enduring struggle against time and the elements. Among the most significant were Josephine and Andrew Stewart, whose purchase of the property in 1925 marked the beginning of its preservation as a historic landmark.
Josephine Stewart outlived her husband by twenty-six years. Shortly before her death on October 3, 1972, she established the Oak Alley Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that the mansion and twenty-five acres of historic grounds would be preserved and remain open for the education and enjoyment of the public for generations to come.
Following the establishment of the Oak Alley Foundation, the stewardship of Oak Alley entered a new era under the leadership of its first Executive Director, Zeb Mayhew Jr. Today we honor the legacy he left behind and pay tribute to Mr. Mayhew for his dedication. Please visit HERE to learn more.
Oak Alley Foundation Mission Statement
Oak Alley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public non-profit trust organized and operated exclusively for charitable, literary and educational purposes. Its trustees are charged with maintaining and preserving the mansion (Big House) and surrounding sixty-three (63) acre National Historic Landmark site for public exhibition as an historical monument to the times and area in which the property was built and for the instruction, education, enlightenment, information, edification and cultural benefit of the citizens of the State of Louisiana, the United States and the public generally.
Oak Alley Foundation’s IRS form 990 Return of Exempt Organization is available at the Oak Alley Plantation administrative office during normal business hours.