This kind of environmental heritage association can only be created if there is a conjunction between a rich and historical past and a will of appropriation by villagers. This is what happened in Plassac.
In addition to the archeological site, the municipality owns a very rich material heritage, in addition to many remains and remarkable constructions. Legendary stories are well fixed in the historical memory more particularly because of Charlemagne‘s visit.
Many elements of this local heritage were been found and described during the 19th century. But it was only in the wake of World War II that some of the inhabitants who were passionate about their local history carried out archeological digs, read press articles and wrote essays leading to a monograph being published in 1955 by Marcel.
However, the major event took place in 1962 when a group of archaeologists led by Gabrielle EMARD rediscovered the detected mosaic from 1883. Given the importance of the discovered vestiges, a group of Plassac inhabitants decided to found this association, which was registered on the 20th of October 1963. There was a fear that the archeological furniture would leave the locality. There was a desire to protect and present all these objects. The creation of a museum was therefore considered. The excavation site is directed by J-P BOST, a Bordeaux university lecturer, and discoveries were presented in the room of the “presbytery “. The association gave its support to the researchers, making their accommodation easier, and maintaining the site. Nevertheless, the excavation store was quickly getting to be too small, it was difficult to show people around and it was not very secure.
In 1978, the discovery of pieces of the mural painting (1.5 tonnes) made the creation of the museum necessary. The association set about building a museum in a largely ruined local building, close to the site, which would be opened to the public in 1985. Improvements were made every year to the initial work.
The friends of old town Plassac have got other cultural activities, in the local or wider context, departmental or regional. But its activities always remain linked to the local heritage which makes Plassac‘s reputation.
