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.

History

• A la Recherche d’Une Nouvelle Acadie: Une Odysée Acadienne (An Acadian Odyssey) (1985)
• Vermilionville in Lafayette (1991)
• Cane River Creole National Historic Park in Natchitoches Parish (2009)
• Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site in St. Martinville (2009)
• Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette (2009)

Culture

• Artist George Rodrigue Profile (1981)
• Michael Doucet Interview (1988)
• Canray Fontenot Interview (1988)
• Zachary Richard Interview (1988)
• Chef John Folse’s Cajun Louisiana (1994)
• All-Star Cajun Comedy Tour (2008)
• Leah Chase Interview (2012)

French Language

• En Francais – An LPB series on Francophone Louisiana broadcast entirely in French (1986-1993)
• Creole Language (1985)
• 20th Anniversary of CODOFIL (1988)
• Louisiana French Dictionary (2010)
• French Immersion Programs (2011)

Francophone World

• French Ambassador Visits Baton Rouge (1978)
• Quebec Premier Rene Levesque Visits Breaux Bridge and New Orleans (1979)
• Dr. Kay Martin Interview on Francophone Conference in Senegal (1988)
• Escadrille Louisiane’s Inaugural Class (2011)
• International Conference on Francophone Mayors in Lafayette (2015)

Documentaries

Throughout the month of June, you can also view three LPB documentaries in their entirety:

• Louisiana: The French Connection (1984)
• Against the Tide: The Story of Cajun People in Louisiana (2000)
• The Spirit of a Culture: Cane River Creoles (2005)

You can view these stories and more by visiting our complete French heritage topic.