For Eldridge "Butch" Gendron, 72, retiring from his 36-year career at Shell Chemical Company in Geismar meant starting a new chapter as a volunteer at the LSU Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge.

Accustomed to a quiet laboratory for multiple decades, Gendron was ready to be outside, delve into rural history and meet new people. His post-retirement tenacity for preserving history and teaching others about rural Louisiana life has earned him one of Louisiana Inspired's ENCORE awards.

Michael Perkins nominated Gendron for the award because he has witnessed Gendron's personal growth over the last 12 years. He described the Rural Life Museum as having opened Gendron up.

In 2013, Gendron wanted to find something to fill his time, so he attended an archaeological dig at the sugar mill on the f

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