Spotlight on History
Louisiana’s French Heritage
Throughout the month of June, the LDMA is highlighting Louisiana’s French heritage. Louisiana’s time as a French colony left an indelible mark on the state and its people, especially the Cajuns and the Creoles. Explore stories that illustrate the history and vibrant cultures of the Cajuns and the Creoles, Louisiana’s efforts to preserve the French language, and the state’s enduring relationship with France and the Francophone countries around the world.
French Ambassador Visit (1978)
Watch Louisiana: The State We’re In’s coverage of the French Ambassador to the United States’ visit to Baton Rouge.
Festival Acadiens (1978)
View a Louisiana: The State We’re In visit to Festival Acadiens in Lafayette, a celebration of the Cajun heritage of southwest Louisiana.
En Français (1980-1993)
Explore 223 episodes of LPB’s only series broadcast entirely in French. Also take a look at the series’ coverage of Cajun Music, Le Théâtre ‘Cadien, and Acadian History & Culture.
George Rodrigue Profile (1981)
See a Louisiana: The State We’re In profile of artist George Rodrigue and his work exploring the connection between Cajuns and their past.
Louisiana: The French Connection (1984)
Watch a documentary exploring the enduring connection between France and Louisiana, including visits to France and Belgium.
Chef John Folse’s Cajun Louisiana (1994)
View Chef John Folse’s exploration of the history, culture, and cuisine of the Cajuns during his travels around the Acadiana region.
Against the Tide (2000)
See a documentary tracing the 400-year history of the Cajun people from the settlement of Acadie, their expulsion from Nova Scotia, and their settlement in Louisiana.
The Spirit of a Culture (2005)
Watch a documentary tracing the history and culture of the Cane River Creoles of Natchitoches Parish.
Cane River Creole NHP (2009)
View a Louisiana: The State We’re In visit to Cane River Creole National Historic Park in Natchitoches Parish, the site of two French Creole plantations.
Longfellow-Evangeline SHS (2009)
See a Louisiana: The State We’re In visit to the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site in St. Martinville.
Francophone Mayors (2015)
Watch a Louisiana: The State We’re In visit to a meeting of the International Association of Francophone Mayors in Lafayette.
Marie Therese Coincoin Day (2017)
View a Louisiana: The State We’re In visit to the festivities in Natchitoches Parish honoring the matriarch of the Cane River Creoles.
Creole Cowboy Photographs (2018)
See a Louisiana: The State We’re In visit to an exhibit of Jeremiah Ariaz’s photographs of the Creole and Black trail riding clubs of south Louisiana.
A Louisiana French Renaissance (2018)
Watch a documentary commemorating the 50th anniversary of CODOFIL and their role in preserving Louisiana’s French heritage, language, and culture.