The Gretna Historical Society was founded in Gretna, Louisiana in 1969 by Lloyd E. Gomez (insurance man, volunteer firefighter, and community activist), who descended from Gretna pioneers, German immigrants Claudius and Catherine Nuss Strehle. The articles of incorporation for the GHS were drafted by Gretna attorney Everette F. Gauthreaux and signed in his law office on October 26, 1969. Today the GHS operates the Gretna Historical Society Museum Complex at the corner of Lafayette Street at 2nd. It consists of three 19th century Creole cottages, a blacksmith shop, and the Louisiana Fire Museum. The GHS also owns and maintains the caboose and train depot on Huey P. Long Avenue at 4th Street. There are no requirements for membership in the GHS, other than the timely payment of annual membership dues of $20 per person. Monthly meetings are held at the St Joseph's complex at the corner of Newton and 7th Streets, on the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm. Guests and prospective members are always welcome to attend the meetings. The society newsletter, Gretna Chronicles, is published monthly and mailed to its members.